My cat LOVES the outdoors, but she is an indoor cat. So I got her a harness, because I really want her to be outside and be happy. I know cat's aren't made for a leash, and when I put the harness on her, she was going crazy! So right now, I'm putting it on her a few minutes at a time, and giving her treats and petting her like crazy, do you guys have any better methods? thankyou!
2007-08-25 12:03:29 · 3 answers · asked by Shiva K 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
First of all, do not use a figure 8 harness which just makes it easy for your cat to escape and do not use a dog-type harness which is really uncomfortable for a cat and makes it easy to escape.
Use a walking jacket which is made just for cats.
http://www.metpet.com/
There are lots of instructions on how to get your cat used to walking on a leash. Note that cats need to get used to it before you put it on because they do not like to be surprised by anything other than a mouse. Keep it around the house for a day or so.
I think most cats are most comfortable going out in the middle of the night, as late as possible when it is very quiet. If you take them out in the middle of the day, cats can meet up with dogs being walked, cars zooming by, people running by, etc. and they become terrified.
Put the harness on, put the leash on and go outside to where it is dark, quiet and interesting. Your cat needs to associate going outside with being on leash. It is an easy association to make as long as your cat wants to be outside.
Hold onto your cat and just let him sniff, sit around or just lie around. Cats do not 'walk' like dogs do. Just make sure you don't let him self get stuck underneath a bush. Cats really enjoy meadows where they can hide in grass or someplace quiet like a forest.
Once they catch a whiff of a mouse, they are hooked.
2007-08-25 12:21:02 · answer #1 · answered by WooHoo 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats that have never been outdoors don't dislike being inside. If you are persistant with putting her on a leash she will eventually get used to it. Please make sure you are supervising her when she is on the leash! A dog or other cat could come by, and she would not be able to get away.
2007-08-25 12:16:50 · answer #2 · answered by phxchik07 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok I use a harness and the first few weeks, kitty HATED it, but soon, she associated it with going outside. I would dangle it in front of her and she loved it. ( I would say "out" and soon she got used to it. I also tried sitting on a bench while I held her and put it on outside while she was distracted....that worked a little, just don't let her get away!
2007-08-25 12:24:56 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋