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- Oct 30, 2013
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I don't know if it's because he's a Bengal, but mine took no time at all - I put him on the harness, opened the back door and off we went. I let him dictate how far he wanted to go and the first day was not far at all because of nerves I guess. We spent about an hour sniffing the garden and just outside it and he wanted to go indoors. Slept like a baby after that too! I think tho that it was no fuss to him because he really wanted to go outside and he twigged this was the only way. After that, we went out 2-3 times a day and explored more and more. I did this for a week and at the end of that week I put a catflap in and let him go out on his own. He would only explore neighbourhood gardens to begin with, and he would ask me to go with him for walks further. Tbh, I think that this was the best thing I could've done, he got to know the area safely and he built up strength and confidence, all a lucky guess on my part. He never really got scared if we met someone or saw a dog - he'd never seen a dog so he had no idea about them and didn't panic, just simply sat down and watched them from a distance.
How long did it take till your cat adjusted to the lead? And is there a certain type that works better? I tried the lead once and both my cats were very freaked out. Even in apt lobby they did the baby howl thing and belly crawling then frantic scratching at door. I assumed it wasnt for them but maybe I didnt try long enough. They also hated the pet stroller. I thought it wasnt offering the freedom they want but a new kind of trap? because they didnt feel safe....without the option to run and hide if trouble came their way. ?
I did read up on it first and the advice was to let them wear it indoors first, until they get used to it. It's one of those body harness ones, goes around the belly and the neck - I'd read that neck only, like you do with a dog, makes cats panic. Then after that, let the cats choose how far they want to go. If your cat's don't take to it tho, I wouldn't force them (not that I think you would), and I really do think letting the cat dictate on lead walks is the best. I will say it is slow going tho - mine sniffed every blade of grass to learn where he was and you need a lot of patience!
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