Manifesto on Cats' Rights

When you get down to it - personalities and domestic pet preferences aside - cats and dogs are not really all that different. They both need food, a solid petting session every now and again and a decent amount of exercise and fresh air. So my question is this: why is it so absurd to see a cat on a leash? Just on an average walk through the park, a cat is less likely than its canine counterparts to bite someone, need to charge after something flying through the air, or awkwardly sniff the groin area of a stranger. Yet they are rountinely banished from outdoor activity by their owners. Why? Because they might run off and get lost. This is why leashes were invented, isn’t it?! But slap one on your cat and you are suddenly considered a societal outcast. Crazy, even. Consider these two scenarios:

Dog Owner: The dog needs some exercise, I’m going to take him for a walk on the leash.

Response: Ok, great. See you later!

Cat Owner: The cat needs some exercise, I’m going to take him for a walk on the leash.

Response: WHAT?!?!? That’s crazy! People will think you’re crazy!

See the difference? Now I’m not normally a crusader for pet rights, or any rights for that matter, but like banning gay marriage or matching your purse with your shoes every time you leave the house, this seems a pointless concession to the insecurities of society. Admit it, the only reason you wouldn’t walk your cat is because other people will think you’re weird. You think it’s weird. But it really isn’t. It’s not like I’m asking you to put costumes or sweater vests on them.