Opinions on Harness

I live in a flat on a busy road and I don't want Jack to go outside as so many cats are killed on my street every year

I have been thinking about getting him a harness so he can be carried to the grass area near me and then go on the floor with a lead to smell the grass get fresh air that kind of thing

Is this a really crazy idea

Hi @caritas

This is not a crazy idea at all, in fact it's a much safer way for a cat to enjoy outdoors and a lot of TCS members walk their cats.

Here's an article to look through about harness training:
[article="22430"]Harness And Leash Training For Cats  [/article]

Not crazy at all.  Our kitty loves going out for a walk around the yard on her harness.  Just takes some time and training.

Jack doesn't mind his harness he is getting used to it with out the lead soon I will try him with the lead but at the moment the smallest one I could find near me is a bit too big

Be ready for a lot of resistance at first, but once they get over the initial shock of a harness, they love to go outside to explore in it. My Chrissy just fell over on her side and laid there for a long time when I first started, she acted like it was a strait jacket! The first step is getting them used to the harness inside the house. They are escape artists, be very careful outside and do not go far, if they get frightened they turn around backwards and slip right out of the harness. I found a 'figure eight' harness worked the best, it tightens if they pull against it. Be on the lookout when out for dogs and strange people coming up, a frightened cat is a cat almost impossible to contain, they can hurt themselves trying to get away. My cats enjoyed their walks for many years, it can be done, and the looks on peoples faces when they drive by is priceless!

My boy cat, Dusty, is a terror when he wants his way for something - he will try to tear up blinds on the windows, scream all around the house, jump in front of whatever I am doing and lick my nose!

My husband and I had to move from TX to FL for his job and I wanted to ensure our cats stayed safe on the trip (we drove), so I got them harnesses and leashes and tried to train them.

Well, long story short, the harness broke our cats!  Even after 3 months of training, the only thing the harness would ensure is that our cats did not move!  They would lay on the floor the ENTIRE time they were harnessed!  I would leave it on them for an hour each time, try enticing them to move with treats, toys, outside!  Nothing, and I mean nothing, not even things that would normally scare them into fleeing (loud sounds from unseen places) would get them to move while harnessed!

So, now when Dusty tries to terrorize us when he wants his way, I just harness him!  I feel bad for breaking my cat, but I am DONE replacing the blinds all the time!