Harness training/ trip outside with kittens

Hi all,

I've posted elsewhere introducing my now, 13 week old kittens Molly and Ziggy. Over the past few weeks, ive been trying to (somewhat successfully) train them to be happy wearing harnesses so I can take them for trips outside before they are spayed.

So I've used all the usual techniques, treats when putting harnesses on and taking off, gradually building up the time they are wearing them for (initially without the lead attached). They are happy to have them put on and taken off, and tolerate wearing them, although occasionally try and rub and scratch to get them off. They do not appear nervous or scared when wearing them, just a bit put out lol.

Anyway moving on to today - they had there second vacs a week ago so were all ready to go today in terms of being safe outside. The weather was lonely, so with the help of my mum, got them in their harnesses happily and picked them up and put them, with leads attached about 2 foot from the door.

As soon as I opened it, one of them got spooked and ran, although not far because attached to the lead. They both then approached the door and started sniffing, at which point, the wind blew a little and Ziggy, our more confident and laid back kitten freaked, tried run, got stopped by the lead and then began hissing because he couldn't get away. This is the first to time I ever heard him hiss. And because he was freaked, Molly freaked too and I felt so bad I closed the door and let them off their harnesses.

They are now absolutely fine and don't seem phased, but I just feel so bad that something I thought would be exciting for them, turned into something scary.

Can anyone give me any tips about what I did wrong? Should I try again or give up with the harnesses. I don't want to scar them! Apologies for the long post - thank you in advance for any replies!

Have they ever even felt the outside, like the wind or ext? If not then they are going to be hesitant and afraid since it's new and they've never been exposed. Maybe to get them used to it a bit, just hold them one at a time and walk around outside. Just so they can get curious about it.

I don't think you did anything wrong. Some cats simply are scared going outside, especially their first trip!

You have 2 choices to make.
1.) Just keep them inside. Cats can live very happy indoor only lives. Based on initial reactions, it's very doubtful that your kitties will beg or ask to go outside.

2.) Build up their confidence being outside. Maybe start with them spending brief periods outside while in their carrier. Or, try them with their harness on again; but, with leashes and you sitting on the ground with them.

There are lots of new smells and noises outside. The most confident indoor cat can become the most skittish outdoor cat. Think of it as if you're introducing them to a new home. Do things gradually. Some cats are going to adjust quicker than others. But know that your kittens simply may just prefer to be indoor only.

My cats were all like that when they first started too, they just have to get used to all the new stuff. I agree with all of the above, just take it slow, allow them to wear the harnesses inside often and let them venture out on their own terms. Just one bit of advise, only take them around outside close to your house, preferably around the yard. I don't care what kind of harness it is, if a big dog came roaring up they WILL escape and run. This is from experience.My Chrissy would turn around backwards and wiggle her way out, they learn all the tricks. It is so cool though to be able to 'walk' your cat and let them explore the outside, be prepared for lots of people stopping! Good luck!

Thank you all so much for your replies! I guess just taking it slowly is the key, just feel like such a bad cat mum when they freak out. I need to learn that it doesn't scar them as they've happily played and sat on my lap all afternoon after their little not so successful adventure at the door.

randomhero1747 - thank you for your suggestion about carrying them, I'll give that a go. I've also got an enclosed pen that I used as their safe zone when I first brought them home so may take them outside and put them in that so hopefully they will feel safe whilst getting used to the sights and smells.

What I brilliant site this is to get advice on all sorts of things! Anybody else's experiences would be great as hopefully I'll learn I'm not doing such a bad job after all. Thanks everyone

Just a quick update - managed our first seccusseful trip outside today. randomhero1747 - we tried your trick of carrying that at first and that was enough to get them feeling confident and interested.

Didnt manage to get a picture of Molly who was with my mum but here is Ziggy happily exploring on his lead!

Aww!!! that great! So happy they are all good about going outside Happy to help

Aww, so cute!   Good job.  

Ziggy is adorable on the leash!  He looks a lot like my RB kitty Glory did as a kitten.  She didn't have that white blaze though.  

I hope you continue to have good progress on their leash training!