Maine Coons & Cat Leashes?

Question

Hi all, I've just bought a cat harness for my 6 month old Maine Coon and am looking forward to introducing her ot the garden this way (as she's never been out before). Has anyone else used this method? If so how did your cat react and what's the best way of doing this without getting torn to shreds? Thank u!

Answer 1

I know someone who walks their cat all the time and it is a Maine Coon. A lot just depends upon the personality of the cat. My cats would lay on the ground and make you drag them. They would prefer to be dragged than to get up and walk which is why I do not bother.

Answer 2

When I decided to start my Maine Coon with a leash, I first left the harness lying out on the floor, so she could have a really good sniff at it, and give it a smack every now and then. I let her have access to it this way for a few days, and then slowly started putting it on her for a few minutes a time, so she would not freak out too much.In the beginning, she would just lie on the floor with it on, not moving an inch. She eventually got used to having it on though, and she would wander around the house wearing it. I then attached the leash, and allowed her to walk around with the leash trailing. After a few days of this, I started to take her out with it on, and she was fine, and now loves to go for her "walkies" wearing it. Some cats really freak out if they are not used to having a harness on, so do try the above method.

Answer 3

At 6 months, she should be up for just about anything! My Maine Coon is fearless and loves going outside. Make sure the harness is snug, but not cutting off circulation. Mine's a regular Houdini! If it wasn't snug, he used to wriggle out of it. I got a retractable lead for mine, he likes to go exploring all over the yard.
Just make sure the harness is snug, attach the lead, then carry her out to the yard and set her down. At first, she may be paralyzed by this new experience. Just give her time to come to terms with it, and see there's no reason to be scared. If she really likes to follow you, you may be able to walk her, but most likely, she'll walk you. Mine resists going where I want, so we just go where he wants. If we can't, I just stand still till he realizes he's not going to get to go that way, then he'll pick another direction.
Points to consider: She'll probably want to eat grass. You can't hardly stop it. That may or may not make her throw up. It won't hurt her (unless chemicals have been used on the lawn), just be aware.
Another thing: If you take her out regularly, it would be best to start using Frontline or Advantage on her, if you aren't already. There will be fleas and ticks out there just waiting to hitch a ride. Which brings us to point number 3: It's a good idea to brush her (especially that belly!) when you bring her in, so any creepy-crawlies don't get deposited around the house!
If she has a habit of fussing and scratching you, there's a sure cure for that! They're called Soft Claws, plastic caps for cats' nails! You trim Kitty's nails, then attach them with the included nail glue, that's all there is to it! You could have the vet tech do it the first time to show you how. They have to be replaced about every 6 weeks or so. These are available at the vet's, Petco, and through catalogs. You can order them at www.DrsFosterSmith.com. That's a supplier of pet products that I really like. Soft Claws even come in "designer" colors, so you can coordinate with her coat or lead! A lot more humane than declawing, but it really saves your hide!
Have fun exploring the great outdoors with Kitty!

Answer 4

I have Norwegian Forest cats they are similar to Maine Coons, most of ours will will happily go on a lead as they are indoor or run cats. They love it, I put the harness on them in the house first of all and let them get used to it and then progress to the garden. The main things you have to take care about are sudden noises which could frighten them, from experience once got a lot of scratches when the neighbours started up the lawn mower.
Our first NFC used to like to go to the local park as we had a very small garden to exercise him in he loved the attention.

Answer 5

I walk my bengal all the time outside. The first couple times we went out I brought him out in the kennel with his harness and a retractable leash. Having a harness tight enough but not too tight is important because if the cat gets scared it can wiggle out of anything. Put the harness on your cat and let her get used to it for a while then put her in a kennel or carry her outside and set her down and sit by her and let her explore. Once she gets used to being outside she will love it then call her to follow you while you are walking and soon she will be trotting along beside you. Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Hi, i did this with my Siamese cats a few years ago when they were little. The girl hated it and just ran back inside, but the little boy loved it! Just gently place them at the back door with the door open and let him sniff the [place and take his time. He will keep very low to the ground at first and probably for a while. My 2 didnt walk well on the lead so i attached their leashes to a long line (actually it was the washing line) and the little boy would run up and down and loved it. However, i wouldn't recommend it unless your cat is going to be an outside cat. My boy always trys to escape now and i feel very bad for keeping him inside. Good luck with it.

Answer 7

We used to let our kitty go outside with us on a leash he took it great just because he was way more into the new smells, and whats going on in the wild lol...

Good Luck and have FUN!!! :-)

Answer 8

carfully take the cat out. it may not like it outside though. if its a house cat i wouldn't even bother to take it out why? its just outside and all the mess. i would never let the cat out.