This is Sad

[Popoki_Nui]

I've never leash-trained a cat before. What's the best age to start harness and leash train a cat? We have two Bengal kittens (9 weeks old) and would like to train them.

Nine weeks might be a little young, but 12 weeks or so should be fine. Begin by letting them wear the harness 1-2 hours a day for a week or until they're comfortable in them, then 2-4hrs a day for a week, then longer each day until they can wear them comfortably any time. Then clip the leash on and practice leash-walking indoors a little at a time until they are comfortable. Then, and only then, take your first tentative outdoor walk. Depending on your cats' temperment, it can take from 2-3 week to 2-3 months to leash-train, but in the end it is an excellent compromise.

Let's face it; although cats are perfectly happy indoors, most cats do like the great outdoors. It's the attendant dangers they (and their owners) are unequipped for. Going for a gentle walk in a quiet back yard on a leash is a relatively safe experience for the cat, and another chance for the owner to spend some quality time bonding with their pet. The bird population will thank you too.

Good on ya, Python.

~S.