The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsEver wonder why you can't walk your kitty on a leash?
Here's what happens:
Siwsan
(26,268 posts)I tried putting a harness and leash on my little Tuxedo, Sophie Stinky Toes. Walking her didn't work - it was just like the video. so I'd sit on the porch, with her, but all she wanted to do was to get back inside.
I suspect that since she is a 100% indoor cat, the sites, smells and noises of the outside world absolutely terrify her.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)hlthe2b
(102,291 posts)But only if you start young. Forget trying to get an adult to do that.
DetlefK
(16,423 posts)Sanity Claws
(21,849 posts)I put a harness and leash on a cat and let her do what she wanted. I walked behind her and let her lead me. We didn't get far but I did not want to drag her.
Kittycow
(2,396 posts)It was recommended by a cat behavior specialist to let the cat lead. Personally I wouldn't drag my cat around since it seems counterproductive in getting the cat acclimated to the harness and eventually enjoying a walk.
FakeNoose
(32,645 posts)...did it for the comedy value. He or she probably already knew what was going to happen.
So I just found this and posted it. Can't take any credit myself.
Shrike47
(6,913 posts)The first time I met her she was in the bushes in my back yard.
Very nice woman and a happy cat.
Mediumsizedhand
(531 posts)yellerpup
(12,253 posts)I had one cat who would walk in a harness, but I always let him choose the route and the pace. It became routine in a hurry. He would lead me to the garbage room (apartment house) and lie outside the door until I decided the 'walk' was over.
csziggy
(34,136 posts)The collar was hopeless - I couldn't get it snug enough that he wouldn't pull it off over his head without shredding my hands. With my husband's assistance, I DID get the harness on him. He turned himself inside out (well, that is how it looked) and got out of a well adjusted harness! I think there was some space-time, tesseract sort of thing that was happening.
My cat was feral so we just let him go where and when ever he wanted. Still do. With sixty acres he has plenty of running room.
My husband's cat simply went inert with a harness. It was clear a leash would be irrelevant as he was not going to move at all while that ten ton harness was holding him down.
FakeNoose
(32,645 posts)I didn't make this video, I just found it on the internet.
But the ginger cat is clearly wearing a harness, and the black cat probably is too.
Yes I can see that most cats would get out of a leash rather easily, but some cats do allow a harness.
Depends on the cat I guess, and how young you start them wearing one.
csziggy
(34,136 posts)FakeNoose
(32,645 posts)Thanks
dgibby
(9,474 posts)circumstances dictate the need. Obliviously, yours became liquid mercury!
msongs
(67,413 posts)The Blue Flower
(5,442 posts)My neighbor walks his cat Buddy every day. Buddy does fine.
Mr.Bill
(24,300 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,732 posts)crazycatlady
(4,492 posts)Then again this cat tolerates toddlers all the time so the leash is a welcome escape.
Evergreen Emerald
(13,069 posts)The cat does walk on the leash, but will not let me lead.