I am going to be teaching my cats to walk on a leash. I'm just worried that they'll be able to get out of the harnesses. I have used the "H" type harness before(like those used for dogs), but the cat could back out of it, even when it is fitted tightly. I've seen harnesses that are like little jackets, are these harder to escape out of? What type of harnesses would you recommend I get?
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escape-proof cat harnesses
teaspoon
Apr 29, 2011 09:01 AM
Replies (4)
gocatgo
Apr 29, 2011 03:39 PM
Hi Teaspoon! Welcome to the board. I purchased two of those jacket leashes for my cats a few years ago and highly recommend them. Once they got used to the jacket, they loved going for walks on a leash. However, cats, being the strange critters that they are, do not like any kind of garments on them so you will need to condition him to the jacket before trying to walk him outside. When you first put it on him, he will probably lie down on his side as if it's so heavy and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. To condition him, put it on him for a minute or two the first few days, then increase the time a little each time thereafter. This may take 3 or 4 weeks before he's comfortable in a garment.
Step 2, will be taking him outside. Be aware that most cats do not 'take a walk' but rather just wander around, investigating their environment. Since I have a bike trail adjoining my backyard, I had visions of taking the cats for a walk down the bike trail. That usually did not happen. However, they did get a lot of pleasure out of 'investigating the environment'.
Now we have a privacy fence and I just let them out in the backyard to play whenever they want. Problem is, now they are older and just want to sleep all the time.
If you do order a jacket leash, you might want to measure your cat's belly before placing the order. One of my cats was so fat that it didn't fit her and I had to order an extension that attached to it.
Good luck and I'd like to hear how it goes with your kitty if you do decide to try the jacket leash.
Orrygone4
Apr 29, 2011 08:19 PM
I just got a new Walking Jacket for my cats -- It's a kitty holster -- http://www.kittyholster.com/
I am really impressed with this - very light weight, easy for the cats to get used to and very secure!
Check it out -- I think you'll like it too!
Portia
Mom to 4 -- all leash trained to various degrees
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teaspoon
Jun 01, 2011 10:41 AM
I ended up getting the "Come with me Kitty" Harness and leash by Premiere.
My cat didn't mind wearing the "H" type harness, but could escape from it. I tried a jacket harness but she'd just lay there. I like the cat harness from Premiere because it is the "H" style harness, but better suited for cats. It tightens around her chest if she tries to back out of it and it comes with a bungee leash.
gocatgo
Jun 11, 2011 06:03 AM
I know what you mean by "just lying there" as that's what my cats did at first, as well. It took them a while to get used to the jackets, then there was no stopping them.
I'm glad that you found something that works well for both you and your cat(s) and hope that you both have many happy hours walking your cat. Another fun thing is a cat stroller. Two of my four cats love to go for a ride in the stroller.
