How can cats get trained to wear a harness?

Answer 1

Hi Ashley... Purchase a light-weight "H" shaped nylon harness that buckles at the neck and the stomach. It should also have a metal ring on the back portion for proper I.D. and to attach to a light weight leash. Collars, figure "8" harnesses with breastplates allow the cat to slip out too easily. To find the correct size, measure the cat's neck and stomach snugly but not tightly. Purchase an I.D. tag at the same time.

Place the harness with the I.D. tag and leash where the cat can sniff, paw and play with them.

After several days, gently, but firmly, put the harness on the cat-allow for 2 finger widths at the neck and at the stomach (do not attach the leash yet). Leave the harness on for 5 minutes initially. Repeat this several times a day for one to two weeks.

Once the cat is comfortable with the harness, attach the I.D. tag and leash. Let the cat drag the leash around the house for several minutes at a time, for a few days. Be sure to supervise the cat to avoid it becoming tangled in furniture. When the cat has accepted this part, pick up the leash and hold on to it. The cat will realize it has restraints placed upon it. Pull on the leash gently, offer food and say the word "come". Be patient.

Sources: http://www.city.whitehorse.yk.ca/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B92462563-CE91-4594-BEB3-71EC0BE2F8AE%7D
http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/ht/leashtrain.htm

Answer 2

The answer is a definite yes.

You've got wonderful advice already - but here's a webpage laid out with clear steps on how to do if you want a look - http://www.catchannel.com/behavior/indoor/article0002.aspx

I regularly walk Rico, my snow Bengal, out on a harness - though I must admit that this is generally after dark in the hopes that noone will recognise me, lol, as Rico comments at the top of his voice as we walk along - "Look at Me, WALKING with the DOG".

I've just switched from a standard lead/leash to one of those extending ones. Rico isn't quite as good at walking at heel as the dog is - Rico tends to like to run forward a bit, lag behind a little. jump up to walk along a wall & generally weave about. Though the extending lead can be a nuisance when he circles the dog & I, it does seem to make his walking experience more enjoyable.

For me, the hardest bit of the experience was actually getting the harness on the very first time. I'd recommend that you are sure where all the little straps should go before trying to put your cat into one.

Good luck, hope yours takes to it as well as my Rico has.

Answer 3

I did this with three kittens when they were around six months of age (not all three at once!). This was to familiarize them with the territory around their home before letting go in and out at will, though I have never allowed my cats to be out at night.

All the directions you have gotten so far are good and I would like to add the caution that you be sure the leash is wrapped around your wrist a few times when you go walking with the cat. A pooked kitty can get the leash out of your hand in a flash and get away from you.

I hope you have fun with it. The cat actually takes you for the walk. He leads, you follow.

Answer 4

by putting the harness on the cat and put a light leash on it and let her walk around by herself and let her drag the leash. she will get accustomed to it and then you give her a treat every time you put on the harness and the leash. she will begin to love the harness and leash. after she gets used to this then start holding it and walk with her around just follow her at first and let her get used to that then start leading her to where you want her to go and she will get used to the movement of the leash and know which way you want her to go.

Answer 5

The easiest way is usually to start them as a kitten so that they get used to it. I've tried it on adult cats and they hated it. But, starting as a kitten, with an outgoing kitten who is interested in the outdoors, can be the best way to go.