Cat walked on lead to alleviate 'cabin fever'

Indie is a three-year-old Norwegian Forest cat

A woman from Redruth has started taking her cat for long walks on a lead.

Helen Davies said Indie, a three-year-old Norwegian Forest breed, is a house cat but has taken to the woods near Plymouth.

Ms Davies said she thought the cat was getting "cabin fever" so she decided to try her with a harness.

"She was absolutely fine and took everything in her stride," she said.

Ms Davies said she thought Indie was suffering from 'cabin fever'

Ms Davies, a jewellery maker, said: "She doesn't go out at home because she's not very streetwise. I think she just likes being out with us.

"She's taken to the woods like a Norwegian Forest cat."

An RSPCA spokesperson said it was important for owners to carefully consider whether a lead was right for their cat.

If they thought it was, they should introduce it in a "gradual and positive manner", the spokesperson said.

"If any signs of distress are seen, such as the cat trying to pull away or get away, then this should be stopped immediately," they added.

Ms Davies agreed and said: "You have to know your cat before lead training them," she said.

"I just put the harness on her at home and started to see how she coped. You'll know straightaway if your cat will take to the harness."

The RSPCA said owners should carefully consider whether a lead would suit their cat

Ms Davies said Indie had become quite the celebrity.

She said: "People do stop us and take pictures and ask us if we have a social media account for her as well.

"Everyone seems really friendly and happy to see a cat out."

As a result, she has created an Instagram account for Indie so that people can follow her adventures in the woods and - once the weather improves - on the beach.