I laughed aloud! Cats! Yes, that would have been a great video.

How many cats do you have, and why do they have to go to the cellar and why is Thomas the only one on a leash? LOL...just had to ask for more info!

More seriously, you are wise to do this in the safest way for yourself. Thomas will be just fine unless he starts hiding when he sees the leash come out.

I have never had a cat that would walk on a leash. Do they make that model cat?

Yes, cats will walk on a leash. As I mentioned, I had one that excepted it for the most part but we never actually walked down the road or anything. It was great when he had surgery and needed to go out but wasn't ready to be left to run off.

June is my first cat ever. Shortly after I got her from animal shelter, my sister gave me a whole mess of things her cats had grown tired of. Some toys, including one of those ring things with a ball that she bats around the outside. Nail clippers... worked for a while but she became impatient... off to Petsmart periodically for mani/pedi. A leash and harness. When I asked if she had used it with either of her 2 tuxedos that she trapped as total ferals... she couldn't answer me with a straight face! Said never even got close to getting it on either cat... became a donation to animal shelter.

Loki used to walk on a leash. We started him on it from day one.

Schoolhouse, nice kitties! Thomas is one handsome boy. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

I don't need to tell you but I will anyway--falling on ice is no joke, so you are smart to take care. My sister fell on ice and had a serious broken arm.

I also had a cat that walked on a leash. We would take him camping with us and he turned out to be a pretty good hiker. We told him to just do what Ike, the dog he adored, did. The ones I have now, well, I just don't see it happening.

Glad you gave it a try!

My cat walks on a leash. No problem, he loves going outside, buuuuut wants to leave the property.....and a mountain lion, fox, bear,,,,eagle....dogs.....would love a snack....so a leash and harness. :0)

I once saw a cat walking on a leash like a dog. So cute. I tried it on my old orange cat Louie. Not happening...lol He laid down flat as a pancake . My four stay inside all the time. Outdoors would be fun for them but not safe.

Thomas and I are going to try again tonight. To whomever mentioned he might run when seeing the harness and leash, you may very well be right! At least he's in the house right now where escape is minimal. We'll see how easy it is getting the harness on this time compared to the first. If I can snap a pic I will. :)

My cat will walk on a leash. It can happen. She's happy and trained. I lightly shake it and she goes where she wants. Until I pull it taut and she knows she can go no further. Just a bit of training. She's excited to put it on because she gets to go where she typically couldn't. Hope he gets used to it!

Success! Well, partially - but good for second time on a leash. The worst part was putting the harness on because I forgot what went where and got buckled where. Thomas got a little perturbed and was growling and unhappy. But he actually walked (with urging) with me out to the kitchen (went under table and got wrapped around the kitchen table leg once tho), then I led/kinda dragged him out onto the back porch where he laid down. BUT - he got back up when I tugged on the leash and he walked down the steps. He still wasn't thrilled but he did a "walk, crouch, walk, crouch" until we were about six feet from the cellar door. Then he walked ahead of me! I praised him all the way and inside the cellar. Still was unhappy with me fooling with the harness trying to remove it but once it was off he was fine. I gave him extra treats.

This is So much better than me carrying that chunk of a cat every night. He never tried jumping from my arms though, he was great about that. Thanks for sharing your stories everyone and the encouragement.

If he likes treats, give him a treat when you get to the cellar.

Off topic a bit, but pet harnesses can be tricky to get on. I fumble and fumble getting it on the dog, and he's so patient. (He's probably thinking, "Oh, let's just forget the walk!!"

Both cats get treats when we first get into the cellar, they wait in their respective places for them. Then they get their supper of canned cat food - 1/2 can in each bowl.

You are so right. I think I know exactly how the harness goes on until I put one part over his head and then I go blank. He got upset tonight because I put his legs through a portion of the harness then had to take them out and put them back in another way. I don't blame him. ha

Of course cats will walk on a leash. The best way is if you start them as kittens so they get used to it. Even as older, they'll get used to it. Might not like it but will get used to it. It's the usual thing to flop on their side and sometimes wiggle a little to try to get out of it. My sister has both of hers on leash/harness when they go to the vet. They're not happy and resist going IN to the vet but when they're done, they're put on the floor and happily walk to the door, and will walk out and get into the car, happy to be leaving. She puts them on harness and a long rope and lets them have some outdoor time in the yard during the summertime. They love it.

My cats have all been on leash and harness. I don't let them run free. Don't think it's good for the critters. Mine have always been indoor cats.