Harness & Leash Training
I have trained several Pixies to wear a harness and use it while traveling. They don't like it at first and can act like their
back is going to break when you first put it on. This can be especially true with the little ones. Don't worry! The cats soon
learn that they can walk. Patience, love and some of the following techniques have all helped in the successful harness
training of my Pixie-Bobs.
In the beginning I put the harness on for short periods of time. I play and feed them in it. The cats then learn to associate
positive experiences with the harness. I also confine them to a smaller area where they can't hook the harness on something
and scare or hurt themselves.
Babies will try and lick the harness off. Be sure that they can't get their lower jaw caught on the part that goes around the
neck. I have had more success with having this loose so they can get their jaw in and out. It always scares them a little at
first, but they learn to take their jaw in and out and soon learn to avoid this behavior.
The next step is to attach a short piece, approximately 12 inches, of stiff, light-weight rope or leather to the harness. The
material is leight-weight and stiff so that it can't get caught on things. The cat will play while learning to drag it and see that it
is not scarry. After they have become accustomed to the short rope, I put on a longer lead and let them feel the restraint on
the harness with a give and take motion as they move about. They will flop over and spin and then relax in the harness. I
talk to the cat and pet them when they relax or when they lay down in the harness.
Teasers work well for teaching felines to go forward. There will also come a time when they startle at something and try to
run off. Hold firmly to the leash and release as soon as they quit jumping around. This way they learn restraint and to also
relax in the harness. This technique is similar to training colts, but with cats we use kitty psychology.
I have used many types of harnesses. I like the figure eight harness the best, although most types will get the job done. The
figure eight harness with the plastic disc at the shoulders, however, has problems because it rubs. The plastic snaps are
better to use when a kitten or cat is in motion.
A word of caution, cats are extreamly agile. In a panic situation they can back out of almost any harness. This happens
when they become really scared. I have double-harnessed cats with 2 different types of harnesses. I use this method when
training a more fearful or an older cat.
All my cats are micro-chipped. When I take them to public places I also have them wear a safety collar with a tag that
states "REWARD", my phone number, and a bell. A brown collar looks great with most Pixie-Bobs. I also take a canvas bag
for them to hide in on my shoulder. That way if I meet a loose dog or another bad situation, they have a safe place to hide.
Having this option always calms them. I've never lost a cat but this is inexpensive insurance for the unexpected.