There are some cats who will walk on a leash, Carol. They're rare, but they do exist...I've seen the odd one who was quite happy to walk on a leash beside its owner.

And there is NO doubt whatsoever that walking a dog or a cat is simply a fabulous way to strike up conversations with women (or men) who are complete strangers. Nothing beats it. I'm not surprised the Saudi authorities are concerned! ;-D

Now, in that society it is not considered proper to initiate conversations on the street with women you don't know. It's a breach of etiquette. That used to be the case in many Asian countries too, and it probably still is in some. It even used to be a breach of etiquette in some European societies, I think, but things have changed.