EncyOf wrote:plum wrote:Frisk and I went on another little outing downtown today! Originally just went to get lunch but there was a music festival going on so we walked around a little before settling down at a cafe (outdoor seating, of course).
She got lots of attention and compliments on how chill she was hanging out of my lap. Overall, a good experience!

Whoa! How do you even get your cat to wear a harness/collar?! My cats would claw my face off if I even thought of doing that, ha. ^^ Anyway, I have three cats. One is a stray we adopted (Nightmare) and has green eyes and black fur. She never scratches or bites- she's not declawed, either (none of them are)- and she loves everyone except my younger brothers because of... Prior experiences, but she puts up with them. My second cat, Soshi, is chubby and lazy. He's brown/orange with brown stripes, a white belly and paws, and green eyes. He doesn't do anything- not even chase strings, birds, bugs, or toys... And then there's Blinky. He's just like Soshi, but with a white face and he's skinny and 'mean'. He doesn't like anybody except for me, ESPECIALLY my dad. My dad wasn't nice at all to him when he was a kitten, and now he's afraid of most people- males, specifically- and he bites and scratches. Is there a way I can help him be less afraid? ^^;
@Plum - Ah what a sweetie, I love torties! Sounds like a great outing c: I personally can't wait to get my first (not my parents') cat in 2/3 months and start training him/her on a leash!
You'll most likely have to train your cats on the harnesses before you can actually take them out and expect them to be comfortable. It may take a while, but if you're really serious, it's really about taking baby steps.
http://www.wikihow.com/Leash-Train-a-CatA basic guide^
Although their recommendation to put the harness on the cat off the bat may be a bit extreme for some, especially Soshi from the sounds of it. You can start by only attaching the part around the neck, like a normal collar, and allowing the rest of the harness to hang. He may not be used to the feeling of a harness clutching his stomach and freak out. In very extreme cases I've even heard recommendations of hanging the harnesses by their food bowls in order for the cat to associate the harness with positive thoughts.
Once the harness is on, slowly increase the length of time you let them wear it around the house. Then let them wander the house with a leash attached. Then you can follow them around (inside the house if that's where they are most comfortable) while holding the leash to get them used to it. Then you can follow them around outside. Finally, you should be ready to lead the cat as opposed to the cat leading you.
It takes time, they don't adjust to leashes as quickly and enthusiastically as dogs but it can be done with time and dedication.