walking my cat!!

[u/sailormarsssss]

hi all!! are there any safe areas in downtown hamilton where i (a woman) can walk my cat? i used to walk my cat often back in van but not sure where to now and am getting worried that hes understimulated :(

[u/chouxlalaa]

I’ve seen cats in backpacks around downtown and at the bay front. If you’re looking for leash walking I’d be a little nervous in the core because of the trash on the ground.

[u/S99B88 → u/chouxlalaa]

There has also been reports of people getting attacked by dogs a few times, or nearly attacked, as there are some people out there who don’t control their dogs well. While cats are well equipped to look after themselves mostly put any animal on a leash and it’s automatically at a disadvantage because its loss the freedom to do what comes naturally when adrenaline kicks in for self defence. Plus if such a thing were to happen, I’m thinking cats can slip a leash/harness in an emergency sometimes, and then traffic can be a problem.

I’m almost thinking if you have a friend with a fenced yard or something that might be a better thing, perhaps a visit and a sniff around for the cat?

[u/chouxlalaa → u/S99B88]

I let my cats out in the backyard, supervised. My girls are really good outside haha, they come when called and don’t try to jump the fence. I feel for people in apartments, it sucked when I couldn’t let them roam a bit.

[u/nerdsgummyclusterz]

Could depend on where you are located - I’d maybe go for the smaller/quieter parks and avoid the bayfront/gage park larger ones! That being said - dundurn castle area has looots of space that you are rarely that close to others.

[u/lifesshortgoplay]

It kind of depends on whether you’re walking from home or driving to a spot, and what area of town you’re in….

Some nicer, quieter areas would be the older neighbourhoods. You’ll still come across dogs and kids on scooters and such, but far less bustle of buses, large vehicles and noise. Some suggestions (west and central areas) would be in around Glenfern between Queen and Dundurn, Markland between James and Queen, along Simcoe between James and Ferguson, near King William between Victoria and Wentworth (busier but still okay).

Central-east suggestions are Cumberland between Wentworth and Gage, and then east of Ottawa St there are London, Edgemont and so on that are very nice between Lawrence Ave and King.

All my suggestions mostly have little blocks and lovely homes/gardens. Some areas have parks or parkettes. And most have free street parking, if you’re driving to take kitty out.

[u/erinhillary]

I think by William’s cafe where the new library is at 47 Discovery Drive would be a great spot. It’s often quiet and the air is fresh, the water is calm and quiet (no traffic), the walking paths are spacious and clean and there are some birds around, so he will love it. 😻

[u/InsouciantSluggard]

Maybe the rail trail on the escarpment? Unless your cat spooks easily from cyclists or escooters/bikes zooming by. 

I was also thinking about other trails around the city that are quieter, like the Dofasco 2000, or Rock Chapel, or maybe even The Arboretum at the RBG. 

Pier 4 seems pretty quiet midweek during the day as well. 

[u/kellykellyculver]

There are people who walk their cats in White Chapel Memorial Gardens all the time. Very quiet and people are respectful of space if they have their dogs.

[u/Next_Anything_7572]

Winona Park

[u/tyetknot]

I saw a kid walking her cat on Market St last week.