Halters, Leashes and FREEDOM!

Graycie, my 2-year-old cat loves to go outside. Unfortunately, she won't come when I call her and she's discovered the other side of a busy road.

I've been thinking of trying a halter again, but the only time I tried it, she pretended it was OK until we got to a wall I couldn't go over with her and then she was out of it faster than a New York minute!

Does anyone have any ideas on halters that might actually work -- or any other way Graycie could go outside under my watchful eyes?

You'll have to make her get used to the halter slowly. All my cats are outdoor and they come when called. However only QT is used to a halter. First time I made her wear the halter inside the house as much as possible. Then took her out (halter and leash) for a few minutes with me standing still, brought her in but did not allow her out. Did this every day, increasing the time out and me walking more and more. Now I can take her for walks or to the vet without her going berserk on me.
Of course this means you will be taking her out on leash every day. Unless she learns to come when called, this is the only way you can keep a watch on her outside.

Thank you, Yayi those are really good suggestions.

When I introduced my cats to the concept of a halter, I placed it on them and left them in it and went around with my daily routines.

I ignored them walking backwards, I think only Esper did that. And played with them while they were in the harness. It distracts them from it and also lets them realise that it doesn't restrict movement.

Then finally, I attached a lead to the harness and let things be for a bit. And not surprisingly the lead becomes a transportable string toy so supervision is a must.

I was training Russell to walk with me but with constant travelling everywhere that stopped.

So when I do walk the cats, I let them lead me around the garden.

And when out and about with your cat, be prepared to take action if your kitty panics. The harness should be able to hold them and allow you to pick up your cat swiftly if needs be without getting tangled.

I've found that adjustable harnesses with the clip on buckle type system to be the best, though test the strength of the buckles first. Some simply do not hold.

Thank you for those tips. I remember seeing a harness that something like a jacket, have you ever seen those? Love your signature quote btw.

I've never seen the ones that are like a jacket, not many specialty stores over in Australia.

But as long as it's secure and comfortable, not to mention safe, then there's no harm. Would be good for cats with pale skin as they are more prones to sunburn.

Originally Posted by katie=^..^=

Thank you for those tips. I remember seeing a harness that something like a jacket, have you ever seen those? Love your signature quote btw.

Click to expand...

I think you mean the SafKat. Unfortunately, the link no longer seems to work:
www.safkat.com
and the product also is no longer listed with meowhoo.com.

Hi there,

My cat Simba does okay with a halter--but it's not the flimsey kind. I got mine from here:

http://www.hdw-inc.com/walkingjackets.htm

It's made up of a solid piece of material that runs along the back, and 3 snaps, 1 around the neck, 2 around the belly. Even still, he can get himself out of it. I also use a retractable leash so that when I'm feeling comfortable -- read, he's not near a fence he could jump over -- I let it out all the way. That really makes him feel comfortable and free. Then when I think he may try to bolt or jump, I ease the leash back in. It took a little while for him to get used to it, but he loves it now.

Good luck!

I've tried 5 or 6 different harnesses and both my cats can escape from them in about 10 seconds. It was also hard for me to find one that fit properly around both their neck and belly. One of my cats can unlock a deadbolt and let herself out so I should of known a harness would be useless. What works for me is a dog play yard. It is similar to the link below execpt mine is taller. It doesn't have a cover but my cat doesn't like to climb or jump so it was the best solution for me. I also watch Princess constantly when she is in it and Patsy hates to go outside. I tried a fully enclosed cage but that was hard to get her in and out (I have a really bad back) and she hated it. Also I'm lucky because I live on the same property as my parents and grandparents so if I do let her out and she decides to run she will just go to my grandparent back door or my parents door (She loves to go visiting).

http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1104906328652

Originally Posted by jcat

I think you mean the SafKat. Unfortunately, the link no longer seems to work:
www.safkat.com
and the product also is no longer listed with meowhoo.com.

Click to expand...

Thank you for writing. Still working on this.

Yes, the site says it's under construction. Have you tried this harness? Did it work for your cat?

Aren't cats the most remarkable gymnasts and escape artists? I thought I really had Graycie controlled (she went along with it til she came to a wall she wanted to go over and I couldn't) then slam bam! she was gone. I wish she would come when I call, but she doesn't come until she's ready to come.

That link was the website I had seen earlier. Thank you for giving it to me.

Thank you for writing.

Your cats sound really charming -- a dead bolt lock! That's impressive. Graycie doesn't do that, she's just dead set on getting out.

She has several times found ways to get the screens out of the windows and even jumped from a second story apartment twice. Maybe the first time doesn't really count since it was during an earthquake when I first got her.

Unfortunately I live in Los Angeles in an apartment. I can only dream about an enclosed area for my little ones. Well, actually only Graycie wants out.

So I'm still hoping for someone to write and say: I've got the perfect harness for Graycie and it's inexpensive, attractive and here's the link. Is that too much to ask? LOL