Thread: Help please !

That is what we have done (just put on harness for short periods while in house to get cats used to it before trying to go outside). The different cats have reacted very differently to it. For some it was a major issue, while for others no big deal. One pretty much chewed through his first one in no time. The kittens have tended to be more bothered by having the harness on than have the adults.

It can also take some time for them to get used to being restrained by the lead even once they are used to the harness (you pull on it and they freak out). The one danger that we have encountered is trying out the lead inside and having cat take off running unexpectedly and pulling lead from hand. Then once they are running, lead dragging behind them scares them even more and you have a hard time stopping them. Next time I do this I will try it first in a small room where I have better control. I would also strongly recommend having two people along with the first outside trips in case the cat becomes scared, as one can hold onto leash while the other grabs him/her.

We have trained three cats so far that got very used to the harness and leash routine. Still, they do not always willing let you put harness on, even though they know they must wear it in order to go outside.

Thanks for the response, it is interesting to hear that it seems the kittens were more bothered by the harness than the older cats. I agree with what you say about trying it out in a small room first and then having someone else with you when you do go outside. It is only early days so hopefully Harry will be more accepting of it in the future.

I have three that are fine on leash,the older girl that we rehomed we put harness on straight away picked up the leash & off she went as if she had been brought up with it,but previous owner said she had never been put on one before,Bruce we started off as kitten & as soon as we got harness on we played with him for a few minutes then stopped & after a few times he took no notice of harness so then we attatched the leash but played with him again just lightly holding on once again after doing this a few times hubby went to bottom of hall with a dish of food & I just lightly restrained him on leash so he could feel me holding him back but food won out & we gradually built on it until he was quite happy & then went further by taking him for walks outside,he is the one that travels with us & when we stop for tea break hops out of car & goes for a walk around the woods like a dog... Merl we done the same way & he is fine although the furthest he will venture is the front garden with you because although he is a big boy you never know who just might pop out from behind that bush & get you,the two newest ones are happy in the harness part but we haven't really conqured walking on a leash but they are happy enough though to have it on so you can have them sitting on your lap in a car if needed,I think with them it was because we tried to do them both together & they found it more fun to try & get the harness off of each other than take notice of us.The newest babes are lucky though the back garden is now enclosed for them all to play in so they do get into the outside world,the older ones didn't have that amenity to begin with.
How many of us still end up getting the harness on upside down or two legs through one hole though,good luck with the training.....

How many of us still end up getting the harness on upside down or two legs through one hole though

Glad it's not just me then ! - I think we both (Harry and me ) have some training to do. I guess it's just going to be down to having patience and time to to be spent on it, the rest is going to be luck. We unfortunately haven't got the space for an enclosure in garden hence the reason I went for this option. Thanks for the advice it is good to know I'm on the right track. Will let you know my progress (if any!)

We had a harness for our old MC as he was a Pat Cat, he was about 4 years old when I got his, so maybe you just have to treat him like a puppy with there 1st collar, put it on for short periods of time 1st & maybe give him something tastey to eat so he thinks harness nice

Milo used to come chargeing down the stairs when he heard his harness jangle just remember it is nothing like walking a dog though, well maybe a spotty dog

Thanks for the ideas. That's one thing I want to train Gryfn to. Especially as everyone wants to see him! and I think it would be easier to take him to the vets in a harness.