Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. As the Strollerpalooza comes to an end heer on The Cat’s Meow, I’d like to thank all the strollin’ cats hoo contributed to the stories this week: Rocky Ann, Linus & Mickey, Bitey, Apollo Cream, Daisy the Curly Cat, and Finn. I’d also like to thank all the strollin’ cats hoo supported the Strollerpalooza by posting their stroller fotos on thare profile pages. A few of those cats are feechered in the foto at the bottom.
Reeders of The Cat’s Meow can receive a 10% discount off any stroller purrchase at JustPetStrollers.com until 6/12/2009. Just enter the coupon code “catsmeow” at checkout. They not only offer low low prices (including price matching) and free shipping, but they also have exsellent customer service and hand-holding to make shur yoo buy the stroller that’s purrfect for yer needs.
Think a stroller mite be rite fur yoo? Check out the Super Strollers Group on Catster.
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. As we rap up Strollin’ Week on The Cat’s Meow, I’m interviewing my speshul frend, Daisy, in Florida. Daisy is an Innernet Sooperstar, authering the award-winning blog, “Daisy the Curly Cat.”
Skeezix: Daisy, it seems like you’ve bin strolling furever. How long exaktly have you bin strolling?
Daisy: Well, my memory is not too good, but I think it has been about two years.
Skeezix: What prompted yer mom to get you a stroller? Daisy: I first learned about strollering on Catster! And it looked like loads of fun, so I asked my Mommie to get me one. And she said yes!
Skeezix: What model of stroller do you have?
Daisy: Well, first I got a cheap-o model. Right out of the box we realized that it would not be sturdy enough for the distances we wanted to go. Also, the zipper did not work well, and there were big openings where I could almost escape from! So we sent that one back and got the super-duper Jeep Rubicon stroller. Even though we thought this was an awesome stroller, my Mommie had trouble with the steering since the front wheel is fixed. So we donated that one to our local no-kill, cats-only shelter, and they raffled it off during one of their fundraisers. Finally, we ended up with the Pet Gear AT3 stroller. This one is perfect for us because it’s real sturdy, the zipper works easily, and the front wheel can be either fixed or movable. I would definitely recommend it to a friend!
Skeezix: How often do you stroll?
Daisy: Where I live, it is very, very hot and humid many months of the year, so we do not go strollering very much in the warmer months. And there are also many mosquitos. During nice weather, I go a few times a month. I wish I could go every day!
Skeezix: How far do you stroll?
Daisy: We have a real nice sidewalk around our neighborhood that’s perfect for strollering. It’s marked every ½ mile, so you know exactly how far you have gone. We usually go 3 miles. My Mommie can use the exercise!
Skeezix: Do you stroll alone or with other cats in yer howse?
Daisy: I go by myself. I would not want to be enclosed with Harley in the cabin for so long. He’s still a little wild and crazy.
Skeezix: Do all the cats in yer famly like strolling?
Daisy: I LOVE it! After I get back home, I sit by the front door and cry to go out again. Then I sleep in the stroller for most of the day. Harley is still a little bit scairt of it. I hope he is not too embarrassed that I told that.
Skeezix: What do you like most abowt strolling?
Daisy: My favorite thing is seeing all the pretty trees and birds, and feeling the wind in my furs.
Skeezix: Is thare anything you dislike abowt strolling?
Daisy: Sometimes loud cars make me scairted. I have a sleeping bag inside my stroller, and when I get too nervous, I just crawl into the bag and I feel safe. I recommend this for all strollering cats. Unless they are very, very brave and never get scairt.
Skeezix: Have you ever seen any other pets in strollers on yer strolls?
Daisy: I never have! I sure wish I would though.
Skeezix: How abowt wild creechers?
Daisy: I always keep my eyes peeled for alligators! The place we walk is right on the very edge of the Everglades , so we see lots and lots of big birds. Sometimes we see armadillos, opossums, bunnies and little snakes.
Skeezix: Do you only stroll in yer nayberhood, or do you travel to parks or other places to stroll
Daisy: We only stroll around the neighborhood.
Skeezix: Any funny strolling stories you’d like to share?
Daisy: Sometimes, when people see us out strollering, they think there is a baby inside. When they see me, they are very surprised. Many times, they smile real big!
Daisy’s Pet Gear AT3 Stroller sells for $169.99 (shipping included in price) at JustPetStrollers.com. Just Pet Strollers will match any other vendor’s lowest price (with some restrictions).
And, in an exclusive deal for Cat’s Meow readers only, JustPetStrollers.com will give you a 10% discount on your stroller purchase through June 12th. Just enter the coupon code “catsmeow” at checkout.
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. As part of Strollin’ Week on The Cat’s Meow, I’m kriss-krossing the country to purr with strollin’ cats about strolling so you can see what all the fuss is about!
Today, I’m interviewing one of my oldest and deerest frends, Bitey, hoo lives in Pencil-vania.
Skeezix:How long have you bin strolling, Bitey? Bitey:I’ve been strolling since Christmas 2006.
Skeezix:What prompted yer peepul to get you a stroller? Bitey:I kept running outside and escaping, leading my parents on a chase around the neighborhood – hissing and growling. Mom thought that if I could go out in a controlled way, it might solve that problem. And, knock on wood, it has!
Skeezix:What model of stroller do you have? Bitey:I’m stuck with a cheapo $25 eBay model.
Skeezix:What do you like about this model? Bitey:I liked that it was cheap since I didn’t know if I would like strollering.
Skeezix:What do you dislike about this model? Bitey:It’s hard to steer with one hand, and mom kicks the wheels when she walks behind it.
Skeezix:Wood you rekummend it to a frend? Bitey:I’d recommend it as a beginner stroller, but not for the serious strolling enthusiast. Mom always said she’d upgrade it if I liked strolling. Um, I’m still waiting for that upgrade…
Skeezix:How often do you stroll? Bitey:Not often enough! Maybe once every two weeks. And only ever with Adam, my silly human baby brother. He’s one year old.
Skeezix:How far do you stroll? Bitey:We do laps around the neighborhood. And sometimes they park me outside by our pool when everyone is swimming or eating.
Skeezix:Do you stroll alone or with other cats/kids in yer howse? Bitey:Only with my baby human brother. He cramps my style and nobody pays attention to me anymore. Yes, I’m bitter.
Skeezix:Do all the cats and kids in yer famly like strolling? Bitey:Adam, the kid, likes stollering, mainly in his car with his cool bumper stickers that Mom made. Stevie likes to nap in my stroller, but as soon as it moves, he’s gone. Lucy doesn’t even get in after her one disastrous trip down the driveway.
Skeezix:What do you like most abowt strolling? Bitey:The fresh air and the birds.
Skeezix:Is thare anything you dislike abowt strolling? Bitey:Just that I don’t get to go enough! And sometimes the neighborhood dogs get a little too close and I have to hiss at them.
Skeezix:Have you ever seen any other pets in strollers on yer strolls? Bitey:Nope, I’m the lone strollering pet in the neighborhood.
Skeezix:How abowt wild creechers? Bitey: Mom, Dad, Adam and my grandpap saw a snake at the park over the weekend. Mom says that poor Adam will never go to the park again, at least with her. I would like to have seen that! Otherwise, I just see birds, bunnies and squirrels. And old people – it’s an old people neighborhood.
Skeezix:Do you only stroll in yer nayberhood, or do you travel to parks or other places to stroll? Bitey: I have only ever strolled in my neighborhood. I think I’d hate the car ride too much to travel anywhere else. And Mom can barely fit Adam’s stroller in her tiny car, so there’s no way mine would fit too – again, it’s cheap, so it doesn’t fold up!
Skeezix:Any funny strolling stories you’d like to share? Bitey: Just that if Mom or Dad yell, “Bitey, stroller!” I come running from wherever I am, even if I’m sleeping soundly, and fly down the stairs and leap into the stroller in a single bound. I like to stroll THAT much! Oh, and one time I was napping in my stroller and some kid who was visiting zipped me in. Hours later, when they realized they hadn’t seen me for awhile, they found me, still zipped in. Jerk kids.
Skeezix:Well thanks fur telling me about your and Adam’s advenchers in strolling. (Maybe now that yer Mom has been publicly reeminded that she promist you a stroller upgrade, she’ll get you that nice new stroller!) Bitey:When pigs fly, my friend. But it was great catching up with you. Be cool.
Despite the fact that Bitey is stuck with his cheapo eBay stroller and never got the promised upgrade, eBay is still a good choice for getting a cheap gently-used stroller in which to try out strollering to see if your cat will enjoy it. If your cat hates it, you can auction the stroller back on eBay, donate it to a shelter, give to a cat-loving friend, or give it away via Freecycle. If your cat LOVES strolling, you can then upgrade to a better model, confident that it won’t be a wasted purchase.
If you go the “test stroller” route, keep in mind that a good stroller will make strolling a far more pleasant experience, so don’t judge the quality of the strolling experience by a cheap stroller.
Because pet strollers are a fairly new product, few people know what features to look for when shopping for one, although if you’ve shopped for baby strollers, you’ve got a headstart. Today we’ll arm you with all the info you need to make an informed pet stroller purchase.
WHERE TO BUY?
If you decide to buy, we can save you some bucks! As an exclusive offer for readers of The Cat’s Meow, you can take 10% off any stroller purchase at JustPetStrollers.com. Now through 6/12, enter the coupon code “catsmeow” when you check out to save 10% on any stroller purchase.
I know several cats who’ve gotten their strollers through JustPetStrollers.com, and they have raved about the personalized customer service, low prices and fast delivery, so I’m happy to recommend them. If you have any questions at all while you’re shopping for a stroller, just shoot them an email, and they’ll reply pronto. They’ll match any low price (with a few restrictions) and shipping is free.
In addition to JustPetStrollers.com, Strollers.com is a good online source for strollers, and they also offer free shipping. If you want to burn some cash, they carry some sleek and very expensive Italian strollers — feline Furraris, if you will.
Petsmart and Petco carry strollers, though not always in their bricks-and-mortar stores. I’ve seen them in some of the bigger stores, but only one or two models are usually kept in stock.
Overstock.com and eBay are good sources for the bargain hunter. If you’re unsure whether your cat will enjoy strolling, buy a dirt cheap stroller on eBay, try it out, and then auction it back or donate it and upgrade to a model that will serve you better.
Now, let’s take a look at what you need to know before you go shopping…
Before you start, answer the following questions to determine what kind of stroller you should (or should not) get:
What kind of terrain will you be strolling on? Sidewalks? Gravel or dirt trails? Uneven walkways? Small wheels are fine if you’ll be strolling on a smooth even sidewalk surface; otherwise consider the models with large (11- or 12-inch) wheels.
How far will you stroll? If you plan on taking long strolls, invest in large wheels and padded handles.
How often will you stroll? Low-end models will probably be sufficient if you don’t stroll very often.
Do you saunter, power walk, or jog with the stroller? The faster you motor along, the better the wheels and the more stability you need. Joggers should consider the Jeep Rubicon. It’s inflatable rubber tires provide a smooth ride at high speeds, and the 3-wheel configuration and the fixed front wheel provide stability. The PetGear AT3 is a great choice for power walkers.
Where will you store the stroller? If space is tight, consider a collapsible stroller.
Will you travel with the stroller? If you’ll be packing it in the car (or dragging it up stairs), a lightweight collapsible model is your best choice.
Will your cat be strolling solo, or will you double up? Strollers are weight-rated per what the frame can support, but you also need to consider your cat’s size relative to the stroller cabin’s size. They’ll need room to maneuver, especially when riding two at a time.
Will your stroller need wind/rain protection? Many are made of rain-resistant fabric, and some come with rain and wind guards.
Does your cat need a hidey place? Some strollers (like those made by Kittywalk) offer a privacy area for your cat.
I talked to Augie Ray of JustPetStrollers.com to find out what stroller is his best seller and what he would recommend as the best value for under $100:
Karen: What’s your best-selling stroller, Augie? Augie: Our best selling stroller of the past year is the one that several cats you interviewed own: the Pet Gear AT3 It’s roomy, rugged, and convenient. We’ve sold 50% more of them than our next most popular pet stroller. The ratings we get from customers are absolutely terrific.
Karen: What’s the best value stroller you have for under $100? Augie: The one that probably suits all cats and many dogs and is also the best overall value is the Pet Gear Happy Trails. We have it at $84.99 including shipping to the continental US, and at that price it’s a very nice, reliable, sturdy, functional pet stroller. It has many of the features of more expensive pet strollers, such as a parent tray, a large basket for toys and water, and it folds for easy storage. The Happy Trails is priced just $5 more than the least expensive pet strollers we offer, and it is definitely a better, roomier stroller for the money.
WHAT’S ON A STROLLER?
The diagram below shows a Pet Gear AT3 stroller. It’s one of the higher end strollers, and a very popular model. It features a padded handle (more important if you take long strolls); a cup holder and “parent” tray (I’ve never used mine); full ventilation top, front and rear (more important for good visibility than ventilation); safety reflectors; storage basket (this really comes in handy); 11″ wheels; parking brake; shock absorbers. Many models also feature interior leashes and cabin liners that remove for cleaning.
Here’s how the features vary from model to model:
WHEELS:
6 or 8-wheeler: Four wheel design (see right) utilizing small wheels, with double wheels on the front like the classic baby stroller design (some also feature double wheels on the back). If you only stroll occasionally at a leisurely pace and only for short distances on even surfaces, this design will probably suit you just fine (or will serve you well as an introductory stroller while you determine whether your cat likes strolling or not). Some higher-end strollers also feature a sturdier “professional grade” version of this type of wheel.
3-wheeler (non-inflatable tires): This is a step up from the classic baby stroller design. The 3-wheel design is more stable, the larger wheels (usually 11″ or 12″) provide a smoother, quieter ride, and its perfect for jogging and power-walking. If you plan to stroll on hiking trails, gravel or uneven terrain, choose a big-wheel model.
3-wheeler (inflatable rubber tires): I really love the rubber tires because the ride is effortlessly smooth and quiet. This design is best is you jog or do a fast powerwalk as part of the stroll, since it provides the most stability at high speeds.
VISIBILITY:
Believe me, cats LOVE to look out the mesh “windows” of the stroller, and the amount of visibility varies from model to model. The mesh also serves as ventilation. The more visibility, the better. One feature of our stroller that I like is a top-window, so I can see the cats at all times. The cats also like looking out the back.
CAPACITY:
In the specs for each stroller, you’ll find a weight capacity that will provide a guideline for how many cats you can stuff inside. Believe me, you want to limit the number of cats per ride to two (unless, perhaps, you have a group of kittens), because the cats will jockey for position and move from front to back during the ride, and will need space in which to maneuver.
The weight capacity is only a guideline, though, and what’s more important are the dimensions of the stroller’s cabin. Your cat(s) will need to be able to sit up without crouching and turn around comfortably inside it.
Augie Ray at JustPetStrollers.com has this recommendation: “People always make the mistake of paying attention to the weight limits for a pet stroller but not the dimensions. The weight limits set the upper limits for frame of the pet stroller, but the dimensions are actually much more important. We advise people to measure their pets before ordering. One tip is to use tape or newspaper to recreate on the floor the length and width of a pet stroller’s pet compartment, which can help to determine how a cat or dog will fit.”
MULTIPURPOSE STROLLERS
Strollers are available that do double and triple duty as stroller, carrier, carrier/backpack or car seat. For example, the PetGear system shown on the right converts to both a carrier and car seat. As is the case with many multipurpose designs, it usually means that some design elements are compromised to accommodate the other purposes. In the case of the stroller, it usually means that either the cabin is a lot smaller OR the carrier is so large that it’s cumbersome. If your main objective is to stroll, you might be better off with a stroller built for strolling. But if you travel a lot with your cat, the multipurpose stroller may be purrfect for your needs — just don’t expect it to be comfortable for long strolls.
BRAKES
Most models have parking brakes, and some also have hand brakes. The parking brake is super handy, especially if you live in a hilly area.
LOW-RIDER vs. HIGH-RIDER
I’ve talked to a couple of cat owners who originally purchased low-rider strollers, but switched to high-riders. The primary reason to purchase a low-rider model is to allow easy access for animals who have a hard time jumping up into the stroller. This is rarely an issue for cat owners — if your cat isn’t ambulatory, you can easily pick her up and place her in the stroller. We store our stroller in the garage, so we always carry the cats to the stroller and place them in it. Easy access isn’t an issue for most cats, so I recommend a high-rider model. The cats will have a better view of the scenery, and if you encounter an overly-friendly dog, Fluffy won’t feel like the dog might be able to pounce on top of her — she’ll be above little yappy dogs, and eye-to-eye with larger dogs, which will make her feel more secure.
WIND AND RAIN COVERS
Some strollers come with wind and rain covers. If you live in an area where the weather can change quickly or sudden showers are common, consider this option.
PORTABILITY AND STORAGE
Does it collapse for travel or storage? Many do. I have one of the larger models, and it folds up and fits nicely in the back seat of my small car.
If you stroll a lot, you may want to vary your strolls to include parks and hiking trails, and it’s great to be able to pack up the stroller and go. Not all strollers are collapsible, so consider this before you make your purchase. JustPetStrollers.com has videos of some of the more popular strollers being folded — they can give you an idea of whether it’s something you can manage or not (video links are on the product pages).
The specs for each model usually provide the folded dimensions so you can determine if, when collapsed, it will fit into its storage space or your car.
INTERIOR LEASH
Is it convertible weather? An interior leash will allow your harnessed pet to ride safely in the stroller with the top flap open. (I recommend that your cat be leash-trained and fully acclimated to strolling before you try this, and you only do it on solo strolls.)
PARENT TRAY
The parent tray fits next to the handle and provides a cupholder in addition to a catch-all space for your cellphone, keys, etc.
GEAR BASKET
These are handier than you might think. We always bring along a harness and leash for each cat, a camera and sometimes a video cam, bottled water, a windbreaker, and before you know it the gear basket is full. When Skeezix and I go to Catster HQ, I drop a small cat litter bin into our gear rack. It’s a purrfect fit, and I don’t have to worry about him being stuck with nowhere to “go”.
Skeezix demonstrates the roominess of his gear basket.
PRIVACY AREA Toulouse, pictured at right, recently got the Kittywalk stroller as a birthday gift. Toulouse says, “I love the little parlor that is available for me in the back!” If your cats aren’t quite sure about the great outdoors, a stroller with an enclosed area can provide the privacy they need and make the stroll more enjoyable for them.
ASSEMBLY REQUIRED?
If you purchase online (and often, even if you purchase in a bricks-and-mortar store), you’ll need to assemble the stroller before you can use it. Generally, it’s easier than assembling anything you might buy at IKEA, but if you’re not McGyver, you might want to set your sights on an easy-to-assemble stroller. JustPetStrollers.com provides you with an idea of how complex the assembly might be on each product page, and you can contact them before you buy with your questions.
WEIGHT
The stroller’s weight usually corresponds to how sturdy it is. But heavier is not always better. If you pack up your stroller a lot to travel to strolling spots, or if you travel with your stroller, you might want to consider a compact, lightweight model.
BEWARE CHEAPO KNOCKOFFS FROM CHINA
Augie Ray advises his customers to steer clear of the cheap China knock-offs: “We’ve been getting a lot of customers buying from us who are purchasing their second pet stroller after getting a cheap discount one and being disappointed. As pet strollers have grown in popularity, we’ve seen a lot of cheap, look-alike pet strollers being imported from China. We refuse to carry a pet stroller in which we wouldn’t trust our pet, so we focus only on brand names like Pet Gear, Kittywalk, Petzip, DoggyRide, and Burley. ”
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. As part of Stroller Week on The Cat’s Meow, I’m hangin’ with my stroller buddies. And recently, I went strolling with my best frend, Finn, hoo livs neer me.
Finn is a pritty famous cat. A few months ago, he entered The Cat’s Meow Foto Contest and won a foto session with sellebrity cat fotograffer Mark Rogers. He’s an exsellent model, and I’m shur he has a grate career ahed of him. He’s also a member of the Super Strollers Group on Catster.
We made a moovey of the stroll, and my Food Lady asked Finn’s mom questions about strolling. Here’s our excellent strolling advencher:
You’ll notice that I’m strolling in “convertible” mode with the top down. I’ve got a harness and leesh on, and I’m tide in. Many strollers have bilt-in leeshes. I don’t recummend going with the top down in busy, lowd areas, or places ware thare are a lot of dogs. It’s sumthing only intermeediate and advanced strolling cats shood try.
Finn's Mom, Jane, with Skeezix
Skeezix: Hey Finn, that was a grate stroll! I reely loved it win yoo cawt some air!
Finn: I had a great time, too! I know it didn’t sound like it when I spitted at you but I wanted you to hear my mancat hiss and growl – nothing purrsonal, you understand.
Skeezix: It was a good growl… vary manly.
Finn: Thanks!
Skeezix: So, Finn, whut model is yer stroller?
Finn: I have the Dura-Ruff Ultralite Cat Stroller from Drs. Foster and Smith, and it’s on sale right now for $69.99 (freight charge is extra). I love it. It’s just the right size for me, it’s really fast, it has a handy carrying basket underneath for snacks for mom and me, it fits in the back of the car without having to fold it up, and it’s orange, which is good with my coloring. 4 paws up for this cool ride. Mom says it’s light weight and fits in her car and didn’t cost too much so we both love it. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.
Skeezix: How long do you stroll?
Finn: I stroll for as long as mom wants to push the stroller. I do get a bit restless after an hour – I have very long legs and I like to stretch them out in a fast run which I can’t do while I’m in my stroller so we usually just stay out for an hour at a time.
Skeezix: What do yoo like most about strolling?
Finn: I love to sniff the air and I really love to watch the birds. I’m an indoor only kitty so this is my chance to get out and meet the neighbors and WATCH THE BIRDS – I WANT A BIRD!
Skeezix: Anything you don’t like about strolling?
Finn: I can’t say there’s anything I dislike about strolling – sometimes we go in the car to a new neighborhood and I’m not that crazy about the car ride but I tough it out because I know we are going to have some fun once I get into my stroller.
Skeezix: Ever seen any other pets in strollers on yer strolls?
Finn: Nope, I’ve never seen another animal in a stroller until I looked over from my stroller and saw you in your stroller -what a shock! I had no idea you were right there next to me. I may have reacted rudely when I saw you – hissing and growling – but I was just nervous being in the presence of the great Skeezix.
Skeezix: Oh, Finn, yer too much! Have you ever seen any wild creechers on yer strolls?
Finn: Do dogs count? As you know, when we were out strolling together we saw a vicious deer – wow, that was really something!
Skeezix: Good thing I wasn’t waring any underpants when I saw that vishus deer, cuz I wood have wet them! Do you have any strolling buddies?
Finn: You are my first strolling buddy. Once, when we had a double stroller, I had to share with Jackson and that didn’t work out at all – he wanted to sit in the front and I couldn’t see a thing! I can’t really say that Jackson and I were strolling buddies.
Skeezix and Finn, taking a strolliing break
Skeezix: Win the wether is bad and you can’t strole, whut do you do? Do you bug yer mom to take you strolling anyway?
Finn: My stroller is parked in the front hall so whenever mom heads toward the door I run and jump into my stroller to let her know I’m ready to go – sometimes she goes out the door without me which I think is some kind of animal cruelty – I won’t turn her in for this but it really makes me sad. When the weather is bad we don’t go strolling but I make her thrown stuff for me to fetch and bring back so she can throw it again – and then I take a nap.
Skeezix: Naps are good! We’ll have to stroll together agin reel soon; I had a blast!
Finn: The pleasure was all mine, Skeez’. I promise I won’t hiss at you next time.
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. This week at The Cat’s Meow, we’re sellubrating the offishul kickoff of the strolling season by interviewing some prominent cats hoo strole, and providing infermation about strolling in case you’d like to join in the fun.
Today, I’m chewin’ the nip with Apollo Cream frum California. Apollo is a member of the Super Strollers Groop on Catster. AC was nice enuf to tell me all about his strolling advenchers, and why he got a stroller in the ferst place. He was on deth’s doorstep win his mom promist to git him a stroller if he got better… and he did!
Skeezix:How long have you been strolling, AC? Apollo Cream: I have been strolling for ten months.
Skeezix:Whut prompted yer mom to buy a stroller?
Apollo Cream: Unfortunately last summer my mom thought I was going to have to be PTS. I have always been a strictly indoor cat. My mom’s one regret was that I never got to go outside in my whole life. So she made me a promise that if I got well that I would get a stroller to see if I liked it. Mom had her doubts, because I am a bit of a scaredy-cat.
Skeezix:Yer stroller is a byootiful pink color! Whut model is it? Apollo Cream: I have a Happy Trails Plus Stroller. It is a very good model. Very roomy and spacious inside for me. The tires are plastic, but for my needs it suits me very well. I would recommend it to a friend who is going to be going for walks with their parent at a leisurely pace and fairly smooth surfaces. It doesn’t seem to be made for jogging or off-roading. My mom loves that it is pink. I don’t really love pink, it is fine for some boy cats, but I would’ve really loved a black stroller with flames! It also doesn’t have a leash/harness attachment. That isn’t a problem for me either, but maybe for some dogs or cats it would be.
Skeezix:How often do you go strolling? Apollo Cream: When it is warm outside, I stroll once a day.
Skeezix:Ware do you stroll? Apollo Cream: I am a shy cat, so I stay close to home. I only stroll around areas close to home.
Skeezix:Do you go solo, or do you stroll with other cats? Apollo Cream: I’m an only cat. So I stroll alone.
Skeezix:Whut do you like most about strolling? Apollo Cream: The best thing about strolling is being outside! I never knew there was such a big world outside. It is good to get outdoors if you are a cat!
Skeezix:Is thare anything you don’t like about strolling? Apollo Cream: I don’t dislike anything about strolling. My mom gradually got me used to strolling, so it was a positive experience. I sleep in my stroller all day. I love it.
Skeezix:Have you ever seen any other cats or dogs in strollers on yer strolls? Apollo Cream: I haven’t seen other pets during my strolls. Probably because I stay close to home. My mom has seen a couple of other strollers, when out shopping. She is always on the lookout.
Skeezix:Do you always stay in yer nayberhood, or do you travel to parks or other places to stroll? Apollo Cream: I don’t like the car, so I’ve never strolled anywhere besides the area around my home.
Skeezix:Any funny strolling stories you’d like to share? Apollo Cream: No funny stories. I’m just a cat, who loves his stroller. Some people laughed at my mom initially, and they told her she was never going to get me in it or that it was silly. Later, those same people were telling my mom that the stroller was a great idea for me, and that I looked healthier!
Skeezix:Do you enjoy being a member of the Super Strollers Groop on Catster? Apollo Cream: You bet! I’m so glad there is a Super Strollers Group! Thank you to Rocky Ann for starting it. That is how my mom initially found out cats really do like strollers!
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. As part of Strollin’ Week on The Cat’s Meow, I’m mewing with strollin’ cats so you can see whut strollin’ is like!
Today, I’m interviewing Super Stroller Linus, who lives in Whiskerconsin. Linus’ bruther Mickey also enjoys strolling. Linus goes to lots of cat shows, so strolling purrvides him with a grate way to unwind. Welcome, Linus!
Skeezix:How long have you bin strolling, Linus? Linus: About 2 years.
Skeezix:What prompted yer peepul to get you a stroller?
Linus: We are strictly indoor kitties, and Mom thought we might like to get out once in a while. Especially after seeing how much some other kitties like strolling on Catster.
Skeezix:Do you like this model? Wood you rekummend it to a frend? We love it and would highly recommend it to friends. Very roomy, rides well (has shock absorbers), and very well made and sturdy.
Skeezix:How often do you stroll?
Linus: Not enough. Mom works, but she tries to take us out once a week if the weather cooperates. We also don’t get to stroll in the winter as we live in northcentral WI where the winters can be pretty severe. We don’t get to do much strolling between Nov. – April.
Skeezix:How far do you stroll?
Linus: Depends… if it’s a hot day we keep the strolls short. If it’s a nice day, Mom might take me for a nice long stroll at the park on the trails along the river – that’s fun!
Skeezix:Do you stroll alone or with other cat(s)?
Linus: Our stroller is big enough for 2 cats, but we prefer to stroll solo.
Skeezix:Do all the cats in yer famly like strolling?
Linus: No, Mr. Fez prefers to stay home – he gets too scared away from home, probably because he doesn’t see very well. Mickey and I LOVE to stroll though. That’s Mickey on the right.
Skeezix:What do you like most abowt strolling?
Linus: Everything! It gets us out of the apartment, fresh air, lots of interesting things to see and smell, and extra attention from Mom. Oh, Mom also says strolling gives her some exercise too.
Skeezix:Is thare anything you dislike abowt strolling?
Linus: Nope – what’s not to like?
Skeezix:Have you ever seen any other pets in strollers on yer strolls?
Linus: No, not yet…
Skeezix:Do you only stroll in yer nayberhood, or do you travel to parks or other places to stroll?
Linus: We’ll stroll in our neighborhood, but Mom also drives us to parks. We enjoy strolling in the parks more. We’ve also strolled at PetSmart, PetCo, CFA cat shows, and (unfortunately) the vets.
Skeezix:Any funny strolling stories you’d like to share?
Linus: Usually people just assume Mom has a baby in the stroller… unless they actually look closely. We get a lot of double takes. One time a little girl pointed to our stroller as we were strolling by and said “kitty” and the parents started to correct her telling her “No, it’s a baby… Oh, it IS a kitty!” Yep, smart little girl! I don’t mind – I’m still Mom’s baby.
Skeezix:Can you tell my readers a little bit about the Super Strollers Group on Catster?
Linus: It’s a fun group. You can get info on strollers, stroller accessories, and strolling and share your strolling adventures.
Skeezix:Well thanks so much, Linus, for taking the time to purr with me about strolling today! Hope you have a grate strollin’ season this yeer!
Linus: Me too, Skeezy. Hope to see you around the Super Strollers Group!
Linus and Mickey’s Pet Gear AT3 Stroller sells for $169.99 (shipping included) at JustPetStrollers.com. Just Pet Strollers will match any other vendor’s lowest price (with some restrictions), and shipping is included in the price.
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. If you have a stroller, the ferst thing you’ll want to do is bling it up with yer own purrsonal stile. Just like peepul do by hanging pritty fuzzy dice frum thare reerview mirrors, you’ll want to add eye-ketching items to yer stroller to draw attenshun win you stroll by. Today I’ll show you sum kyoot stuff you can use to pimp yer stroller.
LICENSE PLATES
In most states, vehikuls are reqwired by law to have license plates, and yer stroller is probly no exseption. Forchewnitly, thare are lots of places to git stroller license plates. On the right, yoo can see my purrsunul license plate, wich was a berthday gift frum my frend Rocky Ann. It matches my stroller purrfectly, and it shows peepul how to spell my name — making it funkshunul, fun, stylish AND educational!
Heer are just a few of the places ware you can buy stroller license plates at prices that are MUCH lower than yoo find at the DEE-EM-VEE:
PATCHES
Patches are K-Y-O-O-T: Kyoot! Our faverite vendor for patches is Purple Moon. They have tons of Cat Patches (inklooding Laurel Burch deezines) as well as peese sines, wildlife, butterflies, skulls, fairies and many more.
Rocky Ann has a grate tip for attaching yer patches: “When you put patches on your stroller, use double velcro (cut strips or the squares are easiest) and the patches can be put on and removed very easily. The velcro comes off the stroller with no problem.”
STROLLER LITES
How about decorating yer stroller with pritty holiday lites? No, you don’t have to drag a power cord along behind you … battery-powered holiday lights are now available, and they’re purrfect fur decorating your stroller. I put on orange and purple mini-lites fur Halloween and red and green fur Krissmiss. But thare’s no reezin yoo can’t have stroller lites all yeer ’round! The lites shown on the right are frum 1000bulbs.com, but yoo can also find them at Michael’s and party stores.
If you stroll a lot at night, a flashing stroller lite will make yer stroll a lot safer. The flashing lite is vary festive, and yoo can chooze diffrint blinking effects.
THE ONLY LIMIT IS YER IMAGINATION
When yer done decorating, your stroller should look something like Rocky Ann’s on the right. Festive, yet tasteful, dontcha think?
But theeze are just a cuppul of suggestions on how to pimp yer ride. Fur holidays, you can buy decorations at Michael’s, Joanne’s, or party stores. Think outside the box! Rocky Ann hangs kyoot keychanes frum her stroller. Or maybe you prefer the DIY route. Remember, thare are no rools, and the only limit is yer imagination.
Rocky Ann is a grate inspiration, and the members of the Super Strollers Group on Catster are generous with sharing ideas on how to decorate your stroller to make it the snazziest ride on the block!
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. As part of Strollin’ Week on The Cat’s Meow, I’m mewing with strollin’ cats so yoo can see whut strollin’ is like!
Today, I’m interviewing one of the ferst frends I made on Catster, Rocky Ann. I don’t think thare’s a Catster alive hoo duzn’t know Rocky Ann. She not only founded and administers the populer Super Strollers Groop on Catster, but she also takes Stroller dekerayting to a hole new level. She lives in Suthern California, so she can strole praktikly all yeer around. Welcome, RA!
Skeezix:How long have yoo bin strolling? Rocky Ann:I have been strolling for almost 3 years. I took my first stroll on June 29, 2006 at the age of 15 years old. I started the Super Strollers Group on August 11, 2006.
Skeezix: What prompted yer peepul to get yoo a stroller? Rocky Ann:I read all about my friend, Catster Colleen, having a stroller in WI and it sounded like so much fun. Mommy wasn’t sure if I’d take to it at my age, but my Daddy thought I’d love it. Daddy was right as usual! If it wasn’t for Catster, I might never have started strolling.
Skeezix: What brand and model of stroller do yoo have? Rocky Ann:Right now I stroll in the blue PetGear AT3. I started off with a PetGear Happy Trails in PINK and moved up to this model. It is very roomy, has a smooth ride and Mommy can walk really fast with it.
Skeezix: Wood yoo rekummend it to a frend? Rocky Ann:I have recommended this stroller to many friends. I highly recommend any of the Pet Gear Strollers.
Skeezix: How often do yoo strole? Rocky Ann:I stroll almost every day when the weather is nice (summer, spring, fall) . During the winter months, esp this year, not very much. As I’m getting older Mommy doesn’t want me to get chilled.
Skeezix: How far/long do yoo strole? Rocky Ann:I usually power stroll for an hour. I’m not sure of the distance. I think my longest stroll has been near 2 hours.
Rocky Ann and her mom, mid-stroll
Skeezix:What do yoo like most abowt strolling? Rocky Ann:I love being outdoors. There is so much to see. I never fall asleep, I have to pay attention to everything going on. We have many different routes to stroll, so I see many different things. I love to stroll in the dark too. My favorite part is being able to join Mommy on her daily walks.
Skeezix:Is thare anything yoo dislike abowt strolling? Rocky Ann:I don’t really like it when humans come up to my stroller and interrupt my stroll. I like to watch them from a distance. And I like to keep moving. Also I don’t care for the coyotees. But I usually turn around and go in the opposite direction when I see one. They have the right of way around here.
Skeezix:Have yoo ever seen any other pets in strollers on yer stroles? Rocky Ann:I’ve only seen one doggie in a stroller and he was in a baby stroller.
Skeezix:Do yoo only strole in yer nayberhood, or do yoo travel to parks or other places to strole? Rocky Ann:My neighborhood is connected by many sidewalks and bikepaths. I have alot of strolling options right in our area. There are different subdivisions, parks, dirt paths and shopping within strolling distance. Really, Irvine is made for strolling. But I have never gotten in a car to get to a strolling place.
Rocky Ann is the Babe on Board this stroller!
Skeezix:Any funny strolling stories yoo’d like to share? Rocky Ann:It is just so funny that everytime I am out strolling there are people who come up to my stroller, and think they will be looking at a human baby, and are so surprised it is me in there!! I bring a smile to many peoples faces I have the nickname “Lucky Cat” by some of my neighbors. I decorate my stroller so I’m very noticable.
Skeezix:Any stories related to being a member of the Super Strollers Group that yoo’d like to share? Rocky Ann:It has been fun meeting strollers in many different states and countries and reading about their adventures. Everyone has something different to see in their area. In the past we use to do virtual strolls so that we could all stroll together.
Skeezix:Thanks, Rocky Ann, for taking time away frum strollin’ to share yer ixperiences with The Cat’s Meow. Rocky Ann:Thanks for the interview, Skeezy! Strolling cats (and cats considering strolling) are always welcome to join in the fun at Super Strollers.
Rocky Ann’s Pet Gear AT3 Stroller sells for $169.99 (shipping included in price) at JustPetStrollers.com. Just Pet Strollers will match any other vendor’s lowest price (with some restrictions).
Memorial Day officially marks the beginning of the strolling season, and to mark the occasion, we’re celebrating all week by interviewing strollin’ cats to get their perspective on the stroller phenomenon. We’ll provide a buying guide to help you select the stroller that’s right for you, and we’ll even go strolling with a special Catster celebrity! Whether you think cat strollers reside in crazy cat lady territory, or are an invaluable means by which you can bond with your cat, we promise to make you a stroller savant by next weekend.
Skeezix & Mao in a July 4th Parade
I bought a pet stroller for Skeezix a couple of years ago, and am thrilled with the purchase. Skeezix LOVES strolling. He sits quietly and attentively, watching the neighborhood go by. Mao, my cranky Siamese, was not as thrilled with strollering at first, but once he got the hang of it, he really began to enjoy it. About half the time we take both cats out together. It’s funny to watch the two of them in the cabin — I swear, they jostle for control of the “front seat” just as young children would.
Is strollering just another nutty crazy cat lady craze? Well, my perspective may be biased, but I don’t think so. It’s analogous to taking dogs for a walk. Although Skeezix is leash-trained, I don’t really “walk” him, I just hold the leash and watch as he sniffs every. blade. of. grass. It’s tortuously slow. And if there’s a dog coming at us, I risk getting scratched to death if I pick him up to protect him.
With the stroller, you determine the pace, and Fluffy gets to sit back and enjoy the ride. Skeezix feels extremely safe within the stroller and nothing fazes him: traffic, dogs or screaming kids. Most other strolling cats that we’ve talked to feel similarly secure within the cabin. Skeezix loved the stroller from the first moment we set him in it. Mao, who is resistant to anything new, was not quite as enthusiastic at first. But after one ride, even he was sold, and he now rides quietly (well, mostly quietly) with Skeezix, taking in the scenery. We even have a formerly feral cat who follows us like a dog when we take Skeezix strolling (watch the video here).
I’ve turned a lot of people on to cat strollering over the last couple of years, so I’m familiar with the questions most people have when they’re considering the purchase. Here are the most common questions I get asked:
How likely is my cat to enjoy strolling?
You never know until you try. But after talking to a number of people who have cats who don’t like strolling, stroller aversion seems to be more common among cats who are terrified of the outdoors, are uncommonly timid, or don’t like being enclosed. If your cat is leash-trained in the outdoors, she is likely to enjoy strolling. If you have multiple cats, the odds are that at least one will enjoy strolling.
Skeezix loves it when he gets to drive the stroller solo.
Where do you buy pet strollers?
If you aren’t sure whether your cat will take to strolling, I recommend buying the stroller on eBay. You can get a pet stroller that’s been used only a couple of times for a fraction of the retail price. And if it doesn’t work out, you can turn around and auction it back. Overstock.com is another good place to get a deep discount on strollers.
Most major pet retailers sell strollers, though not always in their bricks-and-mortar stores. And if they do carry them in stores, they usually only keep one or two models in stock. Some online merchants specialize in pet strollers; at least two of which offer free shipping:
How much do pet strollers cost?
Like baby strollers, cost runs the gamut from around $60 to over $300. But you can get some pawsome deals on eBay and Overstock.com, and JustPetStrollers.com will match other retail vendors’ lowest price (with some restrictions).
How do you get your cat accustomed to strollering?
The most effective way is to put your cat’s favorite blanket, toys, and even a little nip inside. Leave it in the house where your cat has access to it, and let your cat explore it on her own.
Sometimes, we stroll off-road in the wilderness.
Once she’s acclimated to it, zip her in. Once she’s okay with that, push her around a bit inside the house in it. Depending on the cat, some people will make the outside transition gradual as well… leaving her on the porch for a bit, then in the driveway, and gradually taking her down the street. Find a quiet place to stroll, at least at first. For your first stroll, don’t go too far, and monitor the cat for stress. We try to time our strolls for points in the day when the cats are unlikely to need to use the litter box, and we pack leashes and harnesses, just in case.
What kind of stroller does Skeezix have?
We have a Jeep Rubicon pet stroller.
Would you recommend it? Would you buy the same model again?
I do recommend it highly. If I had it to do over again, I might consider the Pet Gear AT3, mainly because the Jeep has a fixed front wheel which sometimes makes it a bit difficult to maneuver. Not a big deal, but the less expensive Pet Gear stroller is probably a better buy… UNLESS you jog with the stroller. Then I think you really need the Jeep’s inflatable rubber tires (which also provide a silent ride). Over the course of this week, we’ll talk to cats who have various stroller models to give you an idea which is right for you.
What should I look for when shopping for a stroller?
That’s a great question! Check out The Cat’s Meow’s Stroller Buying Guide for everything you need to know to pick the stroller that’s purrfect for you and your cat(s). We’ll also interview six strollin’ cats to find out thare purrspectives on the stroller phenomenon, we’ll give you tips on how to pimp your ride if you have a stroller, and you’ll get to watch video footage of Skeezix strolling with Catster friend, Finn. It’s gonna be a fun week!
Skeezix taking a break during strolling with his best friend and fellow Catster, Finn.
Skeezix and Mao’s Jeep Rubicon Stroller sells for 204.99 (shipping included in price) at JustPetStrollers.com. Just Pet Strollers will match any other vendor’s lowest price (with some restrictions).
Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix heer. As the Strollerpalooza comes to an end heer on The Cat’s Meow, I’d like to thank all the strollin’ cats hoo contributed to the stories this week: Rocky Ann, Linus & Mickey, Bitey, Apollo Cream, Daisy the Curly Cat, and Finn. I’d also like to thank all the strollin’ cats hoo supported the Strollerpalooza by posting their stroller fotos on thare profile pages. A few of those cats are feechered in the foto at the bottom.
Daisy’s 
6 or 8-wheeler: Four wheel design (see right) utilizing small wheels, with double wheels on the front like the classic baby stroller design (some also feature double wheels on the back). If you only stroll occasionally at a leisurely pace and only for short distances on even surfaces, this design will probably suit you just fine (or will serve you well as an introductory stroller while you determine whether your cat likes strolling or not). Some higher-end strollers also feature a sturdier “professional grade” version of this type of wheel.
3-wheeler (inflatable rubber tires): I really love the rubber tires because the ride is effortlessly smooth and quiet. This design is best is you jog or do a fast powerwalk as part of the stroll, since it provides the most stability at high speeds.
PRIVACY AREA
Finn’s 
Apollo Cream’s 
the park on the trails along the river – that’s fun!
If you stroll a lot at night, a 
I have the nickname “Lucky Cat” by some of my neighbors. I decorate my stroller so I’m very noticable.
