Cat harnesses and walking them

[Whiley]

This was something that came up in conversation with my mum and aunt the other day while walking their dogs.

I was jokingly saying how i felt left out because i didn't have a dog to walk, and then they both asked if it would be possible to walk a cat, if it was an energetic type.

I honestly don't know! I mean, you see these things on Youtube and stuff, but is it safe? Presumably if it is in a safe surrounding and you have complete and firm control of the cat, assuming the cat is energetic and up for it as apposed to a dozy sleepie cat, it cant be too bad?

In this type of weather i'd assume a jacket and socks of some kind would be sensable, and i'd never want to put my baby boy in in jeopardy.

What are the thoughts on the matter? And how does one go about measuring up for a harness anyway, as i'd like to take him around my parents house occasionally, and having a harness and lead for this type of occaision would be ideal.

Any brands better than others?

[Mags]

A few of our members have used harnesses with their cats..

Here are a few links to previous threads regarding harnesses........

http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?t=15220&highlight=Rover

http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?t=15545

http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?t=15820&highlight=Cat%2C+harness

http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?t=14730&highlight=Cat%2C+harness

http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?t=25033&highlight=Cat%2C+harness

[Whiley]

Ah! Cheers Mags!

[dandysmom]

Whiley, here's a pic of Sultan, my Aby, happily striding along on his harness! He loved his daily walk!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d117/dandysmom/DSCN0990.jpg

[Whiley]

You know, i think i will get him one! When he arrives i'll measure him and purchase one :D

What brands do people recommend?

[Whiley]

Wow hes a handsome chap!

[Megsy]

Hi, as my Tito is a house cat I take him out for a walk every evening. He love love loves his walk. As soon as we have had our supper he yowls at me and constantly follows me around and when I get his harness from the drawer he runs to the front door and sits and waits for me to put it on! I think it is a fantastic idea and I must admit I enjoy these walks as much as him. The other night he caught his first mouse! Here is a pic.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/titocheetoh/dogscats011.jpg

[Mags]

Tito is such a handsome boy and how nice that you can give him outings outdoors on his harness........ it doesn't seem to bother him at all, does it...:D

[dandysmom]

Megsey, he's stunning; what a great pic! All of mine except Leia (she's scared of outdoors!) have really enjoyed their walks, even Misty whose idea of a nice walk was to the end of the driveway! The boys walked all over the neighborhood!

[Megsy]

I would advise you to buy a clip close harness as you don't want to be fussing about with a buckle closing.

[dandysmom]

I always used a figure 8 light nylon adjustable harness; I could use it for all of them very simply by just adjusting the neck size and underbelly part, but they don't seem to make therm any more, unfortunately! You can see it in that pic of Sultan. It had a snap-on thingy that was easy to use.

[Soupie]

Love the piccies of walkies! :D

[Whiley]

Fab info and pics guys! Your cats are lovely! When my chappie finally arrives i'll measure him up and have a hunt around to see whats on the market - i feel really up for the daily walks thing! Would do me the world of good as well as him!

[dandysmom]

It really is a bonding thing with them! I enjoyed the walks as much as they did! Sultan (neutered) never ever sprayed in the house, but religiously marked his spots in his territory...which was rather extensive for a cat on a lead! He also once caught a sparrow :( while on his lead.....

[Kay]

I think it is a really good idea if the cat is happy with it. My Tate and Angel have both been on a harness but the others hate it. My Aunty used to take her L/H Tabby everywhere on her harness and she loved it.

[Hreow]

If you want a really good harness and haven't already found one, I'd warmly recommend Kittycat Boutique.
http://www.kittycatboutique.co.uk/
She's done all of Rover's. Pick a pattern you like and email her about harnesses - they're not on the site yet.

Start slow. If you use the harness for fun, unleashed things to begin with and gradually build up to walks from that, you can usually train them (and they train you) to humour you. ^_^

Some more input here:
http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?p=303828

[Darky]

Sorry, but I must butt in. X3

I'm considering getting my 10 month old cat Honey a harness, to use around the garden say once or twice a day.

He is an outdoor cat, but in the next few years I may find myself in an apartment or area where he cannot go outside. So I figured it'd be better to get him used to a harness now in preperation.

Does this sound like a good idea?

[dandysmom]

Excellent idea, go for it!! You can teach an adult cat that was used to being outdoors to harness-walk (I've done it), but the younger you start them the easier it is!

[babycakes]

Definetly a good idea. Get him used to it in the house and then open the door while he has it on and let him go out side. probbaly keep checking you are behind him and then if you get a retractable dog lead they can go as far as you want them to with out standing next to them while they wee and stuff