Harness training an old cat?

Question

Has anyone here had any experience in harness training older cats? In the spring, my indepent old mouser is going to have to move with us to the city. Because we don't know yet what our future neighborhood will be like, Im thinking it may be a good idea to harness train him just in case. He's always had free range, but because of injuries, and his age, I don't trust him to be loose in the city. Any advice on how to go about getting an old independent cat like him to accept being harnessed, would be appreciated.

come on Kam, that's not what i wanna hear! LOL

Answer 1

Hi Kareen...here are some simple steps to help harness train an older kitty:

Step 1. Purchase a harness that is designed to pull from the chest, not from the throat. A harness is preferable to a collar because if properly fitted, it will provide less opportunity for Kitty to wriggle out of it. You should be able to slip two fingers between the harness and the cat. If it is too loose, the little escape artist will be out of it in no time. The leash should be lightweight and detachable and have a clip that closes tightly. We do not recommend from ‘figure eight’ style harnesses, as these can pinch Kitty and make the harness uncomfortable. Instead, the preferred design should be an “H-style” design, with two independently adjustable loops connected by a third piece of material. SmartCat has a comfortable and easily adjustable harness.

Step 2. Let your cat get used to the harness and leash by leaving them near his favorite sleeping place for a few days. The training process begins in the home. Before placing the harness on the cat, prepare Kitty's favorite meal--something so delectable that it makes him forget about everything else. Immediately after placing the harness on him put the food in front of him. Praise him profusely. After he is finished eating, let him walk around for awhile. Distract him with toys if he seems unhappy with the harness. After he has visibly relaxed, the harness can be removed.

Step 3. Attach the leash to the harness. Don't try to walk Kitty at this point, just let him walk where he pleases, dragging the leash behind him. Always supervise these sessions in case the leash gets caught on something. Most cats will accept the addition of the leash readily, but if yours becomes agitated, divert his attention, as before. Encourage Kitty to walk, and when he does, shower him with praise. Keep these daily training sessions short and positive.

Step 4. Once your cat is at ease with the harness and leash, pick up the leash and walk around the house behind him, being careful to keep the lead slack. At this point you do not want to restrict the cat's movement, just let him get used to having you follow him. Practice this for a few days.

Step 5. Now its time to teach Kitty to go where you want him to go. Using a sweet, high-pitched voice, encourage him to follow you. (Kittens have a natural follow-Mom response.) Don't expect him to walk like a dog. Allow Kitty to wander from side to side within the confines of the length of the leash, but do not veer off your predetermined course. When the cat feels resistance, he will either walk in your direction, or lie down. Patience and persuasion are the key words here. Never pull or jerk the lead to force your cat back in line. One bad experience may turn your cat against leash training forever.

Step 6. Once Kitty is walking comfortably on the leash inside, you can introduce him to the outdoors. It may be best to simply sit with Kitty on the stoop outside for the first few jaunts. Let him become used to the sights and sounds of this new, and somewhat scary, world. You'll know when Kitty has adapted to this new environment. He will look relaxed, nervous tail twitching will stop, and he will show an interest in exploring. Let him. Now find a quiet location that will present as few frightening elements as possible and follow the same procedure you used to accustom Kitty to walking on a leash indoors. (Remember, never leave the cat outside unattended.)

Now your feline friend can join you for walks around the neighborhood, picnics, even window shopping. Trips away from home (eg.to the vet) will also be easier for you and less traumatic for your cat.

Answer 2

Cat Harness Training

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

I had an older cat that I kept indoors -it's healthier and safer for them. I bought a harness and leash which I'd secure into the ground outside. As long as the harness isn't too tight and you put it on properly you shouldn't have any problems. I would suggest, however, that you put it on before moving and leave it on a couple of days at a time. Also, don't try to take it for a walk because it's older and will not respond or like it one bit. It would be like taking the Rock of Gibraltar for a walk. They don't mind wandering around a little bit on their own, but they hate it when you try to take them for a walk.

Answer 5

I have a 3 Year old maine **** kitty who leash trained but I got him used to it when he was a kitten. My advice to you is to take it slow. First start out by just letting him/her sniff the harness, put it down in front of him/or her let him/her play with it. IMPORTANT afterward give the kitty a treat.Next day or two try to put the harness on (don't worry they will naturally try to fight a little)just talk to him /her softly and don't forget the treat. Leave the harness on untill the kitty forgets its even there like the kitty walk around with the harness on as to get use to it. after the kitty gets to this point you should be okay. BUT REMEMBER this key thing be firm set your boundries but let the kitty "walk" you they will be more comfortable this way.

Answer 6

When my cats were kittens, I trained them to wear a harness comfortably. It took a lot of patience, because at first they thought the leash was a toy. But, in time, they were walking with it like champs. I take my cats on a daily walk, and they love it. It is a big responsibility, and it just so happens to be one that I enjoy. Make sure you supervise your cat while its on a leash. I wouldn't recommend letting him roam around by himself in your backyard . . he could get tangled up.

Answer 7

The first thing you need to know is what kind of training you and your dog need. After that locate some good trainers that will take you and your dog, not just the dog. Learn how to train your dog https://tr.im/PKJFB

In this special presentation you'll discover exactly why it's so important to start training your dog the right way. Important for you, important for your family, and, most of all, important for your dog! And It'll give you some great hints, tips, and advice to help you turn your dog into the best behaved, happiest, running, jumping, slipper-fetching best pal you always wanted.

These are the very same tips that I spent years perfecting, the very same tips that have worked for thousands of dog lovers just like you.

Answer 8

old cats are generally not as active as young cats, so using a harness would make it a lot easier on you. but if you can, try not to use the harness at all. keep it an inside cat, and when you're taking it out THEN use a harness. but if it's originally an outside cat already, then use a type of harness that's not damaging the cat's bone or muscle structre. it'll hurt him even more because of his age

Answer 9

Its quit hard for a cat to get use to a place when you move - ive had one cat who ran right back to our old house just after we brang him to his new home. what i think you should do is try to harness train him, but it might be hard seeing hes so use to being free range. when you end up moving keep him inside for a couple of days so he gets use to the house and then when it comes to the time to take him out - do so , but maby with a harness so hes not half way up the street befor u step out the door.

really hope everything works out-

Answer 10

Let the harness lay on the floor for a few days so he can get use to seeing that it wont hurt him.Then put it on him for a minute daily.When he accepts it a minute without rolling all over the floor and trying to pull it off then keep it on him longer.When he can go several hours without trying to scratch the harness off then you know he has accepted it.