How to train my scared indoor cat for a leash, harness, or carrier?

Being outside can be pretty overwhelming and scary for an animal who's not used to it! If you keep introducing your kitty to the outdoors, over time it should become more familiar and less scary - but some cats who grew up indoors never learn to enjoy going outside. Try to make it a positive experience by offering some treats or canned food when he's out with you. If you want to keep trying, I recommend putting a cat harness and leash on your kitty, since scared animals can panic and bolt!

Poor Puss! I know vet visits can be a challenge with some anxious kitties. As far as calming aids that you can get over the counter, you could try a calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure along with Feliway spray in the carrier - these are generally quite safe, and can be purchased at pet stores or ordered online without a prescription. Effects are usually pretty mild, though, so if he's extremely fearful this may not be enough to make a difference. If you have a regular vet who has seen Puss before, you could call them to discuss your concerns. There are some great prescription medications like gabapentin or trazodone that can be very effective at calming anxious kitties prior to a vet visit - but you would need a prior veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) with a vet in order to get prescription meds before the exam. If the visit isn't urgent, you can try placing the carrier out with the door open in an area where Puss spends a lot of time to let him investigate it and get comfortable on his own. By dropping treats in the carrier and letting him go in when he's comfortable, it can be much easier to get him in for his visit. If he needs to be seen right away, then you can use a blanket or towel to put over him, pick him up, and put him in the carrier without being scratched or bitten.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cats, like people, have different personalities; some are very sociable and always want to cuddle, while others can be more reserved and independent. It may be partly personality contributing to his behavior, as well as adjusting to his new environment. A pheromone collar (they can be found on amazon, such as nurturecalm) may be a good option instead of feliway spray, as it is a continuous release for a full month. While the response is variable among cats, it is definitely something I would recommend giving a try. Additionally, if there is a type of treat that Vin really enjoys, I would recommend putting some down by you when you are sitting on the couch watching TV, etc. When he comes to eat them, don't force an interaction, but allow him to nibble on them and then decide where he wants to go. Over time, they can be moved closer and closer to you to encourage him to be more comfortable in close proximity. When he seems playful, play with him with a toy, etc and then allow him to leave when he is done. If he is on a feeding schedule, get his attention by opening a can or shaking food into his bowl, allow him to stand next to you and have a short interaction before you set it down. If he still seems uncomfortable after these suggestions, I would recommend either setting up a consult or reaching out to your regular veterinarian for further advice. Good luck!

Poor Rosie! Behavioral changes, especially sudden ones, in cats can definitely indicate an underlying illness or pain. If you can, trying to coax her into the carrier and then placing a towel over it may make it less stressful for her. You can also use something smelly and enticing if she is still eating, such as a little fried chicken or warmed up cat food just to get her in the carrier so you can close it and bring her to the vet. If you can't get her inside one at all, seeing if there is a veterinary housecall service near you that can come to you is another possible option.

Poor Piper, it must be really hard for her to live in this constant state of anxiety. I would personally suggest to help her settling in her own environment more, by providing lots of resources like places where she can hide if scared, feeding stations and introduce food puzzles, litter trays in quiet areas of the territory that she can access 24/7, and also recommend a pheromone diffuser https://amzn.to/3f74Ozw. There are also some nutritional supplements that helps reducing anxiety. Once she is more settled, try to leave an object out one at time and see if she will investigate it, go closer, sniff and praise her for doing so. This should be done in a gradual positive manner in order not to cause any stress. Hope this helps !

I would suggest sticking with a harness you are sure that your cat annoy scape from. Also, since you are taking him for walks regularly I would recommend making sure you have your cat microchipped so that if he does get away from you he will have a better chance of being returned. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

It may take some time and patience to train your cat to feel comfortable on a leash. You first need to put the harness on him inside and let him get used to it. Once he is comfortable with the harness than you can attach the leash and let him drag it around the house while you supervise. Once he feels comfortable dragging the leash than you can hold the leash and follow him around. After that, carry him outside and try him in the backyard. Here is an article that has a lot of good information..... http://www.adventurecats.org/backcountry-basics/train-your-cat-to-walk-on-a-leash/