Expert: Tomay - 3/13/2006

Question
Tomay,

I have a 8 month old black and white cat.  She has to stay in the house all of the time because of all the trafic on our street.  I feel bad because she wants to go outside. She was spayed a month ago but still wants to get out.  Is it possible to take a cat outside on a harness.  I saw a picture of this once and just wondered if anyone ever did that.  Thank you for your time.
Tanya

Answer
Hello Tanya,
Yes, there are harnesses especially designed for cats, allowing some owners to actually take their cat for 'a walk' of sorts.  I have never actually done this, so I am not sure how this might be introduced to a cat at this age, even tho she is still relatively young.  I know that with dogs,  (or rather, puppies), leash training is accomplished by allowing the dog to drag the leash around the house with him to become accustomed to the feel of the whole apparatis on his body.  You may try putting a harness, designed specifically for cats, on her and letting her wear it around the house for a while, before attempting to go outside with her on leash.  Let her become accustomed to wearing it and then add a leash, and see how she adjusts to that.  Perhaps similar methods that work with dogs, could be adapted to be effective with cats.?   There are also pet 'strollers' now available that are designed to take your cat or small dog out for a stroll, protected within a mesh shelter.  Really a cute sight!  
Hope this is helpful and thank you for your inquiry.
Tomay