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Q.: I'll soon be getting two cute kittens. I live in an apartment, so they will be indoor cats. Still I think they should be able to get out once in a while...
How do I teach them to walk on a leash? When should I start accustoming them to the harness?
A.: As I assume they will be around twelve weeks, when you get them, I should think you can start training them right away.
In the beginning you'll need two kitten-size harnesses.
Start by putting on the harnesses only - without the leash - in the apartment, and just for a few minutes. "Bribe" them with treats.
Let them gradually wear the harnesses for a longer and longer time, until they don't bother anymore. Then you may start putting a leash on - still just in the apartment - using the same gradual accustoming.
When they are also familiar with the leash in the apartment, you may start gradually taking them out in their harnesses and leashes - still aided by lots of praise and treats. You should probably be prepared to having to carry them around down there the first few times :-)
It has to be said that there are a few cats who never get to like the idea of a harness and leash. But the chances of success are in fact the best when you have the possibility of accustoming them to it from kittenhood.
Good luck!
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