Putting your cat into a harness and leash can be a lifesaver.

Buying these two things will keep the kitten close enough for your comfort, but also gives them room to wander and explore. Taking your cat outside can give them another experience; wind in their fur or the feel of the texture of grass. Training your cat to use the harness and leash can be very beneficial for both you and your fur baby. For some kittens’ harnesses don’t bother them, but other cats, well, just simply don’t like something around their body.

Here are some ways and tips to train your cat/kitten.

Harness training can be taught at any age, even though personal experience says it is easier when they are younger because the kitten is too worried about playing than what is around his body. While an older cat is more stuck in their ways of being free and nothing around their chest. Most cats will find the harness uncomfortable at first, but the more you put it on your cat, the more your cat will get used to the harness. I suggest letting your catwalk around inside with his harness on for a few weeks before you try to take them outside for the first day of wearing the harness.

Be patient with older cats. It will probably take adults a little longer to get comfortable wearing a harness if they have never had one on them. Cats have been known to act as if they are being strangled so make sure you don’t put it on too tight, but not too loose because they can get out of it and run away or even worse, the harness can get stuck in between their jaws. If a cat gets injured with a leash or harness, it will be hard to get them to let you put it on again.

If your cat flops over and refuses to get up after putting the harness on, let him lay there. If he likes treats, try to offer him one to where he must move to get the treat. If your cat likes toys, try to get him up to play. If everything fails, just walk away and ignore him. Curiosity will get him up and walking around. Let him wear the harness for a while to get used to it. Put the harness on him several days in a row, so he can get used to how it feels and comfortable with you putting it on him.

Before purchasing the harness, you will need to measure your cat around the front of their chest, around the middle of him/her, just behind the front legs, to ensure you get the right size. Never just use a leash because it could be potentially harmful to your cat’s neck or windpipe if pulled too light. You can easily find these at any pet store. Tip: We use amazon and always love our products when they come in.

Next is connecting the leash to the harness and getting your cat used to you having control of them. Take your kitten and the harness as far away as possible from your exit door. Put on harness on the kitten and connect the leash. Let your cat get used to walking around in the house before trying outdoors. If the cat seems okay with the leash and harness, then it is time to try outside. Pick your cat/kitten up and hold them closely to your chest. Cats seem to be more comfortable being carried by the owners out the exit door. This also keeps the cat from thinking they can walk out the door without you. Once outside, place the kitten on the ground and see how he/she reacts. If comfortable, let the cat explore while holding firmly onto the leash. Warning: Some cats do not like the texture of the ground and will dart to the closest hiding spot for them. Once your cat is happy with his leash and harness.

Let the adventure begin.

When you and your cat are out enjoying the new sites on your adventure, remember many things out in the world can startle or alarm a cat. If anything was to happen outside, for instance seeing a dog for the first time, a group of running and laughing children, a loud motorcycle/car or something is coming for the cat. An aggressive dog can be a danger to you and to your cat.

Quickly put the cat on something high and hold onto the leash. I suggest something high so the cat doesn’t feel like a dog/noise/person could get to it.
You can also pick up the cat, hold him tightly close to your chest and walk the other way. This will work if you have practiced doing this with your cat before your adventure.
Bring a carry bag or backpack with you on your walk. Before the adventure, train your cat that the bag is a safe place to hide. When you see the cat is alarmed, or the situation has the potential to get out of hand, put the cat into the safety of his bag.
Carrying a taser, if it is legal in your state, is also a good idea for many safety reasons. We do not endorse any product that we do not personally try but here is a link to a site where you can find out if it is legal in your area. https://buy.taser.com/pages/state-requirements
When finished outside, pick up the kitten and carry them back into the farthest room from the exit door. Remove harness and place in a safe place for later use. This process may seem silly, but it helps to train the kitten that going outside only happens in the safety of your arms with a harness on. Hopefully, it will train them into knowing they are only allowed outside with the harness and leash on. I found it personally to be easier on my cat if I give them a few treats for acting so well with the harness on.

When you are ready for another adventure walk with your cat, it should be a pleasant time for both of you. Remember to take the cat to the room farthest from the exit door before putting on the harness and leash. Carry the cat to the exit door and let the adventure start. Have fun…