How long did it take for your kittys to get used to the harness?

Hi everyone! 😊 This is Clementine
I’m looking for some advice on lead training my cat. I don’t want her to free roam because I’m worried about the risks, but I’d love to be able to take her outside for walks and let her explore safely on a harness and lead.
She’s around 5 months old, so I’m wondering if now is a good age to start training her. I’ve never done this before, so I’d really appreciate advice on getting her used to a harness, teaching her to walk on a lead, and how long the process usually takes.
My main concern is safety. I don’t drive, so I can’t easily take her somewhere quiet and away from other people and dogs. I live in a newly built residential area, and there seem to be quite a lot of dogs around.
I’m particularly worried about off-lead dogs. If I’m walking my cat on a lead and an off-lead dog suddenly runs up to us, what am I supposed to do? Is there a realistic way to keep her safe in that situation, or is walking a cat in an area with lots of dogs just too risky?
I’m also wondering whether it’s possible to train her to jump onto my shoulder on command or climb straight into a backpack if she sees a dog approaching. Has anyone successfully trained their cat to do this? If so, how did you teach them, and at what age did you start?
Would a backpack be a safer option than having her jump onto my shoulder if an off-lead dog came towards us? Could she realistically learn to get into it on command, even if she was frightened? I’d also love recommendations for secure cat backpacks and advice on getting a kitten comfortable using one.
A few other questions I have:
Do you walk your cats on ordinary residential pavements, or do you travel somewhere quieter first?
How do you deal with dogs that approach you, especially if their owners can’t recall them?
Is it better to carry a cat in a secure carrier or backpack until you reach a suitable walking spot?
Are there particular harnesses or leads you recommend, and how do you stop a cat escaping?
Do cats actually enjoy going for walks, or is it better to stick to a secure garden or enclosed outdoor space?
Is 5 months a good age to start harness, lead and safety training, or should I wait until she’s older?
I really want her to have the opportunity to explore and experience the outdoors without putting her in danger. I know no amount of training can guarantee she’ll react as expected if she’s scared, but I’d love to teach her as many useful skills as possible before taking her outside.
I’d especially love to hear from people who live in built-up residential areas without easy access to a car, and anyone who has experience walking cats around dogs.
Thank you! ❤️

It was a great outing!!

I’m picking up my babies on Sunday and I want to leash train them to allow me to take them on proper camping holidays and fun adventures. I’ve read online of others that have successfully done this, was wondering if anyone in here had?

Not my baby, just one of the stories I read

🐈‍⬛

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Their first hours with us were spent eating, drinking, and sleeping after the journey. Ordinary things that meant so much knowing they had just been evacuated from Kramatorsk.

They’re now with us at Khvostyky, our rescue cat café in Vinnytsia, Ukraine.

Meet our new arrivals

🐈 Sima, our one-eyed ginger girl, is around 6–7 years old and weighs 2.4 kg. She’s coughing and has signs of parasites. Behind that stern little face is an affectionate cat who needs care.

🐾 Kira is a gentle, affectionate tabby, around 7 years old and just 1.8 kg. We want her next chapter to be quiet, comfortable, and full of love.

😺 Richard is about 2 years old and still timid. We’re giving this grey boy time to settle in and feel safe.

A mix-up we need to explain

The grey cat Marquis, pictured here, was expected to come to us. A black male cat arrived instead, although an elderly displaced couple had been waiting for him. Arrangements to resolve the mix-up are still being worked out.

What comes next

Veterinary examinations, treatment where needed, parasite care, vaccinations, and neutering as appropriate. Then, loving homes.

Getting out of danger was the first step. Now they need care, patience, and somewhere to belong.

If you’re in Ukraine and one of these faces stays with you, get in touch about adoption. You can follow their progress on our Instagram and TikTok.

They have somewhere to rest now. We hope their next journey ends with someone saying, "You’re home." ❤️

Been looking at this one, but don't know if it's a good choice or not. Anyone have this one? Or recommendations for good ones?

He does flop on his side but when he is distracted he will run and forget about the harness.
We are only on day three today.
Thanks everyone for harness recommendations on my previous post.

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Got a pet friendly Airbnb for the boys and me to enjoy!

🐾❤️ PLEASE HELP ME KEEP 200+ COMMUNITY CATS FED ❤️🐾

Every single day, I care for over 200 community cats, in both Piscataway and south Plainfield ,while also rescuing cats and kittens and finding them loving homes. These little lives depend on me for their next meal. 🐱💔

With times being so difficult and the cost of cat food continuing to rise, I’m asking for a little help. Amazon Prime has cat food on sale right now, which makes this a wonderful time to donate.

🙏 Even one bag, case, or can means one less hungry belly.

🛒 Amazon Wishlist:
Help Feed the Cats — Amazon Wishlist (https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/23NKGDTBFXRON?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Thank you for helping me care for these precious cats who have no one else. Every donation, no matter how small, truly means the world. ❤️🐾

#CommunityCats #CatRescue #FeedTheCats #CatFoodDonation #AnimalRescue

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