If you've ever tried cat harness and leash training on a kitten, you know how hit or miss the situation can be. Some kittens take to cat leash training quickly. Others may take months, years, or may never really adapt. I know my kitten, Vance, would fight and fight the harness. He hated collars, harnesses, leashes...basically anything restrictive of his movement.
Harnesses and leashes can open a new world for kittens to explore the outside world in a safe controlled way. You and your cat will enjoy the bonding experience that occurs during training. And your kitten will get to experience added exercise and a relief from boredom.
And we know that a bored kitten is a kitten that can destroy your house, furniture, rugs, etc... Kittenhood is particularly good time to begin leash training. People often underestimate how malleable kitten behavior can be. In fact, kittens can be just a trainable as puppies, if not moreso. Here's what you need to get started:
Time
Patience
Cat Leash (bungee type leash preferred)
Cat Harness
Most people know what leash looks like. However, many people are less familiar with harnesses. A harness is an “H” shaped piece of fabric that fits around a cat's girth. Harnesses are generally better that traditional collars in that they don't put pressure on a cat's delicate neck and cervical spine.
Putting on a harness can be a bit more complicated that using a collar. I know what I tried to put on a harness for the first time I was confused. Most harnesses come with directions that explain how to best fit the device on your particular cat.
Harnesses also come a variety of sizes. Most kittens generally need a small size harness. Fit is important. You want your harness to have a snug fit against your cat's body. But, not so close your cat has difficulty breathing or is too restricted. A loose harness can allow your can to become free too easily.
Here's a great video that shows how a harness should fit your kitty.
Remember these tips when cat harness training.
Start training indoors then move outside when your kitten is ready
When it's time to go outside to train Find a quiet spot to begin trainiing
Let your kitten explore outside on its own terms
Keep training sessions short. 10 to 15 mins max
Use lots of praise, toys, and treats as reinforcers
