So I have taken Loki out twice on his harness. The first time he was very unsure, but this second time he loved it. But he has tried to go out when my kiddos open the door, without the harness on. Any tips on how to train him to not bolt through open doors now that I've "broadened" his horizons??? I appreciate any advice!

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Mel, Mom to Loki and 3 kiddos

Quasar stopped trying to bolt over the winter but, more recently has started trying again.

He got outside a few nights ago when my hubby went out in the backyard and was not watching for Q. When I couldn't find Q in the house later that evening, hubby swore up and down that there was NO WAY he could have gone outside. When I reminded hubby of his brief trip out the back door he was still doubtful but, after a long search through our house he finally went to look outside. In the dark, it is almost impossible to find Q if he escapes. Hubby said he heard Q talking to him from the bushes but could not see him. He came in and grabbed DaBird. I watched hubby lure Q from the bushes to play with the feathers. Every time he lunged for Q, Q ran off. It was a really funny thing to watch! (and a great game for Quasar)

Finally, I went outside, took DaBird from hubby and lured Q right to me. I scruffed him and brought him inside. I laughed at hubby. He did not find this amusing.

Ultimately, what we have had to do to prevent Quasar from going out unattended, is make eye contact and speak to him before we open the door. When he knows we are watching, he doesn't try to run. If he should try to bolt, we will be ready for him.

I think that as far as your kitty escaping out the door is concerned, it will be easier for you to train your family members to watch for his attempts than it will be for you to stop his exeunt.

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~ Kyenta

Yeah, All 3 kids are going to need to be extra careful. Thanks!


Oh, another question. I noticed him panting while we were outside. Not from exercise. Is this nerves or excitement I"m seeing? Want to make sure it's not something I should worry about... Thanks :)

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Mel, Mom to Loki and 3 kiddos

Is he truly panting or is it the Flehman response, where he smells something interesting then sits with his mouth open for a few seconds enjoying the scent?

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~ Kyenta

How lovely to see more kittys will be sharing time (and bonding) outdoors with owners this year...
I assume the weather change has prompted peeps to look into this... thank god that winter weather is behind us eh?


Cat jackets:
http://www.mynwoodcatjackets.co.uk/
http://www.happyhousecats.co.uk/

I reccomend both of these -made to measure - jacket/harness suppliers
(yes they deliver internationally)

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Mel, Mom to Loki and 3 kiddos

You will never ever train your kitty to not want to bolt when the door is open. Raiden has escaped three times in the past year. He doesn't have enough sense to run. He will go out there and stop so we can grab him and pick him up.

Luckily, Raiden knows what the word "back" means. I tell him "get back." And he will usually walk away from the door. I have in the past put him in the master bedroom and shut the door so we can run in and out a few times. You just have to hope if the kitty escapes, he returns home okay.

Thanks guys. So far so good. The kids are being fairly careful and when he wants out, he actually comes to me and starts meowing where I keep his harness. (really smart kitty) He is still a bit skittish outside, we're getting him used to it in spurts in the back yard. He likes it, just a little at a time. ;)

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Mel, Mom to Loki and 3 kiddos

In the beginning, Raiden just walked around our yard. Slowly he started venturing further and now we walk as far as the park down the street. He determines where he wants to go and our route is really never the same. He still spends the most time in our yard. He was confident from day one and that's because he used to be able to roam free with his previous owner (who lives four doors down from me). So, Raiden is familiar with the area.

I'm so happy you want to keep your kitty safe and sound.

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Mel, Mom to Loki and 3 kiddos

I guess bees can be dangerous and we have them once we put flowers out on our deck. Glad everything worked out for yours. I'll have to make sure Raiden doesn't bother them. He's always got his nose sniffing something. Keep up the great work with the harness and leash. The weather has warmed up here so Raiden wants to stay out a whole lot longer than I really have time for, but it's quiet time for me too and I can enjoy the fresh air as well.