Taking cats outside on harness/leash? Tips?

Question

Has anyone ever had any experience with taking there cat outside on a leash or know any preparing steps on doing so, etc.? My cat's a little over a year old and once she's spayed I want to start doing this with her and maybe do baby steps in the backyard while on a harness/leash and maybe just walk with her around the front yard. I'm nervous about leaving the front of the house in case she were to get off the leash. She's got out of the house only once when she was maybe 3-4 months old so she's not really an outside cat, and we don't think she went very far because she came back later that night and ever since she's very cautious to even go in the garage (the way she got out).

No, I just wanted to show her the outside world without her having to be an outside cat since she can't since she doesn't have claws. Like she'll meow at the window and be in the window all day and stare outside and looks really sad. So I thought of putting her on the harness and letting her be out with me and explore a little.

-Snowboard..- I'm not going to let my cat outside without a harness on because she could catch anything (feline hiv), get into a fight, or get into things that people have thrown into their trash, etc. Humans can also be cruel to cats and I don't want to have to fear that for my cat or put her through anything because I didn't want to take the time to harness her properly. I really hope you don't just throw your cats outside, please think about what I've said.

Answer 1

The best harnesses for cats are the ones with a connecting strap both on the back and on the belly, because they're more difficult to wiggle out of. As has been said, the best thing is to let her wear just the harness around the house for a couple of days, until she's used to it and doesn't try to chew her way out of it all the time. Don't overdo it, just take it off after a while so she doesn't get too stressed out by the new thing. Once she's okay with the harness and you're more comfortable with putting it on her as well, put on the leash, and let her walk around a little. You can try to take her outside, but keep her close to the door, and leave the door open so she can go inside when the outside sounds start to scare her. Most likely she got scared by something when she was outside the last time, so she needs to learn that while she's with you it's safe.

She'll let you know when she's more comfortable with being outside, but until it's warmer outside (not that I know where you live, so it might be pretty warm right now) you shouldn't have her out for too long anyway. Shorter walks will probably be good for the first time, of course, but the only judge on how willing she'll be to go out for walks will be you and your cat.

Some cats love going out, and will be overjoyed at seeing the harness (after learning that it means going out, so don't put it on after she's used to it unless you're planning on taking her out), whereas others never take a liking to it.

Good luck =D

Answer 2

Hey! I've taken my cat on a walk, but it didn't work--because I started too late and gave up too early. The earlier you start them on leash training the better off you are, and she is not going to like it at first. Just leave the harness on her with the leash attached (where you can watch her in a safe environment, preferably in one room of the house) so she can get used to it for about an hour, and then pick up the leash when you see her walking around, and follow her with it. Don't pull or anything, just follow her for a little bit and let her see you're holding the leash. Do that once or twice a day every day until she's comfortable with it, and then progress to taking her outside but only after you attach the leash. With some tenacity and patience on both your and kitty's part, you should be able to take walks with her, but remember that it'll have to be on her terms, at least at first, and she may never go for it.

Answer 3

You have made the best plans. It's important to take her out where she will not encounter dogs or loud traffic noises.

She must have a harness and leash - cat's necks are very delicate, not like a dogs. You can't control a cat on a leash without doing damage to its neck.

Don't be discouraged. When you put the harness on the first time she will plop on the floor and not move. So over a few days put it on her until she is moving freely about the house. Then you can attach the leash and go out.

I did this with three of my cats (not all at once!) to familiarize themm with their home territory. A cat who gets out accidentally finds its way home by smell. If you walk her out and bring her home she will be familiar with all the smells associated with her own territory.

Answer 4

i have had success with using a figure8 harness placed backwards--so the leash goes under the chest. cats do not like things on their backs. she might not go for this, because she is already 1 year old. keep the harness on her all the time. when she is used to the harness, then start with the leash trials--let her run around in your presence, so she does not get hung--then take her outside with the leash. i call the leash a lifeline, so kitty doesnot think he's a dog--try it--it takes a long time--maybe 2 weeks.

Answer 5

Use the harness. She will do a belly-crawl at first, but don't be alarmed. This is their way of being very cautious.
Some cats take to the harness more readily than others, so be patient.

It'll take a little time, but go for a minute or two at first and build up from there.

Answer 6

your an inquistive person -read your comments to the girl from Iran-ok about your cat-harness without a leash is useless-as well as most tips-because each cat is different, also when not taught at a young age you deal with its independence-does it have any relatives-see how they are trained-if any take to the leash bring em together and leash the other first-or if no relatives try leashin a cat that dont mind in front of it.
peace in Jesus amazing grace with thanks.

Answer 7

Most cats hate being on a leash, are you trying to get her used to being outside so she can be an indoor/outdoor cat? Or do you only want to take her outside on a leash? If you want her to be indoor/outdoor she should be fine of you are with her for the first few weeks and then she will get used to it and more confident and venture out on her own.

Answer 8

My grandmother walks her siamese cat on a leash regularly! She uses a harness. The cat enjoys it now that she's accustomed to it. It just takes some work at first.

Answer 9

well im 13 i do this with my cat hes a male you get a harness try to teach it not to wonder off where you dont want it to wonder off to.and get on of those harnesses witch has those buttons to stop your cat from going any further.your cat is a female so she wants to see spots that are playful or tidy up spots like a park or somthing.to get her used to walking take her around your house for a demostration.that helps that is what i did for my cat hes nice and fit.walking also helps out their joints.

Answer 10

Thank you!
One pet peeve I have is irresponsible cat owners who let there cats outside to do damage to our property.

I did this with a Himalayan kitten that I had for a long time. I only took him out with his harness on. I never let him out with out it. I treated him as a pet, and friend which he was. I did not want him getting eaten by the coyotes, or beaten up in a fight. Or breeding with all the cats others leave to roam and get some kind of cat disease.

He did great. Teaching him was easy for this is all he new. It sounds like your cat knows what it is like to roam wild? You will have to recondition your kitty. Like giving cats baths (which I did too) some of these wilder cats do not like baths, which is odd to me because mine loved his baths! Even jumping in with me when I was taking one....
You have started well I think with baby steps in your front yard. Do this in your home too. Bunnies are easy to train too if you are watching TV and start "training" as play time.
You have to be consistent like all critters and training. If you give up and put your cat out of the house some day, all your time and effort will be for nothing!
Teaching cats to shake hands, lay, sit, you do the same way. Consistency. Calm voice.

Good luck with her training and continue to be responsible :0)