‘The leash is his best friend’: how (and why) I walk my cat outside like a dog

A few years back, my neighbor called to me from across the street.

“Is that a cat on a leash?” It was. My cat, Tux, hopped to his feet and began to lead me across the yard as our neighbor doubled over, slapping the tops of his thighs, obviously delighted at the sight. “I’ve been telling my family there’s a cat on a leash.” He yelled as we wandered off: “None of them believe me.”