The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Window

Every day, multiple times a day, Finnegan tries to convince me to let him outside. Whether he is lurking at the front door meowing his head off, jumping at the back door, or staring earnestly out the window, Finny does his best to slip outdoors when we are least expecting it.

Since his front feet are declawed, Finny does not have a good way to defend himself if he were to be attacked by another animal outside. Where we live is also close to a busy highway, and it would be easy for Finny to wander off and get lost or be hit by a car.

With so many dangerous variables against him, Finny is not allowed to traverse outside without a human accompanying him. Thankfully, other animals share these same problems and retailers have discovered an item to solve the issue of taking pets outside safely: leashes.

Yes, Finnegan Chase walks on a leash. Surprisingly, Finny does not mind wearing his leash and harness since it allows him to visit the outside world and nibble on some fresh grass.

There are many different types of harnesses and leashes to choose from for your pet. Petsmart sells a variety of pet walking accessories, so I will use their stock as examples.

Leashes:
- Nylon leashes. These are light, versatile leashes that are very affordable. Nylon leashes are appropriate for both dogs and cats because they come in various sizes and lengths for small or large pets. This is Finny's leash of choice.
- Leather leashes. Leather makes a strong leash, but it is significantly more expensive than nylon.
- Retractable leashes. Retractable leashes are nice because they do not get tangled up easily and they allow animals to roam further than traditional leashes would allow them to. However, these leashes are not as strong as leather or nylon leashes and the mechanics of the retractable handle can be broken easily (especially if you are trying to walk a very strong animal that jerks against the leash a lot).

Harnesses:
- Strap harnesses. These harnesses are highly adjustable and inexpensive. This type of harness works best with a pet that does not pull or try to run away while on a leash because it is easier for an animal to wriggle out of a strap harness.
- Padded harnesses. Padded or mesh harnesses are better for cats and small dogs to use because it is nearly impossible for a pet to escape from them. They are less adjustable and cost more than strap harnesses. This is Finny's harness of choice.

"Okay, take me back inside now. It's cold out here."

~RL