Leash Training

[Ireland529]

I know it's kinda weird, but I want to train my cat to walk on a leash. I started with a collar, but she was able to get it off too easily. I got a harness instead. Every time I put it on her, she crouches really low to the ground. Almost like the crouching thing female cats do when they're in heat. She barely walks and when she does she won't walk upright. She won't jump up on anything. I've made sure the straps aren't tight and there's a lot of room. It's like she doesn't want to use her front legs. Does anyone know why she'd get like this? She doesn't cry or meow, like she does when I cut her nails or do something else where she's uncomoftable and doesn't like it. Thanks for any help.

[Tambrey]

YOu are right...she does not like it because she is not used to it...

It takes ALOT of training and patience to teach a cat to walk on a leash, but it can be done...maybe just put the harness on her when she is inside and not going out on the leash...get her used to wearing the harness around the house, with supervision so she does not get hung up on anything...then introduce the leash and actually going outside at a later date...

You do keep her indoor only otherwise, right?

[Tambrey]

I just read your post to another user about giving a cat pills

My cat has to take a pill every day. She is on anti antxiety meds.

IF your cat is on anti-anxiety meds...best to NOT even attempt a harness and leash and unfamiliar territory...this would really just be stressing her more!!

I would give up on that idea and make sure she has plenty of toys and interraction indoors...and a window with a view...maybe a bird feeder and birdhouse would be nice outside the window to give her some additional viewing enjoyment

[Traci]

I agree with Tambrey, nix the leash training. Why would you force her to do this, just because YOU want her to, doesn't mean it is appropriate for your cat.

See your other post please.

[Ireland529]

It's not because I want to. If she was afraid of the outside, I wouldn't even consider it. She likes the outside. She tries to get out everytime I open the door. That's why I bought it in the first place, because she wanted to explore out there so baddly. I've never let her go farther than right outside my door because I don't have control of her. Her anxiety has nothing to do with the outside but with the fact that I moved her into a house with 4 other people from an apartment where we lived by ourselves. Besides being out with her for a little while on a leash, she'd be a totally indoor cat, like she is now.

[Traci]

Well, you can't force her to appreciate a harness and lead. And if she isn't adjusting to it, then please read the link Tambrey provided you, and make her indoor environment interesting and stimulating.

The more you try to attempt to take her outside, even if she does get used to the harness, the more she will run for the door, and the higher the risk will be every single time you or the other 4 people open the door. By creating an interesting and stimulating indoor environment for her, the less likely she will want to go outside. That requires patience and committment on your part.

[Cindy]

Ireland, I have been debating buying something like this for my cat:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=8764

It's expensive, tho. I wouldn't use it without being out there to supervise at all times. Mr. Dot has been an indoor/outdoor cat in his previous home. I could never let him out alone here, the neighborhood cats are a rough crowd and he would kill birds, I'm sure of it

But it would be so nice to have him outside with us on a coolish autumn or spring day!