We have a housecat that has been inside for the last year and now he keeps trying to get outside alot.
2006-08-17 11:20:44 · 14 answers · asked by brick316 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
It's a good idea if you are planning to take him outside. Get him neutered if you haven't yet, as that will reduce his wanting to get out.
2006-08-17 11:26:58 · answer #1 · answered by Bug's Mama 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes--a leash for a cat is a great way to let him safely enjoy the outdoors.
Many cats who are not used to a harness will not like it initially; so train him tolerate to the harness first. Then you can attach the leash; and after that, hold the other end.
Not all cats will walk on a leash the way a dog will; they are not pack animals and will not have the instinct to run with you the way a dog does. If this is true of your cat, going out in the yard and following your cat around (rather than leading your cat) is probably your best bet.
In any event, you are very wise to keep your cat indoors. Traffic, poisons, and cruel people are very real threats to outdoor cats--in fact, an outdoor cat's lifespan is usually ten years shorter than an indoor cat's. That's a great deal of difference when the oldest cats live to be only about twenty.
2006-08-17 11:52:08 · answer #2 · answered by lisa450 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your cat. I have three. One is about as leash trained as a cat can get. He's very easy to take outside. Another will wear the harness but doesn't like it. I have to make sure the harness isn't too loose because he's afraid of everything. The last doesn't want anything to do with the harness.
If your cat is willing to wear the harness give it a try. If it doesn't work you can still use the harness for trips to the vet.
2006-08-17 12:43:42 · answer #3 · answered by theoriginalquestmaker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I think its worth a try. I got one for one of my cats and he loves to go outside on a leash. First try out the harness in the house without the leash and let him get used to the feeling of it. When he's used to it, just take him out in the yard with the leash. Let him lead you around and be sure that you don't yank the leash. I'm sure he'll love it. My cat is so used to walking on his leash that we walk around the block now. I just have to watch out for dogs.
2006-08-17 11:29:49 · answer #4 · answered by lena b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'd definitely try it... i tried this with my indoor cats and they don't like it at all. i wish that i had started using a leash when they were kittens. when i take them outside with the leash, they are very timid and seem to be more concerned with the leash than exploring the outdoors.
i wouldn't advice letting your cat go outside...they're much healthier being indoor. maybe get them a kitty condo that can be placed close to a window and outside that window, put a bird feeder. or if you have a patio, think about getting it screened in so that you can atleast let him out there
goodluck!
2006-08-21 08:09:21 · answer #5 · answered by Lady D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats don't tend to be fond of the leash and harness unless they have been bought up with one. Trust me I had to try to get my cat used to one for when we moved house to another island. She would just lie down and try to squirm out of it. I think if the cat knows that the house is home, it will come back if you let it out. Try starting by maybe feeding it outside. This way it shouldn't take off because your holding the food.
2006-08-17 11:34:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
We did that for my indoor cat and she loves it this way she can go outside but still not be able to get in any trouble. Just be sure to introduce the harness slowly and make sure it fits right otherwise she could slip out.
2006-08-17 11:26:28 · answer #7 · answered by Jemma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes,I would. I adopted my cat from a shelter,before that she was a stray, and she tries to get out all the time. So I got a leash for her,she despised it at first,but now is OK with it.
2006-08-17 12:34:19 · answer #8 · answered by blue3coco 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i actually have two cats i've tried this with. it can be very frustrating if you think you're going to walk your cat, because they don't walk...they like to stand around, sniff the air, roll around in the dirt, then maybe move 5 feet.
i've known people to buy long leashes and keep them in their yard. if you do this, make sure that it is long enough for them to hide somewhere if a dog or something else threatens them. it can be a nice diversion, but it can also be a death trap.
2006-08-17 11:28:02 · answer #9 · answered by brimaf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so,to be safe.My cats wear harnesses when they go out but they have since they were kittens.It's harder to get an older cat to do something they don't to.But I think it's safer to have a cat on a harness.
2006-08-17 14:39:00 · answer #10 · answered by Beth D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opppinion u should get a harness and a lease for ur cat and take it for a walk
2006-08-17 11:27:39 · answer #11 · answered by buddythedog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋