We have been getting ready for our first adventure outside! We got our backpacks, harnesses, and squeezy treats, However, there has been more prep than just getting the items.
First: Harness Training
First we spent some time find the perfect harness for the kittens and Fin. We wanted something comfortable that they couldn’t squeeze out of!
For weeks in advance we started with wearing harness indoors. It started with short bursts that slowly increased with comfortability until that cats are comfortable enough to sleep in them. We played in the harnesses and ate treats in them as reward for wearing them. They eventually stopped turning around by backing up (Baelfire) or pretending their back legs didn’t work (Fin). Once they are comfortable in the harness they were allowed on the back porch!
Second: Getting Used to the Backpack
We got our backpacks from Travel Cat and when they first arrived. We just let them sit. This allowed the cats to acclimate to them exsisting. Almost immediately, they were playing in and out of them. Fin would hop out and attack us. The goal was to create a safe haven in the backpack. We left them out for over a week to allow them to just acclimate to the backpacks and play in them.
After they were comfortable playing in the backpack, they got their first strapped in ride…. in the house. Everyone did really well. Fin was a little flippy floppy. However, the kittens sat and watched outside the backpack comfortably. Everyone showed low signs of anxiety and fear.
We were ready for a new adventure!
Third: Door Etiquettes
Our goal is that the cats ONLY go out with harnesses and they know it. We tried only letting them out when a harness is on to discourage running out the door. Fin is doing okay, but the twins are doing horrible. They dart whenever they can particularly out the porch. We may work with a new training technique….
Overall, I’m excited for the first adventure!
We continued to leave the backpacks out to play in. It is their favorite toy and nap place now.