you shouldn't let your cat walk out on its own even with a harness and leash because they could get comfortable doing that on their own and door dash. ALWAYS carry your cat out.
Omg thank you I’m trying to make my cat Toby into a ESA (Emotional support animal) and I tried rushing it and I didn’t know what I was doing but but thank you ❤️
Cats can totally be trained to do that. Last year I had to handle my alcoholic mum basically destroying herself, and I eventually brought my cat to visit her because I couldn't really cope with being in that deep, dark space without some comfort - and he was an absolute champ! He's not too keen on the travelling aspect of it all, but when we get there he's now "at home" in her house and even has some sort of entente with her little dog. (They invented social distancing before the rest of us caught on!) So my cat definitely works as an ESA for me. I couldn't have done what I did in the past year if I hadn't had him there by my side.
I trained my 6 month old back in 2016 and it took about a week before we took her outside. My new 3 month, I kinda was able to buy a harness and off we went. She got used to it in 10 min inside, was back to normal playing around, so I decided to try taking her out. Man was I IMPRESSED! I thought she’d be scared, nope, she was in heaven! I have never been more convinced she’s a Maine coon
The problem is my cat wants to stay outside all day and doesn’t want to come back in the house 🙄😩 He’s so stubborn. He throws a fit when we have to come back home.
Aww your cat sounds like they have a lot of Cattitude! Maybe give a big treat jackpot or playtime with favorite toy as soon as you get home from a walk. It will take a few sessions before it clicks but maybe that will give kitty something to look forward to.
Tell me about it. So I've been putting him out all day and I've been worried every day. And he stayed 4 days this past time. So I have no choice but to do the leash training. How my cat is going to do that is beyond me but I'm certainly going to give it my best. Thank you for the video it was great
@@elsplace896 leash training is the safest and one of great ways to bond together. Cats when left out unsupervised can get into dangerous situations. Instead of a carrier I use my shoulder as a "safezone" for my cats. When they feel uncomfortable with a stranger or dog incoming they'll want to come up to my shoulder. I trained them individually at first since it takes dedicated 1 on 1 to train right.
All good advice. I was able to harness train a 5 year old indoor cat and introduce her to the outdoors, so it can certainly be done. Taking it slow and steady is the key, letting the cat dictate the pace they are comfortable with. I got her used to the harness around the house first before taking her out into the garden with the leash. Once she seemed happy enough with that we were ready for a trip to the nearby beach. She complained a lot at first but within 20 minutes or so she had really warmed to it and was in full explore mode. She also enjoyed the attention she was getting from passers by who loved seeing a cat being taken on a walk. One thing I will say, you do need to keep an eye out at all times for dogs and always be ready to pick the cat up quick if necessary to avoid potential trouble, which is why I'd recommend a short leash rather than an extending one. I'm happy to say most dogs only wanted to make friends, even though she was less than enthusiastic about that. :))
Cats should not be taken for rides to walk places. If they got out of harness because of your advice would that be worth it? Enless it is a very good harness cats can get out of them. They are not dogs and like to have established territory. You think they are enjoying themselves however, for cats it's all about established territory and boundaries. People want to make their cats into dogs. And they are not. You may think your cat wants to see and do all these things. If you create the right home environment and play with them daily along with perhaps a safe supervised outdoor patio etc. it is much better for them
I took an Uber with my cat to my parents house once. She had on one of those Velcro type harnesses (easier to put on her, also soft so I felt like more comfortable).. anyway, I was holding her and had my duffel bag. Out of Uber now, looking for parents house key, she got out of that harness somehow!!!!! I realized it and grabbed her and held her right when I found the key and we made it inside safely. So be careful for sure. Wondering if two leashes might be a good idea, one attached to harness and one to a dog style collar? Idk.
@@jenniferwoods3214 Consider keeping your cat in a secure closed carrier when traveling anywhere with a leash hook attached to hook in carrier so they are also connected in the carrier.The best harness I have found is on Jaxon Galaxys web site. It is much more secure than traditional ones when worn correctly. It also is reflective which is helpful. I am not sure if you are familiar with him and his shows. No leash or carrier is full proof if a cat is not in a familiar environment. To get them used to the carrier keep carrier out in your house and turn it into a cozy box or bag that it may like using while in the house. That way it may not mind being placed in it when you need to use it. Spray a products like" Feli a Way " on and in the bag prior to going anywhere if cat is less trusting as it is designed to mimic a scent that is calming to cats. Don't spray on cat or while it is in there though Just spray on prior to going somewhere. If you have problems getting cat into carrier try one that opens at top. Make sure it is zipped and locked once in or it may get out of carrier. Buy a carrier with a secure zipper. Remember if it is open even a drop they can get out. You should hold your cat regardless though enless it is in a familiar place with either a secure harness and leash or have it in a comfortable secure carrier. Some cats freak out with carriers if they don't associate it with good things. Learn what works best before you go on an outing. When you research for info listen to professionals or people who actually work with animals.
Then there is hope for me and my 10 month old kittie. She grew up her 1st 12 weeks with access to a garden, and nature right outside. coming to a small 24 square meter flat was a bit of an adjustment. Now, she could hardly wait to get back inside after 10 minutes outside on a leash.
Thanks for sharing this. My cat loves to sneak out the door and I think he loves to explore outside. I am planning on buying a leash so I could take him at the park. Thanks for the tips.
Be careful with this.. because it can make your indoor cat, want to be an outdoor cat. This happened with my cat. She liked the outdoors so much that she started doordashing en trying to get out all the time. So now she goes out on her own. I dont like it at all.
My cat never had a problem with his harness the first time I put it on he never tried to scratch me or get out of it. He did fall over so I let him lie there for a while then I helped him keep his balance and once he got the hang of it he loved wearing it :)
I adopted my cat when she was 6 weeks old from a lady who was fostering her. Unfortunately, the lockdown was right after that, so she couldn't be socialized properly and was always scared of going outside and of strangers. She would look outside windows, look out of the front door, but never dared getting out...
Same situation with my cat.. I tried to make her get used to the outside by closing the door after bringing her out with me so that she can't go in. She stayed close to the door for sometime but eventually started venturing out. Been trying this for a while now and she seems less scared
Thanks, my kitten is like this, every time we go outside she tries to follow us, has scaped three times in the same morning ( we live in an appartment so she didn't got past the stairs because i grabbed her) and when we go near the door ( not to leave, just passing by) she stands up against it on her back legs and meows looking at me, asking to be let out ( and her meow actually sounds so much like a small dog my mother jokes that between that and how fast she comes when you call her,she is a cat with dog spirit) and i've seen that harness training can be a good solution so i've decided to try it.
I think your cat does not want you to go outside. That is why she tries to get out when you do. If you work longer hours or are not home often your cat is more likely to do what you just described. Try to spend more quality time with your cat indoors and if you work long hours or go out think of your cat too. Cats need their humans and the more quality time you give your cat by playing with it and grooming it with a nice brush or comb and feeding it on a schedule the less your cat will look to go outside. Many people think cats are independent. That is not true at all. They just haven't taken the time to bond with their cat. Try my suggestion. And if your cat is going to the door consistently do something like tap your foot to discourage it. Almost every time though that I have seen cats do that it is because of one or all of the things I mentioned.
I had a cat I used to walk (has since passed) and I trained him to walk around the yard with me simply by everytime he walked out of the yard, I'd put him back in the yard. If he ran out of the yard, I'd put him inside. I started with a leash, and then eventually took it off him. Once I took it off him, he refused to go out wearing it. Obviously it was mostly just following him around to his favorite spots. I like taking the leash off because he could dash from one end of the yard to the other (half acre yard). He was a good boy, and wouldn't leave (mostly, if he thought I wasn't looking he might be bad). I could also throw a stick and he would chase it. He was usually done have 30min to an hour.
My cat walks ducking down with the harness on. I wonder why. He also prefers sitting on my shoulders over walking the ground. On an unrelated note: nice curls!
Thank you! My cat walked like that in the beginning too. I think he just felt the harness on him and he may have felt less confident he could get away in a jiffy if something spooky happened. He grew more confident over may practices and walks normally now. Also, I’m super jealous your cat is a shoulder surfer. I think that’s super cool and shows how much your cat trusts you.
MY CAT sits at the door literally every day, and when I open the door it wants to run or walk out, I let her walk out since its an apartment, so the only way for her to run away is the elevator, but when I put on the leash she doesn't move at all...
My cat is addicted of going outside!!! She meows at my family every day so we put a harness on her and put her outside on a weight that she can Carry around
great reminder that this is for the cat and that they’re not supposed to follow you like dogs. i do wonder if it’s possible to get them to walk by your side
I didnt have to train my cat it just worked, no clicker or treats my cat is a Turkish van cross ragdoll, he was previously an outdoor cat abandoned by the last owners
That is very Motivating!! Some cats can take to it very naturally. In which case you’re ready for adventure much sooner. Thanks for watching and commenting ❤️
Vern is a 4-month-old Bengal. I intend to start walking him along the San Marcos River here eventually. But it seems to me that it would be best to wait until I get him microchipped. Just in case. Does that sound like the best idea?
My cats love going outside and one is more human accepting them the other. The rescues with a tail broken in 6 different places who loves to go outside and her brother is the most skittish cats ever!
Brilliant video!! Perfectly informative and also fun. I walk my cat too and this video was easy to relate to and I'm sure will help others understand the best way to go about walking their cat too.
my cat has been an indoor cat her entire life. But recently if we leave the door open for a little while we find her outside exploring very shyly. I was able to put the harness on but she hasn't gotten used to it yet. She walks crouching and then flops over. Once that's out of the way I have to figure out a way to get her out only with the harness on, rather than her walking out on her own... The box idea is a great idea I didn't think of. That's an entire challenge on its own as she currently doesn't view it as a safe place.
Sadly, I got my cat when he was older so it sometimes get hard to walk him since he dousen’t trust me or my family. Thanks for the tips ☺️ I hope this will help!
Did this, my cat ran straight into the bush when a car drove by. We live right in the middle of a neighborhood. Next thing you know, the furball has ear-mites, and a fear of outdoors. She is an incredibly feisty, furry, and stubborn Russian-Blue.
Watch my cat Gypsy on a leash. He absolutely loves it… or better NEEDS his evening walks. It’s a half European short hair / half Siberian and is incredibly smart. He didn’t need training and the walk itself is his treat. Mandatory for me daily or I am punished for not taking him. He walks better than my dog and follows verbal instruction perfectly so I can hurry him along when necessary. I find it helps talking to him to sooth over possible threats. I walk at dusk when he feels secure. Fifteen minutes a day keeps him satisfied. Three cats from the neighborhood always tag along which is quite a happening. Many people think it awkward but I don’t want to risk another cat dying from poisonous oleander plants.
Hi thank you so much for this video! I love how you mentioned to feed them in the carrier. I did not considered that, but totally makes sense! Cant wait to try. Where is the harness in the video from? It seems way more secure than the one I have. George (my cat) has figured out how to wiggle his way out. Figured it be best to change it.
The honest truth is that no harness is totally escape proof. But it does give you more control and time to restrain your kitty when they are outside. That being said, different styles will work for different kitties. I like the step-in style harness. That’s the pink one used in the video. And I agree with above poster. That harness was an old one we used to use and it was in fact a puppy harness. It was a step in harness and worked well. I think it was from Petsmart about 3 years ago. I also sell step-in harnesses in my shop as well as H-style harnesses. A vest style harness may work well if your kitty is especially squirmy. Best of luck and have fun!
I have a VERY squirmy kitty, and would not stay in an "H" style or step in harness. I had to go with the "vest" style, and it had the benefit of adding some insulation when we went outside in the Winter. (I live in NW Ohio, so the winters get down to Sub-Zero temps. But he has been wearing the harness 3 years now, and doesn't care anymore, so I can use the "H" style in the summer.
This video super helpful, cute and hilarious at the same time. Thanks so much!! 💙 Ps. You should def make many more videos on cat walking… like breaking down each step even further with more tips and lessons. Thank you!!!
My cat is a outdoor cat since she is little ( she is 4 know ) we are currently living in Germany and it’s very safe here for her. But next year I’m moving to Thailand and I’m scared to let her go out on her one so I want to try and leash train her. I will have a lot time when I’m there and can take her with me 80% of the time. I hope everything works out. Thanks for the tips. 🙏🏻
They aren't dogs. They don't want to go places with you. They want to be home in their territory. They also like to sleep during the day. Don't let her out in Thailand. They can get out of harnesses also. If you insist on doing it look into the cloth vest like harnesses on Jackson Galaxys web site etc. Play with your cat and make her living space interesting for her
@@starspangledwinner That's pretty generalizing. Yes, cats aren't dogs, but cats can be interested in the outside world as well. You'll just need to pay attention to what signals your cat is giving you, and you'll be able to tell if it wants to stay indoors (totally agree with you here btw, that should be its favorite space), or extend it's territory to the outdoors under supervision
@@aggresstable_cos4039 the problem is with videos like this the message may inadvertently encourage people in the wrong way. While responsible pet owners will try this the right way, others may get lazy and take a perfectly content indoor cat into a situation where they are using sub par leashes that animals can get out of or the owner may start getting comfortable and just let their cat out unattended. I agree one size does not fit all with cats,however, video makers need to start their videos covering all bases with safety to make sure that it creates more help and zero harm. Or not at all. Domesticated cats are also harmful to native wild life and should never be out unattended. And in neighborhoods even on a leash there are untrained dogs etc. You Tube does a crappy job monitoring the videos and messages on here enless ofcourse it's something political. They need to hire more people and regulate videos in this category.
@@starspangledwinner Yeah, I agree with your point. I have done a lot of research on how to train your cat to get used to a harness, what kinds of harnesses there are and how safe they are, and am still very concerned about the threat of unleashed dogs for example. Unfortunately this is one of those topics that relies on common sense. It should go without saying that, if your cat shows obvious aversion towards going outside, it's completely content to stay indoors and you aren't taking anything from it by not forcing it outside. It would be nice if videos of the sort started with mentioning some of these things, and also perhaps mentioning that taking your cat outdoors is not as "simple" as putting a harness on it and going. Still, I think the video was really good for what it was (showing how to harness train your cat), and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that those who seek it and other videos like it out, are also smart enough to think one step further and look for ones on safety etc. as well.
my cat Kaolin is a inside/outside cat and we got a collar for him. we started inside the first day all day and then the second day we went outside and walked around the yard (we made sure the dog was inside after we leashed him). third day we walked down a small road with him and turned back. fourth day we went down a longer road. and fifth day we went all the way around the neighborhood and our neighbors Llamas loved Kaolin.
@@badcatfamily yeah we now walk everyday with my brother but right now i can’t since i’m not home to walk him i miss Kaolin so much right now but whenever i get back from vacation we are getting back to our routine and also you just earned a new sub
my cats love looking outside and i can tell they want to go out so bad. i’ve been training them to wear their harnesses since they were young kittens (~8 weeks old) and they’re comfortable wearing the harnesses but the SECOND they step outside they’re immediately timid. even when we’re bringing out groceries, they’ll run outside but immediately stop once they get there and stay right next to our door. any recommendations? the cat carrier idea is interesting and i might try they but they can’t even get 10 ft from the front door and we’ve tried so much already.
It sounds like you’ve made a ton of progress so far and you’re way ahead of the game for starting while they were young. Don’t give up now! Try having them chase their favorite toy around the house while wearing their harness, concentrating playing near the front door. Next time, do the same thing but with the door open. Then the next time, play over the threshold and on the stoop/steps/patio. Good luck and be sure to have fun too!
I can’t find any info on that pink harness in your video. My cat loves to go out but hates having the harness go over her head...looks like that one doesn’t? The ones on your website seem to be different. Thanks!
Look for an adjustable harness near the dog/ puppy harness. I have 2 left over from my cat. She passed away and after these cats pass away I’m pretty much done with 24/7 animal sitting.
When I opened the door, My cat bolted out slammed up against the harness and leash and screamed and struggled almost got out of the harness and then we had to come in
This video made me realize how small we are in the universe, how short life is, and how dumb everything is in a good way. Stop taking everything seriously at all cuz we are gonna die in like .000000001 seconds in-universe time.
I didn't try walking my cat until he was 15 and now he lices it but as he wants to explore areas in the condo community that he can't, he starts hissing and I have to force him back which then starts the wailing. Had a bad experience with my first cat. Guess I need more tips.
We're just learning to walk our cat. But I have a problem with the cat litter. I can't stand the smell. I complete wash the box 4 times a day. Any advice on cat litter? Thank you P. Davenport
I just put my cat Pickles a harness and he went nuts 😂 one thing about him is that whenever he would dash outside the house he wouldn't run from me instead he would be so chill sniffing the bushes lol and loved the "this is for your cat, not for you" 👍
I’m watching for the cats but honestly I subscribed because your hot. Has anyone ever told you how much you look like “that one chick” 🤦♂️ that dates Jason in true blood. So much so I’ll be embarrassed if your like well duh that was me. Anyways keep up great work!
I am attempting to adopt a cat that needs to be an indoor cat due to his health. I was thinking taking him for walks on a harness might be something i could try. I mentioned it in an indoor cat group and someone was very against the idea and said it would be for me not for the cat. I liked what you said in the video that its for the cat. I absolutely agree. It should absolutely be for your cat and not for you. And i think it is possible to do it successfully but it very much depends on the individual cat. I have a particular bribery/reward treat in mind. I don't have a clicker. Maybe i will click my tongue.
My cat is my ESA, therapist reccomend. He is a very good boy, very patient and unbothered. He doesn't care at all about having the harness on, but I want to transition him into using it very gently so it is as enjoyable for him as it is for me. I don't really want to take him into shops or buildings with me, but I really enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors and I hope he will too so we can both have a positive experience.
I have a 8 month old kitten that is TERRIFIED of going anywhere but home. What do I do? I already followed the steps to harness train her and she did amazing and stays still when I put it on. But whenever I take her outside she whines and looks really scared.
Is there any other activity they like? Maybe brushing them, petting them? Do they like catnip or silver one? That may get them more interested in toys.
My cats cry alot wanting to go out. But I don't let them. I feel so bad!!! Cause I mean they sposse to be outside . I feel like I am making them live a boring life. But I just don't want to them to get hurt. I try playing with them but they get bored easy
My cat loves the outdoors but sadly we have coyotes and eagles so if I properly leash train her she can be outside and explore while I don’t have to worry about her dying
So ive clicker trained my cat go let me get the harness on and hes walked about the house with it on for 3 days now. I just started with opening the back door (where he likes to sit and sometime run out) and he was pretty scared of me walking beside him and the environment however when he has no harness, lead or person he happily explores and gets into trouble (my partner let out one time lol) so do I just keep trying everyday until he gets less uncomfortable and should I keep the door open so he can go back inside when hes uncomfortable instead of the carrier?
First of all, that is inspirational progress with your cat. Well done! My thought why he’s more comfortable without the harness: he knows he isn’t tethered, and if something spooky happens, he can quickly run/fight/hide. When he’s on the harness, his abilities are hindered. Although the humans know he is, in reality, safer on the harness. If you don’t plan on going farther than your yard, the open door would be great for a retreat. But if you plan on occasionally going to a park etc, then practicing retreating to a carrier is beneficial. Mostly just your personal preference.
My cat doesn't wanna come inside he usually door dashes and walks out we let him out for a while usually 3 hours at a time but doesn't wanna come inside. He only comes back when there food,what should i do??
My cat HATES me putting anything around her neck.. do you have any tips for that sort of thing? It was hard even getting a collar on her. She's an adult cat too so I feel like mine is just going to be a challenge.
Does she like when you rub her cheeks? Maybe start getting handsy rubbing cheeks, scratching neck. I do this with my cats, and while I’m rubbing their neck I slyly put a collar on and they don’t notice the difference between the collar and the petting.
I have the same problem. Terrified anything on the body but loves to go out! 😭 Not food motivated. Real timid cats but want to go out!!!! Going to harness train them but not sure how to solve multiple issues😭
I tried ur method it's just that my cat thought the leash as their toy so now instead of trying to walk she will just lay down and play with it and if i try to take it out of her she will just scratch me as if i took her happiness 😭HAHHA
I have a cat 1 year old who wants go outside and would sit next to the front door and 2 times she has tried getting out and in a way she is kind of doing door dashing which is not good because your cat can get lost or worse get eaten by wild animals and in my area there is bob cats, Coyotes and so we choose to make the cat wear harness so she can be safe when going outside at least that is the plane and if want know the cat name is Starlight and history. We have a roommate who works at car place to fix them and a customer came in and when the roommate went to look inside the customer car hood the roommate found a kitten which is Starlight and brought the kitten home to take care of her and since than we had her and man she is a trouble maker she will tear up toilet paper and paper towels and it's first time having a cat that does it but she is cute. :) XD
I took my kitten to the park and he followed like a ducking so when he got bigger i got him a harness and soon we gon do training. Hes used to a collar and dosnt care that i put a harness on him lol
We have a 4 month old kitten and he loves going outside to explore. When we put the harness on him he runs to the door because he knows that means he gets to go outside and play.
Hello! So my cat is up to date with all of his shots and vaccinations, but recently I read online that cats can get fleas easily. Is there any way I can prevent that while taking him on walks?
My vet highly encouraged once a month topical called Revolution it’s brilliant for fleas and also heart worm. It gives me lots of peace of mind, plus preventing is way cheaper than treating heart worm
My cat was an outside cat she would run she loves the temptations mix up box I got her a harness I put it on her everyday ever since I got in I take in off a lot but I trained her to get used to the harness but I’ve always had to drag her across the house I start by walking and I incourage her to walk around the house where I go with her leash I go from house backyard to frount porch with the gate closed any suggestions on how to make her walk?
Maybe once her harness is on, grab their favorite wand toy. And just have then chase it around the house. Use it to get to the door. Then hopefully the open door will be interesting enough to cross the threshold. Sounds like you’ve made a lot of progress so far so I think you’re getting there.
Cats are not dogs. They don't need to be walked. They want a home and established territory. Taking cats outside is very risky and also not good for wildlife.
@@starspangledwinner if the cat is properly secured with a harness, they will not be a threat to wildlife. Some cats enjoy the enrichment of being outside! :-)
