Leash training kitties

[Grateful for Hope]

I have decided that Spidey and Jake could benefit from being able to walk outside on a leash as they are apartment babies (and I have no balcony).

I am going to lose my job sometime this year (geocon thing), and I will be moving back to the NY metro area to be nearer my kids (and because there are so many more job opportunites there as opposed to the Pittsburgh area). When I move, I plan on finding an apartment that has a lot of green places to walk, and one that has a patio or balcony.

So, I purchased a small harness and leash yesterday for my boys (just one...wanted to see how it works out first).

Day One: Spidey just laid down and would not move with the harness on. Jake, on the other hand, did walk a little, and then, he too, laid down.

Day Two: Didn't try with Spidey -- decided to do one boy at a time. Jake walked a little more, and I actually put the leash on him. He walked a little with it, and then laid down. I am hopeful that he will get used to it.

I did a little research on this, and found a harness that I think they will like better:

http://www.hdw-inc.com/walkingjackets.htm

I think the harness I bought (thin straps) must be very uncomfortable.

I was wondering what you all think about this harness (I already ordered it).

Also, if anyone who lease-walks their cat(s) could give me some tips, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[CottonBear]

1. I'm going to buy one of those jackets when I can afford it!

What a great product! As far as cat leash walking, they sort of walk you. Some walk better than others. Some just lay down. Keep practicing. :)

[Grateful for Hope]

2. I know we have to be more patient with our feline babies

than we would have to be with dogs, but, I am hoping that they will both come to really like it. As it is now, they both sit on my very deep windowsills and look outside for long periods of time. Cats are not meant to be solely inside creatures -- and their "mom" would benefit from the exercise I would get from their daily outings.

Thanks for the tip that "they walk you". I am sure you are right!!!

[IndyOp]

3. I never benefitted from my cats' walks --

I used to walk my cat David when we lived in Northern California in an apartment complex with no green space anywhere. My experience with cat walks - perhaps better named 'cat meanders' is that you weave from object to object to sniff and roll and scratch. We never made it very far or long or fast - it was still worth the time, though because David enjoyed it, not because I got exercise. Who knows, maybe yours will become dedicated walkers... :-)

[Lorien]

10. Puck and I have a regular one block route

that also includes a through patrol of my back ad front yards. I've taught her to go at the words "let's walk"! She knows that if she doesn't walk in the direction I want, when I want at that command that I'll carry her instead-and she'd much rather be walking. I do allow her to lay down and roll on the sidewalk in two spots during our walks (she likes all that sunshine) and there is a small tree that she's allowed to climb-but other than that, a walk means walking-so that's what she does!



Some people manage two at one time-that's something I wouldn't recommend!

[Grateful for Hope]

12. Looks like Puck really enjoys her walks!

And, I do think that cats are smart enough to obey commands -- obviously Puck is!

Two cats at once...I don't think so, LOL!

[Grateful for Hope]

11. I hear you

But, I think I will enjoy seeing hopefully both boys get some fresh air and sunshine. Also, when I move withe them, it might make it easier for them if I can take them out and let them stretch their legs.

Am hoping....

[legally blonde]

4. I never had much luck

walking Manilla. I thought he might like walking because he's always trying to get out of my apartment (he runs out my door every chance he can take). When I tried to walk him, he would take a couple of steps then flop down on the ground and roll over. Sometimes he would leap from plant to plant, but mostly it was a bust.
I've never tried walking Morty. He has always been really shy about going outside, so I figured I better not push it.

[Grateful for Hope]

13. This might be the case for Spidey, too

he is much shyer than Jake, and, so I thought that, since they copy each other so much, if Spidey saw that Jake was enjoying his harness (keeping fingers crossed!), it might be easier to get him acclimated also.

[Lorien]

5. I've thought about ordering one of those for Puck. They're more escape

proof than a standard cat harness, so I think it's a good investment.

First, I would look into clicker training your cats: www.clickertraining.com . Leave the walking jackets out where they can sniff them for a few days. Then put them on-but don't take the cats outside. Let them get used to walking on them indoors first (use the clicker training method to motivate). Once outside you might want to bring some gloves or a soft sided carrier with you on your first few walks, in case kitty freaks out. Puck has been walking daily for about a year now, and has only "freaked" 3 or four times. Still, it's good to have a plan if you are suddenlt set upon by a dog without a leash or some other unexpected event (I live in an urban area too-and even a backfiring truch can set her off).

Good luck!

[BrklynLiberal]

7. What incredibly gorgeous pictures!!!!!!!

My jaw dropped.

I realize your subject is beautiful, but lots of credit must go to the photographer.:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[Lorien]

18. Thanks BrklynLiberal!

It helps that Puck-like Oberon-likes to pose for the camera (especially in her "jungle" element ;-) ). I have almost no photos of my late beloved kitty Peewee, and few good ones of Miro because they both dislike(d) cameras so. It's fun to have a couple of pets who don't have photophobias. :-)

[Grateful for Hope]

14. Such gorgeous pics, Lorien!

I am going to looking into the clicker training website you recommended. Sounds like a really good idea.

Thanks!!

[devilgrrl]

17. That cat is sooooo cute...

I have to kidnap him!

:silly:

[demnan]

6. I love walking Pad Thai!

Yeah, walking cats is like herding cats, damned near impossible, but I just enjoy him enjoying the outside world. I have one of those retractable leashes, I highly recommend those because you can "put your thumb down when it appears that kitty wants to climb into the storm drain hole, or something.

Paddy grew up in an urban area apartment with me totally inside and when we moved to the suburban condo he was a little freaked at seven years old. But he learned and now we have such a good time that he yowls and begs to be walked and I enjoy seeing him, like he was last night, (alas, no camera) nose to nose with a peep toad!

The thing is, if there's no reward, the cat won't learn to walk on the leash, that's why trying to teach them in the house has no context. You must try them outside, that's their reward for being constrained. And make sure the harness is tight around the middle of the cat. They will try to wiggle out of it.

Pictures of Paddy on his leash:

[BrklynLiberal]

8. What a great shot the would have been.

A lesson for you..never take Paddy for a walk without your camera in tow.

[Grateful for Hope]

15. Awwww, Paddy looks like he is having such a good time!

I have been giving Jake treats when he wears the harness, but, I do understand what you mean about there needing to be a BIG reward associated with it.

It's good to hear that cats don't need to be babies to learn to walk on a leash because I am concerned that the city sounds here might be distressing to the boys, so, if I have to wait until I move to a more rural area, it shouldn't matter so much if they are a little older.

Thanks, demnan!

[shanti]

36. is pad thai

a full siamese or part? my mia looks a lot like him.

[NV Whino]

9. The only experience with walking kitties is with a friend's cat

Otis was a wonderful Abyssinian. My friend knew they were going to be doing some traveling and decided to train Otis to the leash. She started when he was a young cat.

She got a small harness, knowing that she would have to get a bigger one as he grew. She put the harness on. Otis howled and collapsed. And I mean collapsed--apparently in pain. She tried again later. Same result. She got a slightly bigger harness thinking the first might be too small. Otis howled and collapsed. She got a bigger harness. Otis howled, collapsed and then walked out of it. She admitted defeat.

However, she did train Otis to come to a bell. I helped her and her husband (and Otis and two dogs) move to South Dakota. I was in charge of the cat and the plants. We camped along the way. In the morning they let the two dogs out for a run and Otis would chase along behind them. When it was time to get on the road, she tinkled the little bell while her hubby whistled for the dogs. All three came galloping back to the vehicles ready for the next day on the road. Otis actually like riding in the car. But he was adamant in his dislike of the harness.

I wish you good luck with Spidey and Jake.

[Grateful for Hope]

16. What an interesting story!

Bell training sounds like it worked as well, if not better, than the harness would have. So far, I haven't had any howling -- but, as I mentioned, Spidey just flops down without even trying to walk.

I know I am going to have to be pretty patient with them!

[Grateful for Hope]

19. The harness came

And, Jake is getting used to it first. I leave it around for them to sniff, etc., when it is not being worn.

Jake will walk around with it on. It is very easy to get on, and just as easy to remove.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

Some pics:


Spidey wondering what is going on with Jake:





Some investigating:





Jake (showing off his nice tuxedo):





Spidey (looking shiny!!):





Spidey (yum!):

[IndyOp]

20. Both boys look beautiful - the harness looks comfy. Good luck! n/t

:hi:

[Grateful for Hope]

21. Thank you IndyOp!

I just tried it on Spidey...it was a disaster. But, at least Jake doesn't seem to mind it too much.

:hi:

[NV Whino]

22. That harness looks like a great idea.

One down, one to go.

(Just a hint, here, but you probably shouldn't show your kitties eating dry cat food. I can't believe a thread in the Pets Group got locked.)

[Grateful for Hope]

23. I know the thread you mean

and, I mentioned the kind of food I feed my guys in that thread. It wasn't the subject matter that got it locked, IMHO.

This wasn't intentional at all. I have been trying to get some good shots of Spidey's fur as there has been quite a change in him over the past several months, and, the sunlight reflected on him at the time of those shots was just perfect.

I can see how this might have looked, though, and I hear you.

Thanks.

[demnan]

25. If it's easy to get on it's good

Pad Thai even now will rebel against having his harness put on. I have to slip the one loop over the goes over the left paw and sometimes I don't get it aimed right. So I would appreciate you giving us information on where you got an "easy fit" harness!

Your kitties are very beautiful and sweet, by the way.

[Grateful for Hope]

29. Here is the link, Demnan

http://www.hdw-inc.com/walkingjackets.htm


Thank you for the kind comment about my kitties! I think the same of your's, BTW. :D

[BrklynLiberal]

26. Jake and Spidey both look so wonderful

That harness is very interesting. It looks comfortable, which is a big plus. It looks wonderful on Jake.

[Grateful for Hope]

30. Yes, blue does suit him!

A woman we ran into in the hall last night did laugh out loud when she saw him, though. I guess it's a sight that most people have never seen!

[Grateful for Hope]

24. I am so excited!

I took Jake out for a walk in our apartment hallway (it is fairly long, and there are interesting things like a laundry room to explore). Well, he not only walked on the leash, he listened when I said to him "ok, Jake, time to go". He is an amazing little kitty (he is only 10 mos old now).

The harness allows you to direct the kitty's movement very gently...and, I think the next pitstop we will make is the back lawns of my complex.

I can't believe it was so fast for him!!!!!!!!

[BrklynLiberal]

27. Congrats! This sounds very promising! Pictures!

[Grateful for Hope]

28. I am going to take some pics today

if Jake will be amenable to going out again. It is so darn cute!

[Arkansas Granny]

31. When I got my Toots, she was a feral kitten about 10 - 12 weeks

old. She was wild enough that it took a few weeks for her to settle in. I wanted to let her get some fresh air and sunshine, but I was afraid that if I let her outside she would bolt and I'd never get her back. I found a small figure eight harness at one of our local stores and let her wear it in the house for a few days. When I petted her I would tug gently on it and just got her used to the feel of being restrained with it. When I did take her outside on a leash, she responded very well. The feel of the harness was familiar and she didn't freak out when she came to the end of the leash and felt a pull.

[Grateful for Hope]

32. Thank you for sharing this story

Amazing in that this was a little feral kitten! I have had continued success with Jake (no pica as yet), but I haven't taken him outside as yet as I am waiting for it to get a little warmer.

Spidey is still very resistant.

[Arkansas Granny]

33. Toots has taken to civilization quite well, although she still has a

streak of wild in her at times. My daughter refers to her as "a spirited animal". I have a cat door so she can go in and out as she pleases (I live in a quiet neighborhood with a fenced yard) and she is quite a homebody and an excellent mouser.

BTW, your boys are very handsome. Good luck on the leash and harness affair.

[Grateful for Hope]

34. She sounds so adorable

And, it is good that she can come-and-go as she pleases. Sounds like you have the perfect setup for her!

Thank you for your well-wishes and kitty compliment!

[japple]

35. When Jake comes back in from his outing with all those new

smells on his fur (and wild tales to tell), Spidey might change his mind. You have two gorgeous cats.