Not Henry Cavill, Dua Lipa, nor Claudia Schiffer, but cat Chip was the big star at a recent film premiere. Claudia posed with her four-legged friend in a fashionable ‘cat backpack’. Similar bags are also popping up on social media. But how happy is your cat in such a backpack? Animal doctor Joshua Dutré says: “This is the question you should ask yourself.”
Chip, the cat of supermodel and actress Claudia Schiffer, recently stole the show at the premiere of her new film ‘Argylle’. Claudia and the rest of the cast, including Dua Lipa and Henry Cavill, posed with the cat on the red carpet. The four-legged friend viewed the numerous paparazzi from a trendy backpack. Fun fact: Chip can also be seen in the film in the same backpack.
The striking, trendy accessory for cats turns out to be a trendy item. Prices vary from 25 to 70 euros and the backpack comes in all kinds of colors and shapes, but often in the same size. There are plenty of other cat people on social media who purchase such a backpack for their fur ball. This almost turns cats into a fashion accessory. However, that should not be the intention, says animal doctor Joshua Dutré.
Not fun for the average cat
“The average cat doesn’t like to go out,” Dutré explains. “Of course there are social and adventurous cats who don’t mind this. For them, a trip on a leash or in a backpack with a window is not necessarily a bad thing. But those are just the big exceptions.”
Most cats would much rather stay at home, says the vet. “A cat needs regularity, structure, predictability and safety.” But Chip is not just any cat, because he also plays in the film. “This cat probably has a predisposition for this. I hope that he was also assisted on set by the necessary cat behavior experts to limit his stress. Both owners were probably nearby (actress Claudia Schiffer and her husband and director of the film, Matthew Vaugh, ed.). That also helps for such an animal.”
From left to right Dua Lipa, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ariana DeBose and Claudia Schiffer at the London premiere of ‘Argylle’ with Chip the cat on January 24, 2024. © Getty Images for Universal Pictures
“There is also a difference between taking your cat in a backpack like that to the park or to a red carpet, where there are a lot of cameras flashing and a lot of people present. That is too much for even the most adventurous four-legged friend.”
Be especially careful with this breed
The breed of the animal also plays a role. “Claudia’s cat is a Scottish fold or a Scottish fold eared cat. And unfortunately, people still too often think of celebrities with pets: ‘How cute or cool, I want that too.’ This was also the case with the Dalmatians at the time. The Scottish Fold is actually one of the unhealthiest cat breeds and it is not without reason that breeding has been prohibited in Belgium since January 1, 2021.”
“These cats’ ears always lie flat. This is because the cartilage in this breed is not properly formed. As a result, these animals often have a lot of joint pain and deformities at a young age. And they often have to be put to sleep, because the condition does not affect one specific spot, but their entire body. Operating something like that is impossible.”
Suitable for your cat or not?
“Do you have a cat that stresses a lot as soon as he or she has to go somewhere? Then you better avoid such a trendy backpack,” says Dutré. “A closed transport container, preferably with a blanket on top, seems like a better idea for a trip. For example, to the vet. It will ensure that your cat does not become overstimulated quickly. Is your fluffy ball social, confident, curious and adventurous? Then a backpack like that might be okay.”
Have you put a blanket in the backpack and is your cat hiding under it all the time? No, that’s not cute. Your cat doesn’t like it there.
Joshua Dutré, veterinarian
You can also see perfectly whether your animal friend is having a good time in the backpack. “If your cat calmly looks through the window in the backpack, he or she is probably at ease. But do you notice that the pupils look super narrow or really big? Then your cat is not happy,” says the animal doctor. “Wrinkles in the coat or tail, or short quick licks of the coat, are all signs of stress in a cat. Have you put a blanket in the backpack for convenience and does your cat hide under it all the time? No, that’s not cute. Your cat doesn’t like it there.”
And how long can your fluffy friend be in it for? You can’t put an exact time on that, the vet says, but the shorter the better. “Your cat is stuck in a very small space. He cannot eat, drink or explore there. Of course, the more time you invest in getting them used to it in a positive and fun way, the longer they will tolerate it.”
Cats in backpacks similar to Claudia’s. © ThinkStock / Getty Images
“A container, basket or backpack like this is what you usually get when you go to the vet. It will be in the garage for the rest of the year. Of course, your cat does not have the best association with this means of transport. So make sure that it often or at all times has a standard, permanent place in the house,” Dutré advises. “Put something tasty in it regularly. Or make it a cozy place to sleep or play. This way your fluff ball creates a more positive association with the backpack.”
“It really depends from cat to cat, regardless of breed. So don’t be blinded by that,” Dutré emphasizes. “Cats can still develop completely different character traits, regardless of the characteristics of their breed. Are you unable to properly assess what kind of character your cat has? Then if I had the slightest doubt, I would rather not do it than do it,” he tips. “Yet your pet will first have to get used to the backpack to remain calm and happy in it. So this certainly involves some training.”
“The main question you should ask yourself in this case is: am I doing this for myself or for the cat? Because if your cat can choose whether or not to go on a trip or outing with you, I can guarantee that nine out of ten cats would say: ‘Please leave me at home’.”
Also read:
“Do not disturb your cat if she does this.” Expert tips how to make 11 types of naughty cats better
Can your cat travel with you? TikTokker Dan Nguyen does it. “I don’t give them sleeping medication”
Labradoodles are a hype. Veterinarian about the ‘hypoallergenic’ dog breed: “Sometimes you are disappointed” (+)
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2024-01-29 13:00:36
#Backpacks #cats #hype #Claudia #Schiffer #Veterinarian #careful #breed
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