Adventure Cat 101: How-To Train Your Cat To Hike 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Step 1: Harness • Get them use to the harness! DO NOT start with the leash until they are comfortable with the harness. • Your cat WILL ACT INSANE when you put the harness on them (they are jello) • Put the harness on in a different room before meal times, that way your cat has to walk to another room • It took otto about 2-3 weeks to get use to the harness. Atlas about 2 months. • Note: most harnesses are NOT escape proof. I actually like this in case otto gets stuck in a tree or bush & then he can get out. Step 2: Retractable Leash • ALWAYS USE A RETRACTABLE LEASH! This is something that took me MONTHS to learn. The retractable leash makes them think they have more space & therefore they are a better walker. I have the 16ft one. • Use their favorite toy to GUIDE THEM. It’s a slow and tedious process, but it works! I used pole/string toys and encouraged otto to chase them. This worked SO WELL. • Use positive words of encouragement. I am constantly saying "good boy" or "gooood joooooobbbb" on my hikes with Otto. This helps so much! • On the first few trails, take them to a place with MINIMAL DISTRACTIONS. I like desert paths, sidewalks & baseball fields. Backpack: • If your cat just simply isn't feeling it after a few weeks, then grab a backpack! Atlas is more of a backpack cat and loves it! • PSA - DO NOT GET THE CLEAR CASE BACKPACK. THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR YOUR CAT! Now PATIENCE IS KEY! Training your cat to hike is no joke but IT'S WORTH IT! If your cat expresses interest in going outside, I highly recommend this! Plz LMK if you have any questions! PS...no matter how good at hiking your cat is, they will ALWAYS be distracted at every bush, flower, plant, animal & bug lololol Good luck!