Here's what we achieved today

For the first time...my little boy let us put the harness on and didn't freak out!! He just carried on playing with his ball and didn't give it a second thought! I think we have had a break through. I left it on for 10 minutes because I didn't want to push my luck, and I didn't attach the lead. Not brave enough for that yet
Well done my little baby!!

Awwwwww Sleeves you clever boy

I need to buy new ones for my two because stupid me cut the straps shorter when they were younger, and now their too fat for them

Yay for Sleeves!

We're going out to get Harley a new harness and leash tonight He does really well with them on, so it won't be a huge shock to him, - he'll just be excited he can go outside!!

Originally Posted by babyharley

Yay for Sleeves!

We're going out to get Harley a new harness and leash tonight

He does really well with them on, so it won't be a huge shock to him, - he'll just be excited he can go outside!!

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I wish skittles did good.

Thanks everyone! I'm really excited about it. Nismo, to my surprise, actually seemed quite interested in it so maybe I am wrong to think she won't be harness trained this year...
I think once she's spayed and a little older I'll 'approach' the subject with her But for now I'll concentrate on my cheeky little monkey boy

What a good boy

I put one on Lily last year and she walked around about a centimetre off the ground, you would have thought she had a tonne weight on her back.

Because they were all so big on her, we bought a ferret one that seemed to be about the right size, but she figured out how to wriggle out of it.

I know this was mentioned on another thread here--which was where I learned of it, but I HIGHLY recommend the cat walking jacket.

Here's a link to it:
http://www.hdw-inc.com/walkingjackets.htm

My two Houdinis, um, I mean Bengals, easily learned how to back out of a traditional harness. The walking jacket, though, has stymied their best efforts. It may look like a straitjacket, but I assure you that if you expose them to this while they are young, they have no problem with it. Once they associate it with going outside, they are quite patient with you putting it on them!

I gotta admit that while my two have managed to squrm their way out of TWO of the three straps holding them in (yes, they know how to open doors too), they've not figured out a way yet to get out of the neck strap. Phew!

Well worth the price!

Now one of them is slowly learning how to play with the neighborhood dog...boy is THAT interesting! My Frankie kitty is actually protecting me when he thinks the "big bad doggie" is "attacking" me! I can't believe it...

Originally Posted by Pombina

For the first time...my little boy let us put the harness on and didn't freak out!! He just carried on playing with his ball and didn't give it a second thought! I think we have had a break through. I left it on for 10 minutes because I didn't want to push my luck, and I didn't attach the lead. Not brave enough for that yet

Well done my little baby!!

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This is a momentous achievement. Congrats!!! The next milestone--when he figures out how to get out of the harness. Hope he never gets to that point...

What a very good boy!! Reilly scratches me to pieces when I attempt to put a harness on him!

It's great being able to take them outside. However, once they go out, they'll always be wanting to go out!
I recommend getting Nismo used to the harness now too. It's much easier the younger they are.

Originally Posted by flisssweetpea

Because they were all so big on her, we bought a ferret one that seemed to be about the right size, but she figured out how to wriggle out of it.

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Did you use this ferret harness on her? Nakita also is too small for all the regular harnesses but this mesh ferret/rabbit jacket is great. There is no way she can get out of this one since there is an adjustable velcro attachment around the neck and under the belly. Plus, because the body is mesh it seems really comfy for her as well.

Originally Posted by Pombina

For the first time...my little boy let us put the harness on and didn't freak out!! I left it on for 10 minutes because I didn't want to push my luck, and I didn't attach the lead.

Click to expand...

I recommend leash training very slowly and giving lots of treats and praise as well. You want them to know this is a good thing.

Also, when you take your cats outside carry them over the threshold everytime. By carrying them over it you are showing them they are not allowed to just run out the door. Also, always take them out the same door, such as a side door or back door. This will get them into a routine that if they want to go outside they have to use a certain door and they need to be carried over it. Also, don't use too long of a lead since they can get tangled really fast if they get scared and bolt.

I started leash training her when she was 8 months old and she loves going outside for our nightly walks in the backyard. Have fun!

Step one of Operation Safe Fresh Air For Kitty complete! Hooray!

I'm going to attempt to put the harnesses on Pandora and Antigone tonight I bought little toy dog harnesses so hopefully they fit

Well done Sleeves!

He has the same coloured harness as Willow!

Originally Posted by Russian Blue

Did you use this ferret harness on her? Nakita also is too small for all the regular harnesses but this mesh ferret/rabbit jacket is great. There is no way she can get out of this one since there is an adjustable velcro attachment around the neck and under the belly. Plus, because the body is mesh it seems really comfy for her as well.

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Oh no, the ferret harness was nothing like that - that is such a fantastic looking harness. I bet she wouldn't wriggle out of one like that. Nakita is certainly a very stylish kitty!