How To Train Your Cat To Walk On A Harness & Leash

[@krowkovtuber]

this guy can legit be a therapist how good he is with exposure procedures. my mind is blown. straight forward and informative. best guide in the universe seriously.

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful and am also happy you understand the 'baby steps' approach to exposure therapy (aka desensitization). Best of luck!

[@quraishanajiha3904]

that walky walk got me 😂♥️

[@richardbarber5911]

ha! ha! Thanks!

[@hollyjohnson4834]

I love that your cats come running when they hear the song! I'm definitely going to do this.

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you! Yes, songs work really well with cats!

[@FLAMENCODELACOSTA]

Finally, someone who makes total sense. Not an amatuer!

[@richardbarber201]

Hi. I'm so glad you found it useful!

[@jeweliedee4299]

I have been slowly following your steps and it is working! She lets me put her harness on for 2 minutes now! I will add the leash soon and I am so excited. I just want my kitty to have a richer life. Thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

You are totally welcome! :)

[@richardbarber5911]

You are totally welcome!

[@seraphimssounds]

the WALKY SONG tip is genius 🤣👏 thank you!!

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you like it! Yep, cats tune into songs and phrases really well and associate them with whatever is going on at the time. Repetition is key until the association is cemented.

[@singin393]

I would like to add a piece of advice. If you use a bungee cord type leash, it makes it a bit less likely that your kitty will pull out of the harness if she backs up suddenly. It's the difference between a hard stop and a less restrictive stop. It seems to cause less panic at feeling trapped, and is actually less likely to pull the harness right off the cat. Excellent video - so important to take the steps to help the kitty feel comfortable and not panic.

[@richardbarber201]

Excellent additional tip! Makes perfect sense. Thank you! 🙏

[@sittingaloneinvip]

omg THANK YOU FOR THIS pls make more cat training videos! i'm trying to help my two year old cat turn into an adventure cat and been taking her out for walks in her carrier/backpack and she LOVES IT. all other youtube videos on this subject people talk too much thanks for getting straight to the damn point!!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you are finding the video useful. I'm pleased your cat is liking the backpack walks! Glad you enjoyed me cutting to the chase. I try to trim the fat on all my videos. I'm not sure what to do next. Is there a topic you'd like to see me make a video on? Thanks!

[@Tanya-vl5ub]

I totally agree about other cat tutorial videos being too much, regarding too much talking and complicated information 🐱

[@kseniaeverton8089]

I also agree that this was much more useful than other can training videos, articles and books! I think they are always really vague. For me it was helpful to see it all demonstrated (although this cat didn't have any issues, it would have been extra extra nice to see it done with a cat who was slower to get comfortable with it).

[@pattytompkins2452]

Thank you so much for sharing your marvelous way of training your cat to use a harness and leash. I love the addition of a song so they know what to expect. I have a new kitten which I’m already in love with 😍 and plan on teaching her to use a harness and leash. I already have a cat stroller and she jumps right in it and loves going for walks but I think the addition of being able to walk her outside will be another enhancement in her life. 🥰

[@jmrichsonsr]

Thank you for this video. I"m going to start training my 14 year old cat and I want it to be successful. Every thing you teach here makes perfect sense. We live in the country so she has never been restrained in any way other than a carrier to go for shots. Slow and steady it will be. Thank you again.

[@richardbarber201]

Hi James. Thank you for your comment. I am very pleased that you found it helpful. Yes, slow and steady is the key - lots of small successes and going at the cat's pace. 👍

[@catdata]

HOWD IT GOOOO

[@caidenamos4857]

Sorry to be off topic but does anybody know a tool to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost the password. I love any tips you can offer me!

[@emmanuelalexzander304]

@Caiden Amos instablaster :)

[@caidenamos4857]

@Emmanuel Alexzander thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@binarybotany3218]

Her tail is so up, she's so excited!

[@richardbarber5911]

Yes - cats are very tuned in to routines and rituals so if you do your walk at about the same time each day and follow the same routine (singing a walky-walk song, for example) they will get excited about what's coming up next: the actual walk. Good luck with everything!

[@robertclark2688]

Watched dozens of videos on walking your cat. Yours is by FAR the BEST!! Thank you for taking the time to go into such detail. Also ordered the harness you recommended. You should set up a link. There is no shame in getting a little something for referring something you believe in. Will be watching all your videos. Are you still making & posting?

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Robert. Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you found the level of detail useful. I've taken a bit of a break from making videos as over the last 6 months I moved from Honolulu to Florida and setting up my new life, new job and getting my 7 cats here has taken up most of my time and energy. As I see needs arise, I'll make some more videos in the future. Thank you!

[@starshinewatchdog8058]

You’re awesome dude thank you. Luna is a beauty

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you!

[@SillyNep]

Fantastic video, when I get my cat at home again I really wanna harness/leash train them to walk them, when I lived at my parents house they always let them out on their own but I've realized that's not the best for cats or their environment so i really wanna give them the enrichment of it without the danger, so this is incredibly useful. Also I just gotta say this is absolutely adorable, love how you communicate with them and how they respond to your singing, its adorable!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Fritz. Thank you! Yep - loving communication is key to all aspects of cat care, in my opinion.

[@Crusty_Camper]

This is so useful, thank you. We just got our rescue cat, another Luna, and we want her to be happy in her harness because we would like to take her with us in our camper van and need her to be safe while exploring. A great video, we are more than half way through the process.

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found it useful! I hope you and your Luna have a great time in the camper and exploring! :)

[@-joltrast]

This needs a ton of views. Every single tip is gold! Thank you! 🙂

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found it useful and thank you for the positive feedback! :)

[@BuckFush08]

Thank you SO much for this video! I watched another video purporting to "Learn how to walk your cat", and the guy showed his cat already in a harness, with a leash on, lounging on an outdoor chair and went on and on about how beautiful his cat was!! It WAS a beautiful cat.... but he didn't teach me squat about how to get MY cat accustomed to wearing a harness and leash! Great, VERY USEFUL video! Thank you so much! Now I just have to get Cleopatra, our Savannah cat to watch it!

[@airehkka]

I have been watching a lot of "how to" videos, since I'm planning to walk my cat, and I've only ever known how to walk my dog. You explained it so well. Thank you so much for sharing your tips! It was very clear, and I love the singing before walks and when it's time to go home, as cues. You sing well! Cheers!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Erika. So glad you found it useful. 👍

[@marys7251]

After countless hours of searching every kind of harness and every review for escapability and comfort, I purchased two 2 Loop harnesses for my two eight-month-old kitties. When they arrived I took them out of the packages and let them sniff them and play with them. They were anxious to get outside so after just a couple of days I put the harnesses on them, and adjusted them so that I could fit my finger between their body and the harness. The very next day I attached the leashes and thought I'd see how they walked around inside house. I had also purchased a tie out and 2 30-foot nylon cords. With the tie out and nylon cords in place outside, I attached their harnesses and leashes and opened the door. They were absolutely delighted to walk out the door and wait while I attached the leash to the cord clipped on the tie out. I made sure that the cords would not reach any trees or the fence. They were so happy to go outside even though they weren't free to roam beyond their own backyard. I let them out everyday later in the evening weather permitting. I have to stay with them because they do walk around and wrap their leashes and cords around the plants, the pots, the patio stones, the bushes and get stuck. I stay with them the entire time they are outside. There have been a few times they've gotten spooked and went running towards the house. I immediately opened the door to let them in not really understanding what scared them both at the same time. Your video was truly splendiferous. Thank you for all that you do. 💗

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Mary. All of it sounds wonderful! Well done! Similarly, I'm in the process of searching for the best method to cat proof my fences so that my crew can have 24/7 access to my backyard. Seems like coyote rollers or netting seem to be the most popular options. Thanks!

[@marys7251]

@@richardbarber5911 Coyotes! Horrible! I'm not sure what your situation is with the fences but I wish you the best. My cats don't try to really climb the fences but I had to make sure that they couldn't get over and then hang from the other side. Like I said, I have to stay with them the whole time they're outside. I'm going to get them right now and let them out in the yard. Best of luck to you!

[@LUTube81]

Thank you so much for your fantastic video! I tried to get my cat used to two different harnesses & he did not like the harness at all. After watching your video, I bought a harness like yours that could be velcroed from the back. That combined with the baby steps you demonstrated allowed my kitty to get comfortable wearing the harness. He isn’t comfortable walking far yet, but now I can at least take him outside into the yard to enjoy the sounds and smells outdoors. Thank you!

[@Moxxiemorgan]

Awww what a cute lil pink harnessed lil girl. Super cute.

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you! That's my Squirrel. Found her on the side of the road in Chinatown, Honolulu, squealing up a storm because she was lost. She was about 5 weeks old at the time. Totally daddy's girl :)

[@ChiNguyen-qj7co]

i never thought about getting them used to the sound, put it on and then take it off, i just got a harness, i'll cross my fingers, super helpful, thank you so much

[@richardbarber201]

You're totally welcome!

[@RMR218]

fantastic video!

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful! :)

[@englishrose4388]

This was an especially helpful video. Thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found it helpful! You're welcome!

[@faithlove106]

It’s the song of going home that won me ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aniakrysia]

I have a Ragdoll who is not afraid of anyone or anything. When guests come over, she inspects them and hangs around us out of curiosity. I took her once to my parent’s house and she just ran around exploring and at the end took a nap on her blanket (her scent) that I put on top of a blanket on a couch. Yesterday, when I opened the door, she ran out. She’s so stealth! I didn’t even know she was around me. Luckily, I live in a very secure condo building with door closed everywhere, so she had no chance of escaping. However, because she’s so curious and loves exploring, I bought a harness and a leash for her. I put it on her yesterday. I guess because of her very docile nature, she let me put it on, no problem- but walked very close to the ground. I kept it on her for 2-3 minutes- opened the condo door as I want her to associate the harness with her being able to go out, but she stayed at the threshold. She was not a fan of the harness. I will now follow your steps and hopefully, she’ll be ok with it soon as we’re going on a trip next month. :)

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. What you are doing sounds perfect. Just stick with it. It's not unusual for a lot of cats to hunch down - or even flop over on their side - the first few times of having a harness on them. Associating it with the door being open is perfect. Just keep doing what you're doing and before you know it she'll be begging for the harness, wearing it comfortably and confidently exploring outside your door. Keep it up! :)

[@aniakrysia]

@@richardbarber5911 Love it! I can’t wait. She’s only 10 months old so hopefully, she’ll be ok as she’s learning at a young age. Luckily, she didn’t just roll over, just walked hunched then laid down on her scratcher/bed and just stayed on it. At one point, I think she forgot she had a harness, she started playing with her favorite toy when I turned it on for her. :) The harness is lying right next to us on the couch as she’s taking a nap….:)

[@richardbarber5911]

@@aniakrysia Brilliant! Yes, she'll be great because she's learning this at a new age. There's a lot of truth to the expression "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". Almost all animals are much, much more amenable to trying - and getting used to and learning to love - new things and experiences when they are young. Funny that she forgot she had her harness on while on her scratcher. You sound like a great cat mum! Keep it up! And thanks for your feedback on everything - much appreciated. Happy cats is all I care about.

[@rosesaporito9038]

this is FANTASTIC 💗 my one critique is for indoor cats is to always CARRY them outside so they dont venture out on their own

[@richardbarber5911]

Depending on the house/apartment set up, absolutely. Use your best judgement, always erring on the side of safety.

[@fruitful5915]

Lots of work to convince a cat to go in a walk but this is pretty amazing.

[@yz3668]

this video deserved more views!! thank you for all the tips you offered.

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Thank you for your kind comment and you're totally welcome for all the tips. Glad you found it useful! :)

[@Jade-sc7ne]

Great video, thank you for uploading, I am trying to walk my cat and one vital thing I have learnt from your video is to be very patient.

[@Tanya-vl5ub]

This is my favourite video on the subject! Sooo cute! I'm revving up to getting my indoor senior cat, the Oskartron, into his new harness and out into our new environment. I've watched so many videos and this one resonates on how to do it. Thanx Richard 🐱

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Tanya. I'm so glad you found it useful. You are totally welcome! Thank you. Richard.

[@michiimikki]

I love the idea how you wrap the leash around your hand!

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you. It's a small detail, but really helps as one more added layer of security. I use this when walking friends' dogs, too.

[@tarrynnell1369]

This is brilliant! Thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

You're welcome!

[@spearageddon3279]

That was awesome. 🥰 I have 3 dogs and 4 cats ... 2 cats are fully outdoors, 1 cat fully indoors, and 1 cat is indoor/outdoor (out to play with the others during day and comes in for the night at bedtime, and throughout the day for meals/snacks - comes when called, always. This guy needs to get trained for a harness & leash since he'll be going on a long road trip with us, which is why I'm here. Great tips, thanks!

[@richardbarber5911]

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful! Thanks! Richard

[@zudabenhur]

Awesome video, Richard. patience is the name of the game. subscribed.

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Amardeep. Thank you very much!

[@gabi-4095]

im using this video to train. in terms of steps, im halfway through !! we have slowly been working through for the past month or so. slow and steady. thank you ❤

[@LynneMadison0731]

I can tell that you love and respect your kitties 😸 ❤️ 💕 it's so sweet. I just got a leash for my 11 year old who befriended some strays and is curious about being outside. This is a very helpful video. Thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

You're totally welcome! My crew befriended neighborhood kitties, too, and looked forward to going for a walk to say hi to them and nose-kiss them :)

[@SheenyPebble]

Thank you for your lovely sound thoughtful video. 🐈‍⬛ She really swished her tail about going in....

[@richardbarber5911]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@ashcaldwell2828]

Thank you! This is the absolute best, most thorough video on harness training and walking a cat I've seen (and I've been watching :) Question: I have an 8 week old curious kitten. He doesn't seem afraid of jolting out any door I open. He's the runt of his litter and pretty small. When is too young to start training him? What harness/leash combination do you recommend that he can use now and also grow into? Thanks! Supper appreciate you and your expertise!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Thank you for your kind comments. It's really never too young to start training. Being only 8 weeks old, he's probably going to treat the whole thing as a game and just roll around on his side and back trying to swat at the leash and bite it, but that's what kittens do. With a very young kitten I''d use a vest-style harness (like in the video), rather than a spaghetti-strap style harness. He'll just tangle himself up in spaghetti straps and make your life frustrating as you try and put it on him. Leash recommendation is as per the video, but try and find one with as small a clasp as possible as those metal clasps can be a bit heavy for a kitten when they inevitably rest on their backs intermittently while walking. As for 'growing into' either the harness and/or leash: the harness he will grow *out of* - just like human toddlers grow out of their clothes and you just have to buy bigger ones. The leash will be fine for a long time, perhaps forever. I hope that helps.

[@Deya__]

Awesome vedio, I think it's the best one on KZbin yet. Thanks a lot. One question though, did you make this video actually following the steps? Or was it made after the cat was trained? Your cat is ameowizing 😻

[@richardbarber201]

After the cats were trained. The reality is that I'd already trained 3 of my cats to walk with a harness and leash. People kept asking me for a video on how I did it so I went back and filmed each step as I had done it previously.

[@lisafweeks]

Thank you for giving me the confidence to try this with my recently adopted adult cat. I suspect she was allowed outdoors in her previous life but with me I wish to keep her and other wildlife safe, so it will only be supervised outdoor activities if I can pull this off. Wish me luck!

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found the video useful. Good luck! :)

[@themeeksheep88]

How did it all go Lisa!

[@judybeik1083]

Love this! Our 7 year old Bombay is loving outdoor time and I’ve been following this video as reference. What’s the bungee leash extension brand you’re using?

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Glad you enjoyed the video and your 7 year old is getting into the great outdoors. The bungee leash was re-purposed from a harness + leash kit I found in a big box store. I honestly can't remember the brand name. I, too, wanted to buy just the bungee leash part a few years ago and I wasn't able to find anyone online selling such a product. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[@christinaclayton5159]

This was an excellent video. This is exactly the cat training that I NEEDED. LOL. I couldn't figure out how to get my cat in the harness. Great techniques and strategy. Best video on training your cat. Can you post link to the harness you used?

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. I'm glad you found the video useful and thank you for your kind feedback. www.kittyholster.com

[@suna7729]

Woderful tutorial and cats :) I have been trying various tactics for months to walk my cat safely, and I will apply your advices, thank you.

[@richardbarber5911]

You are totally welcome!

[@ayalaina1916]

I walk my kitty daily, started as soon as I found her (3 or 4 mo. Stray). I will try the songs. She runs to the door when she hears her harnesses and we do a lot of driving. I agree..always look around while you walk. We meet lots of dogs so have developed a system.

[@richardbarber5911]

Good on you!

[@shwetastube]

curious to know what's worked for you in terms of dealing with dogs. my kitten is taking to the harness, but predators are my biggest fear.

[@Swally16-l8f]

I really enjoyed this video, thank you for sharing your song, the home time song has me feeling good about humanity :)

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Luke. Glad you enjoyed it! And glad you got some good vibes from it :)

[@dianehall5345]

Hello Richard from our farm in New Hampshire. I can tell you really love your cats! I had an orange and white named Mr. Bean. You have such a patient manner. Lucky cats to be in your care. I lost my beloved Noel this month She was 18. At some point, when I can stop crying, I will talk to my vet about getting a female kitten. I have trained one kitten to a haness. It did not phase the kitten in the least! Liked to attack the leash :-) I took Merlin everywhere. I will follow your channel with interest. All the best! ~ Diane

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. I am sorry for your losses. I deliberately adopt super-seniors with special needs and provide hospice care for them so that their last year (months?) are the best they've ever had - so I empathize with our grief and loss. It doesn't 'go away', but it does raise itself less frequently over time. Cry. It's healthy. Yep, kittens tend to stuff around with harnesses and leashes like they are the greatest teaser-toy ever created - ha! ha! Best of luck with everything and your future kitties and hit me up if you have any questions. Kindly, Richard.

[@dianehall5345]

Richard- Thanks for responding. I assume you lived in the UK. I worked in Bradford for three years and have a best friend in Leeds. I am researching the standard cost of taking care of a kitten. We have some state programs here that assist with the cost of spaying. My hat is off to you for taking in seniors and giving them a good life. You made my day with your songs! I think I will pick" So long - farewell" from the Sound of Music :-)

[@richardbarber5911]

@@dianehall5345 Hi Diane. A farm in New Hampshire sounds lovely! Actually, I'm Australian by birth. That video was shot in Hawaii when I lived there. I now live in Florida. I've never been to the UK. Maybe one day - time and money permitting. Glad you liked the songs. Sound Of Music is a classic - love it!

[@dianehall5345]

Richard- Ah, now that I'm paying closer attention, you do have a soft 'Down Under' accent. I lived in West Yorkshire for three years. Florida should mirror your country's warm climate to a degree. Yes, we are a 350 acre working farm.

[@kiaranicole1174]

Amazing video, really one of the best ones I’ve seen as I’ve been searching on how to walk my cat for the last 3 hours! Thank you for the in depth video & helpful tips!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Kiara. Thank you for the feedback and you are totally welcome! Good luck with your harness training!

[@kiaranicole1174]

@@richardbarber5911 thank you ! I have a feeling I’ll need it 😅

[@richardbarber5911]

@@kiaranicole1174 Slow and steady. A little bit every day adds up to a wealth of success in training over a month. Go for it! :)

[@stylemanual1]

Really great, thank you! When you introduced the treats that take longer to eat, did you reduce her meal allowance that day? I'm not quite sure about quantities 🙂

[@richardbarber5911]

Yes. For positive association between treats and harness to work, you need your cat a little bit hungry.

[@lionmane284]

This is a great video ! Thank you for the upload , it's exactly what I needed! More training days ahead for my little Ching's journey 🎉

[@richardbarber201]

Glad you found it useful. Give Ching a pat from me! 😻

[@ladydiana2905]

Very helpful! Lots of great pearls not in other videos

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found it useful!

[@thetidacha5724]

I haven’t tried any of the tips yet. But they make sense. I have a black cat as well, he’s very frightened cat though. Love the video

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you!

[@Rincon009]

Yo!! This is super useful info!! Thank you!!

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found it useful! You're totally welcome!

[@andreafelton689]

Bravo! Love it! Thanks! It's about a month until you can actually take them out?

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Glad you found the video useful. Don't worry so much about counting off the days. I should have explained it better in the video when I was saying 'do such-and-such' for 'a few days'. I was being conservative. The more conservative training is, the higher the likelihood of success. The more rushed training is, the lower the chance of success. So: do a step. Once your cat is comfortable at that step, progress to the next. For some cats it might take a few days. For others, a few months. Somewhere in the middle, you're likely to find your own pace. Just remember the Golden Rule Of Cat Training: Go At The Cat's Pace (not at the human's desired pace). Rush it, and it'll backfire. It never hurts to take it slow and steady :)

[@MatthewClowney]

This is extraordinarily helpful. Thank you so much!! I have hope again that this might actually work for my cat who needs some exercise and some interesting distractions.

[@melissajane6895]

That was so awesome! Thank you! Hello from Brisbane, we have the coolest cat/dog who is 10 months old and he has been with us a week and I'm convinced he will be so cool with a harness. Going to do your approach to set us up for success. Love the little songs - now to practise.

[@rashichandra1989]

Thank you for the video. I recently bought 2 harnesses for my 2 cats and they're both hating it. Unfortunately we don't get the ones you showed here, so I had to buy a Ruffwear Front range harness. They hate it right now so I will try to do the steps you have listed out and try to make them be friends.

[@richardbarber5911]

As long as the cats value going outside they will tolerate the harness training. If they don't value going outside, they won't see the point in it. I presume they actually want to go outside. Remember - some cats are perfectly happy *inside* the home and have no desire to go outside. I hope that helps. Thanks!

[@Sarah-wh6ge]

This is a really thorough video - thank you! I have a question about training/free feeding. I feed my fur companion Maybelle twice a day (just turned 1, fairly recently adopted and very similar to Luna!), she has a bowl of wet and a bowl of dry food served together at the same time, every day. I remove the wet when she's done (soon after serving) and let her graze on the dry during the day (or night feed) I'm wondering if you could comment a little more here about the relationship to feeding times, treats and the order of which to do things in training and out of training. Maybelle is not presently motivated by treats (and I've tried a few!), but I don't want her going hungry either - when I adopted Maybelle 2 months ago she was very shy but we're really starting to bond and get to know each other and I don't want to undo that!

[@richardbarber201]

Hi. Thank you for your comments! :) Although highly-valued treats are what are normally used as a reward and motivator in training, you can use anything else that is especially highly valued by your cat. I had one client a couple of years ago who had a cat who would not eat any kind of treat whatsoever. He did, however, absolutely love cat grass. So instead of rewarding him with food treats, I'd let him nibble on cat grass. He only got the harness when the cat grass was out and the cat grass was only out for training. It worked perfectly and his owners leash walk him almost daily! :)

[@laia3937]

amazing!!! specially the song part jeje thanks

[@richardbarber5911]

You're welcome!

[@alicelu8275]

So helpful and I enjoy watching this video!

[@jeffca027]

Great and helpfull video and you are such a patient man :) I like the song at the end too, would love to know what that song is :) Thank you

[@richardbarber201]

Thank you! The song at the end is just something I came up with. If you use songs consistently your cats will tune in to them and understand what's going on. 👍

[@jeffca027]

@@richardbarber201 your song is so catchy, good job :) In my country not so many people walk the cats, in my town I maybe saw two persons, it's going to be extra fun (not to say weird) when I start to sing to my cat on the street :D but I'm going to, it looks like it's really working. Thank you, again

[@richardbarber5911]

@@jeffca027 My pleasure!

[@angelagartland7639]

Brilliant, informative, clearly you are knowledgeable and incredible with your beautiful cats. I'm going to try with my wee kitten....using your advice. Looking to get a rucksack to put her in...so we can go walking...hopefully Best wishes xx

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you! Glad you found it informative. Tiny little kittens are pretty much up for any adventure so I'm sure you'll have great success.

[@RainBarrelable]

You are an amazing feline behaviorist! And an amazing human!

[@pearlventura750]

AMAZING VIDEO !!!!!!! I truly love it !!!! Thank you so much for the steps and tips

[@richardbarber5911]

So glad you found it useful and like it. You're totally welcome!!

[@shyannedianne1962]

I was pretty lucky with 3 cats, I did it when they're younger and they did just lay there at first but once they learned that they could walk just fine there was no stopping them, sadly I lost the first two cats, one, Ollie, with a stomach tumour and then Frank got run over ( I'd let him loose - don't ask me why as I kick myself to this day ) so with my George now we go on two walks a day, you've got to know though it's not really like walking a dog as cat's take the lead not the other way around lol if George either want's or doesn't want to go somewhere then it's his way or the highway.

[@richardbarber5911]

I'm sorry for your loss. Yes, indeed, walking a cat is nothing like walking a dog. Cats tend to get spooked very easily and then panic. They also, as you mentioned, take the lead. I love the way they can stop and be fascinated sniffing a rock for 15 minutes or so. Reminds us how scent is their major sense. Best wishes to you and George!

[@cj2467]

You are an awesome teacher! Thank you for this video! I needed help😹!

[@richardbarber5911]

Aw, thank you! You're totally welcome and I'm glad you found it useful!

[@K.night_]

"So, watch out for weirdos"

[@calmcalculus]

Wow is this thorough! Would you vary this, at all, when you’re training a kitten. Mine is about 11/12 weeks old

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, I would vary it for a kitten. Kittens are still at that stage of life where they're basically 'up for anything'. Try just putting the harness and leash on your kitten while singing your 'walk song' and go for it.

[@tedbarnhart1553]

Richard, such a good teaching video. My wife and I are going to start walking our young cat Piepan (1 year old) and are looking for good advice. Your presentation was great!!!

[@kellycondefer4877]

very comprehensive video and great advice-- gosh I hope this works. I may need to record your walkie-walkie song, I think that is the key!! thanks for the video 😸

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found it useful. ha! ha! Yep - cats usually pick up on regularly-sung songs being associated with activities very well. Best of luck!

[@tinamagnuson9656]

Best video yet! Any suggestions if you live in an apartment building with inside corridor and elevator down into a lobby where one exits to the outside?

[@hogeefp]

This is really helpful. Thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

You're totally welcome!

[@dooglebee]

There is a lot of helpful and insightful information in this video! I know it's a year since it was posted but it didn't show up in recommendations until today. 😁 Anywho, if you happen to see this comment, Mr. Barber, I was wondering how tightly the harness should be wrapped around my cat? I don't want it loose enough for him to wriggle out of (he loves a challenge so he'll probably try) and certainly not too tight as to be restrictive or dangerous. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I know my lil' buddy would love to experience the outdoors and I want to make that a reality for him in the safest way possible. Thanks!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. That's a really good question and - with hindsight - something I should have included in the video. The truth is, I go by intuitive feel. I could probably slip a finger under the front portion and same with the belly portion. I'll make a proper note of it in a week when I leash walk them again and get back to you with a better answer (I'm so busy cat-sitting at the moment that my wife has taken over the nightly walks as I'm not at home). A couple of notes to answer your message: unfortunately, I have not found a harness that is 100% escape-proof. Some harnesses are better than others but I've yet to see a harness that is absolutely, unequivocally escape-proof when a very determined cat wants out. So my tactic is to (a) get my cats that are interested in the outdoors very, very, very comfortable with the whole 'walky walk' procedure and harness and (b) try to be very vigilant for keeping an eye out for something that might spook them so much that they slip out of the harness. eg My Luna (the star of the video) is extremely scared of the UPS truck that comes around sometimes at night so if I notice it at the end of the road I cut the walk short and take her inside. I hope that info helps. Feel free to hit me up if I haven't gotten back to you in a week. Thanks!

[@artemis7380]

Hello, thanks for this guide is one of the bests! Also question; do i need to do the same steps with every new harness? I got my cat’s first harness and did the steps but i noticed it was too tight on him so i got a different type and have washed it n currently sleeping with it but do i need to? Or can i go straight to treats? Thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. I would use your best judgement. The steps I outlined are the most conservative approach that really break it down to have the most chance of success. Rule of thumb: if your cat displays aversion to any step, back up your training by one step until they are comfortable, then try the new step again. I hope that helps. Thanks! Richard

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

At 8:50 you remind me of Seth rogan! Also nice video ! I appreciate it

[@alexfarneti7442]

thank you for 🔝the precious advises and great video ! I will try with my kittens 🐱🐱

[@richardbarber5911]

You're welcome! Let us know how it goes!

[@Sc0rpic0m]

I followed this tutorial and got one of my cats to walk on a leash! Many thanks!

[@richardbarber5911]

Wonderful! Well done!

[@Sc0rpic0m]

@@richardbarber5911 He wants to go all the time now.. but his behaviour indoors overall improved for sure!

[@richardbarber5911]

@@Sc0rpic0m Great to hear. Yes, most cats are bored and get pent-up hunter energy by sitting around indoors all day. Leash walking is one way to get them to release that energy just by being in the great outdoors and it often has a great knock-on effect for the behaviour indoors, too. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@Aleph86]

This is a very informative video! Thank you very much, I'll try these steps to train my cat to her harness

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

That's a great tip to get them used to the sound of the velcro!

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you! Some cats are more scared by velcro sounds than others - that's why we love cats, because they are all different :)

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

@@richardbarber5911 Oh yes! I am fostering a little angel, but he gets scared of anything that wasn't there before. Last night he wouldn't play on the couch, like he loves to do, because there was a hand towel on the arm. Silly fraidy cat!🤭🤭🤭❤

[@lauratempestini5719]

Very well presented! What about climbing trees?

[@Lorlornyo]

I just got this harness for traveling in the airport thinking what if I have to take him out of the crate, then I started thinking oh maybe occasionally we can go Sit at the park for fresh air. I’m not sure what I may need this thing for but I certainly like the idea of having it available as an option if necessary

[@richardbarber5911]

If you're going to use the harness and leash just on rare occasions, I would still recommend keeping up a regular (once a week, for example) 'walky walk' session so that your cat remains comfortable with wearing it. All the best!

[@MelindadelosSantos]

Thanks! I wish I saw this before I bought the leash. I even picked my song ... “The Whistling Gypsy!” 🤗

[@richardbarber201]

Glad you found it useful! I don't know that song but as long as you consistently sing the songs your cat will make the association.

[@lauriephillips8054]

This was the best video ive seen.

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you very much! Glad you found it useful!

[@hazelrigby2520]

Lovely video. I love your cats. The song or other audible signal is a great idea. Please can you tell me how you get your cats used to walking where you want them to go? And how do you get them used to being around cars? My cat is happy on the leash in the garden but will not go where we want and if we try to actually walk anywhere outside the garden just climbs up my leg with all his claws or tries, at great speed and ignoring the length of the lead in his panic, to hide under the nearest parked car or up a tree whenever a vehicle comes near. We live near a busy road so I need my cats to be OK on a leash or they will never get out of the house. I have a new kitten so it seems a good time to try again. Any suggestions or tips you have would be warmly welcomed.

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. I'm glad you found the video useful. To answer your questions: You don't get your cats used to walking where you want them to go. Your cats will tell you where they want to go, with lots and lots of stops, sniffs and changes in weird direction along the way. Walking cats is not the same as walking dogs. Secondly, you don't get them used to being around cars. Cars are huge, growling entities and will almost always trigger a fear response in cats. You're enormously lucky to have a garden - stick to the garden. I hope that helps! :)

[@bad4339]

you are a genius

[@richardbarber5911]

That's very kind of you.

[@robinkaskey3251]

The walk song is Wagnerian. Bravo!

[@richardbarber5911]

ha! ha! Yeah, I suppose it is, isn't it? I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

[@elsplace896]

Your cat is adorable. I have a bungee leash and I'm going to add another leash. Is it better to have cat walk beside me or just let him go where he wants in front?

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you! It's unlikely that your cat will walk alongside you (I hold some gold medals for dog obedience training) and far more likely your cat will go where they want to and stop and sniff just a few spots. And that can be very satisfying to them. Cats, as we all know and love about them, are individuals though and I'm sure there must be some cats out there for whom walking alongside their guardian is what they love to do. Hope it all goes well for you!

[@elsplace896]

@@richardbarber5911 I agree. I don't think it's ;possible or desirable!!

[@DC-ef8op]

My cat was fine going outside and now she is 1.5 and every time I pick her up now she growls and hisses like she is going to bite me. She does not want to go back I. But I have to get back to work. I think she now associates me picking her up as a negative that she has to go in. Help!

[@tinahart1712]

I was just wondering where you got your kitty holster from. I have been doing some research and it appears that they are made in the USA. They look as though they are about £30 to buy and I was just wondering if you found a source in the UK that would sell them-a bit cheaper . Fantastic video by the way, you can tell you were a dog trainer and understand how to break training scenarios into small sections. Well done 👍🏻❤️

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Thank you for your kind comments. I bought the holster online from kittyholster.com. You might be able to source it via Amazon to get free shipping. Alternatively, there might be a UK-based manufacturer that produces something very similar. Sorry that I can't be more helpful - I just don't know the UK market for pet products at all. Best of luck!

[@Tanya-vl5ub]

I'm in the UK and have just bought one that is exactly the same design as kitty holster. It's made by Mynwood - a lady in Scotland who specialises in making them 🐱

[@GalaxyJ-vm2rn]

👍🏼Very good tips!!Thanks 🥰❤

[@richardbarber5911]

You're totally welcome!

[@continentalninja]

Thanks for the video very usefulll , love your cats and the songs .

[@iweardapants8]

Amazing! Your video is so helpful. Thank you for the great tips.

[@richardbarber201]

Hi. Glad you found it useful! :)

[@lexmex11]

i love it thanks, also i loved ...'also there are people around that don't like cats...so watch out for weridos' lmao

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi Alexandra. Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@RebekahLeaPhelps]

great training!

[@richardbarber5911]

Thank you!

[@nitron32]

Hi. Thanks for the great video. Where did you get the Water Fountain in 2.25? thanks

[@richardbarber5911]

It's an Acquapurr. Available online. They are great fountains!

[@shwetastube]

how do you deal with situations where you cat crawls into a space that's hard to reach, while on a leash. wait it out? sing? what about climbing trees?

[@richardbarber5911]

Good questions. Try really hard (ie, pay attention to your cat 100% of the time and stay off your cell phone) to make sure that your cat does not crawl into a space. If, however, it happens, that is the *ideal* opportunity for your cat to back up against the leash and slip out of it, so don't try and tug your cat out of the spot. Waiting it out is good. Treats are good. But an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, right? As for climbing trees, when your cat approaches a tree trunk that you don't want them to go up, just use the 'taught lease' technique and they will realize they can't get close enough to jump and will turn around to resume the walk. Bear in mind that cats are very different from dogs so leash-walking your cat requires a lot of vigilance and acumen on the part of the owner.

[@moonwizz]

My cats are not kittens I have 2 harnesses I've done the leaving the harness around I haven't washed them so would be good to do so then and put under my pillow I've not done. I opened my back door to put my washing out and they got out in the back garden no harnesses roxy is a tortoise shell breed my other one is black and white roxy went next door I was concerned as he has alot of wood around and a water but with no lid in I was on tender hooks as I only have 3ftbfence on either side. She was trying to nibble on my tulip stalks. As I know they are poisonous. So how do I know if they don't know what to nibble on in the garden.. Also I live right on edge if a pk so of course I'm worried. Ty Richard for your tutorial.❤

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. In answer to your question, in my experience most cats and dogs intuitively know not to eat plants that are bad for them. I'd be more concerned about pesticide/miticide/fungicide sprays, granular fertilizer and chemicals like that. Having said that, get rid of any lilies as even the inhaled pollen can cause serious illness in cats. My best advice, seeing that there are over a quarter million species of plants around the world, is to learn what you have in your garden and get rid of any that a quick Google search says are potentially dangerous. I hope that helps.

[@OliUli]

Really loved your video! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@Aydeet2]

Great video, Richard...thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

Glad you found it useful! :)

[@juste.une.mouche]

Hello! I am looking for a bungee leash exactly like yours for my cat. Could you share what it is? thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. I wish I could remember. I can't. Sorry. It came with a set. I, too, have been looking for 'stand alone' bungee leashes but have never been able to find them.

[@carolinaduarte3482]

Hi.Thank you for the video. Very detailed and informative. I have a couple o questions, I want to train my cats to use a harness in case of an emergency or if I travel to take them on an airplane. I don’t think I will be walking them. Would the training be the same? Is that a good harness for that? Thank you!

[@richardbarber5911]

Hi. Yes, basically the training would be the same. Instead of culminating in a walk outside, your training would culminate with them going into the carrier. Using baby-steps, you would then desensitize them to the carrier and make positive associations with it. eg: Once they are in it, zip it up, walk it to another room, unzip it and give them a treat. Next time, zip it up, walk outside, come back inside, unzip it and give them a treat. Work your way up to short car rides, then longer ones. If and when they day comes that there is an emergency or a plane ride, they'll forgive you that 1 time out of 365 it didn't go exactly the way they expected. I hope that helps. Thanks! Richard

[@carolinaduarte3482]

@@richardbarber5911 wow thank you so much for your advice, it’s so valuable. I never thought of all that process. I will do it. Any harness you suggest for beginners? I got 3 different ones but I’m so nervous that could scape

[@richardbarber5911]

@@carolinaduarte3482 Hi. I'm glad you found the video useful. So far, there is no such thing as a 100% escape-proof cat harness that I know of. I like the Kitty Holster, but some people prefer the spaghetti-strap style ones. My best advice is to keep whatever harness you use snug, but not too tight and try not to end up in front of your cat, facing them while they pull back away from you - that seems to be the situation where my cats have slipped their harnesses most often. I hope that helps. Thanks! Richard.

[@carolinaduarte3482]

Great tips. Thanks!! I ordered the carriers and the harness. The training will soon start 😅

[@richardbarber5911]

@@carolinaduarte3482 Hi. My personal preference is for the Kitty Holster, but some people are more comfortable (and some cats are more comfortable, too) with a spaghetti-strap style harness. Try all 3 :)