Taking my kitten for walks

I adopted my kitten about a week ago. She's 4 months old and the absolute sweetest kitty ever! She sleeps with me every night and loves snuggles. Before I even got her, I had it in my head that I really wanted to be active with my cat and take her for walks outdoors. We started harness training and she loves being outside! She's so curious and walks beside me without much guidance or encouragement. Today, she started crying at the door, making it very clear that she wanted me to take her outside. I'm very anxious that she won't be happy living inside if she has this taste for the amazing outdoors. When she cried I ignored her as to not reward her attention seeking. I know there are strong opinions about bringing an indoor cat outside, so be kind! I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has experience similar to mine or who has had any success with bringing your cats out for supervised walks. 

Thanks!! 

I took our last cat out on a harness every day for >13 years, and that walk was the highlight of his day no matter what the weather was like. We had a fixed schedule - right after I got home from work - and once he got used to it, it was the only time he begged (rather insistently) to go out. He didn't try to run out at other times, so apparently he made the connection between his harness and the great outdoors. If I was away, he didn't nag my husband to take him for a walk.

That's helpful! Now that I have a consistent work schedule, maybe she'll realize that it's a special treat when I get home...I'm going to try to keep her busy when she's in the house so she's happier being in. 

There are some awesome harness training videos on youtube!

I walk my cat as well. I try everyday, but some days don't work. She loves her walks! We go for 30-45 minute walks. However it was a very slow start. Take the training slowly. I highly recommend putting the harness on kitty for only 5 minutes at a time, while indoors. Then give treats

Add the leash so kitty gets used to it.

Then venture outside with leash and harness

Surprisingly, that's not the problem. Everyday we've been going outside for 30 minute sessions. She loves being outside and watching the rabbits and other critters in our yard. She walks with some prompting but she is also great at just sitting with me when I'm doing homework etc. My problem comes in when we come back inside. The past few days she starts crying shortly after we've been inside. It's a terrible little cry and she will sit and the door and stare at me while she weeps. After ignoring her when she cries and keeping her engaged with toys, she's been better! Has your kitty ever done the attention seeking when you're inside?

Elizabeth Brown said:

 
Surprisingly, that's not the problem. Everyday we've been going outside for 30 minute sessions. She loves being outside and watching the rabbits and other critters in our yard. She walks with some prompting but she is also great at just sitting with me when I'm doing homework etc. My problem comes in when we come back inside. The past few days she starts crying shortly after we've been inside. It's a terrible little cry and she will sit and the door and stare at me while she weeps. After ignoring her when she cries and keeping her engaged with toys, she's been better! Has your kitty ever done the attention seeking when you're inside?

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Oh yeah, my kitty does the same! She'll whine by the door, or sit under her leash hook and whine/meow. I just ignore her, or redirect her focus on an inside toy/game

I don't regret taking her outside. She loves it! I think it really allows her to "be a cat"..hunting bugs, lizards, and birds. I won't let her catch the birds, but she eats the lizards if she can catch them lol.

How long of a range do you give her with the harness? Penelope eats bugs and hasn't moved onto bigger prey yet haha. 

I walk Eclipse every day.  Currently around 5pm.  The time changes during the year.  On nicer days I will take him out earlier in the afternoon, but he still wants his regular walk.  Sometimes when he sits by the door and meows, I will take him out.  I can't always take him when he wants but I see no reason not too if I'm not busy. We mostly walk around the house and yard and sometimes down the block.   Sometime we'll stay out an hour and other times he's ready to come in after 10 minutes.  He's about a 1 1/2 yrs old.

It's fun to go out at different times of the day, different smells, noises, and people.

Elizabeth Brown said:

 
How long of a range do you give her with the harness? Penelope eats bugs and hasn't moved onto bigger prey yet haha. 

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The leash I use is 6 feet long. I walk with her as she explores though, as she's always walking around, and never just sits haha!

I'm trying to do the same with my new adopted kitty. Will begin a new thread and describe. I'm also dealing with pleading but believe that there are more benefits than drawbacks with this approach. Good luck!