Thread: Harness Training, is this normal?

I found that my cats did the same indoors -- but when taken outside ( a new environment) they forgot about the harness and were more worried about the great outdoors -- so they walked, al be it close to the ground. They will get used to it though if you have the time to keep at it

Well I have to agree with Charlie, no luck indoors BUT the minute I took them out on the grass, instant result!!
All 5 of them walked and did not react to the harness, although Raggles is not happy and did have one "funny fit".
The biggest supprise was Pomeroy, who is our shy, skitish cat. He loved it and kept wanting to get back out there.
We have ordered more harnesses and are planning a trip up the local woods next........

Originally Posted by charlie

I found that my cats did the same indoors -- but when taken outside ( a new environment) they forgot about the harness and were more worried about the great outdoors

Mine did this too! I didn't like the H harnesses though and bought Paddington a walking jacket which is much more comfortable and doesn't get tangled in their fur like i found the H harness did (it its un-escapable) I bought mine from here and its great Welcome - Mynwood Cat Jackets-Original, escape-proof Jacket Pads has got a combat coloured one! Sweet!

J

I read somewhere that it's a reflex for cats, when they feel something on their back they automatically creep low, as if crawling through a tunnel. However they do get used to it

Originally Posted by missye87

I read somewhere that it's a reflex for cats, when they feel something on their back they automatically creep low, as if crawling through a tunnel. However they do get used to it

I ordered a second "heavy duty" harness and this make some of the cats "creep" when they wear it, if I change back to the lightweight one they are fine.

Originally Posted by Jolly

Mine did this too! I didn't like the H harnesses though and bought Paddington a walking jacket which is much more comfortable and doesn't get tangled in their fur like i found the H harness did (it its un-escapable) I bought mine from here and its great Welcome - Mynwood Cat Jackets-Original, escape-proof Jacket Pads has got a combat coloured one! Sweet!

J

Just had a look at the supplied link, and am now sat wondering what my guys would think of it. What happens though if cat heads for the nearest tree trunk.

I'm harness and leash training my two, mainly so they can have a bit of roam time when I take them camping. I think ideally it's best to take them somewhere quiet and open first. Mine get spooked just by seeing people walk by out the front of the house so we never get far. There's a graveyard not too far from where I live, so I might try them down there one afternoon...

Buddy will not tolerate a harness, he just curls up in a ball and no matter what you do he won't budge. I tried him on a small dog Halti and he loves it. Not sure whether this is because he sees the dogs using them or that its either more com or perhaps that I am more used to using it with the dogs. The big down side is that they have to be wearing a collar to attach it to and I hate collars on cats. I've relented and got a small dog collar that clips on / off so to Buds its part of the Halti.

You have to take the training very slowly. I got mine used to the harness in the house before I ventured outside. I then took them to my in-laws and let them walk around in the field (they live on a farm). Mine have never tried to climb anything whilst wearing it, you just have to be vigilant. You cant just let them get on with it like you would a dog. You have to second guess what might spook them or what they may want to chase.

Paddington loves stalking the sheep on the farm, especially when there were lambs earlier in the year and he was bigger than them!! I've now got an extendable dog lead for him so he feels he has a little freedom. They love chasing flies and moths and butterflies.

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