Many cats are curious about the outdoors, and we all know how much they love fresh air and sunshine. But many dangers await cats outside, including cars, dogs and wild predators..and even other cats and humans.
Most of us have brought our cats indoors to keep them safe. But indoor cats still need mental and physical stimulation. A cat whose senses are stimulated will be a calm and happy housemate for you and other animals in the home.
Walking your cat on a harness can be one of the best ways to give them outside time. Like anything else, cats need gentle instruction to learn do something that’s foreign to them.
Some guardians say their cats don’t like harnesses. We hear stories of cats freezing, flattening or fighting the harness.
This is perfectly normal for cats who have never felt anything on their backs. Something placed suddenly on their backs can make them feel as if they’ve been caught by a predator. Gentle training can overcome this.
The first question to ask yourself is, Is my cat confident enough to go outside? If your cat runs to hide any time someone new comes to the door or anything new is introduced, he or she may not be a good candidate. Forcing shy cats outside only reinforces their fears, and can make them even more afraid.
Acclimate the harness
But if your cat is confident and curious, harness training can begin. Start by finding the right harness. Please avoid clipping a leash to your cat’s collar. Cat necks are more delicate than dogs’, so using only a collar can hurt them.
It’s best to use a harness made specifically for cats. The neck must fit snugly. Harnesses made for dogs often do not have adjustable necks, allowing the cat to slip out.
The best cat harness we’ve found is the Houdini Harness by Outdoor Bengal. It’s lightweight, adjustable and comes in several fun colors.
It can be fitted well at the neck but the straps allow normal movement for your kitty. We have the Houdini available at Happy Cats or you can purchase it online here.
Your next step is to help your cat be comfortable with the new harness. This is a gradual training issue, so please don’t push him or her too quickly. Cats are individuals who have their own reactions, so feel free to modify these steps to fit your cat’s response.
The first step is to allow your cat to scent and claim the harness by placing it in or near the bed or cat tree, wherever your cat hangs out. You can even drag the straps to play with your cat, making it a game. This is a good chance to make sure the straps are adjusted to fit your cat securely.
Once your cat is familiar with the harness, place it on the back for a few seconds, then remove. Repeat that process, adding a few seconds every time, until your cat is comfortable with it on top.
Next, drape the harness around your cat and clip one of the straps closed. Offer a favorite treat, then remove. Repeat this too, adding seconds each time.
Once your cat is comfortable with that step, close both torso clasps and repeat. Don’t forget the treats!
Let your cat tell you when he or she is ready for the next step by relaxing and enjoying the process. Keep the experience positive and have those treats ready!
One of the best ways to get a cat used to a harness is to bring out a favorite toy for playtime while wearing it. This gets cats used to the feel of the harness while their favorite activity is happening.
If your cat acts afraid or uncomfortable at any step, reassure him or her and take the harness off to try again later. Forcing cats only gives them a bad association with the harness. Also end the session if you get frustrated. Keep it positive!
Practice walking
If your cats have never been outside, it’s best to walk with them around the house at first until they are moving normally in the harness. Keep up with their playtime too!
Introducing them to the outdoors is a completely different step and should also be done slowly. First choose a safe, quiet location to start, like an enclosed yard or deck.
Pick up your cat and take outside to start. This helps train them not to dash out the door on their own. Once outside you can encourage movement with treats.
Walking a cat is usually different from walking a dog. You don’t so much walk your cats as let them walk you! Cats like to amble, so your job is to make sure they feel safe while exploring. If your cats have dog pals who go outside, that can usually help them feel safe too.
The best position for you to stand is to the side and behind your cat, guiding with gentle sideways pressure on the leash. Don’t let them get too far away, especially if there is dense brush around. It is not safe to let a leashed cat climb trees, but most cats love scratching them.
If your cat gets away, don’t chase after him or her. Sit on the ground, calling and offering treats. Stay calm and entice them to come to you.
This is where time invested getting your cat adjusted to the halter inside and progressing slowly outside really pays off. A confident kitty will be more comfortable and ready to come back for treats.
Give your cat a consistent word that tells him or her the walk is over, like “Home!” Then pick up him or her, offer a treat and carry indoors, removing the harness when inside. Don’t forget to reward your cat with a “Good kitty” too!
The Sniffari
There’s been a trend in the dog world to slow down and let dogs sniff and saunter, to take them on a Sniffari rather than pushing to run. Taking in the world through smell, taste and touch can satisfy their senses as much as going on a run.
Honestly, cats were born for Sniffaris! Cats are the original amblers, moving slowly from interesting plant to rock to tree. Cat walks can also help you slow down and enjoy the moment too.
You don’t have to hike a mountain or even your whole neighborhood for your cat to have a good experience outside. Many cats love hanging out with their humans on decks and yards, safely with their halters on.
Other tips
Train when your kitty is hungry and motivated by treats. Have a good supply that you can easily offer to reinforce your cat’s efforts.
Take all the time your cat needs to acclimate to the harness and to going outside. If the experience is positive and fun, that will keep rewarding him or her for being outside. Don’t forget the importance of playing while wearing the halter!
Be confident and praise your cat as you place him or her in the harness. If you enjoy the process it will give your cats confidence.
Go slowly and reward your cat for small advances. The training will be more successful and you will be enjoying their company outside sooner if you keep the experience positive.
A note about leashes: try to find ones that are as thin and light as possible. A big, heavy leash will just add more weight and discomfort, especially while training. The Houdini comes with its own leash but you might find others that are lighter.
If your cat tries to pull out of the harness, immediately slacken the leash. This is easiest if you are standing behind your cat.
While getting used to the harness and leash, try not to interrupt the learning process by repeatedly picking up your cats. Instead, let them learn they have the freedom to choose their path and that the leash allows good things to happen.
Soon your cat will understand that by tolerating the harness, he or she gets to explore the great outdoors safely. Hanging out in the yard or ambling in the neighborhood can increase your cats’ confidence by expanding their territory. That will be rewarding in itself and you’ll have a cat who loves to go for walks!
Other halter training resources:
Feline behaviorist Jackson Galaxy on leash training your cat
Adventure cat boot camp by Albert Colominas, Houdini Harness inventor
Tap here for more tips on how to have a happy cat!
Sara Ferguson is the Director of Happy Cats Haven
