On the catwalk...

We have had the cats for 2 months now.  Cassie and Freya were indoor/outdoor cats before they came to us and we'd like to get them back to this freer way of living.  So after consulting the google gods, it was determined this is long enough for the in-home quarantine, and now we can try to let them outside.  But of course, we wanted to take it slowly and with a measured approach. 

They are the sweetest cats, yet are still a bit skittish.  They are getting used to the house, but still jump when hearing new noises.  This past weekend was lovely weather, so we thought it was time to try the back garden.

Since we do not want to lose the cats, we bought a harness and leash to help with the transition.  

This should be easy, right?  I mean it can't be harder than bathing them after the first 24 hours since they climbed up the chimney.  Right?  

Step 1 - get the harness on Freya.  

Step 2 - keep trying to get the harness on Freya.

Step 3 - Freya is making it quite clear that she DOES NOT want the harness on
                Freya.

Step 4.- can we do this without a harness on Freya?

Stwp 5 - Take control and GET THAT HARNESS ON FREYA!!!!!!!!!!

Step 6 - I'm sweating, exhausted and done with this venture.  But the g@d$%mn harness is on the fu&*%ng cat!!!

Step 7 - take a break and dress our wounds!

Okay, so this is not going as anticipated.  But Freya is saddled up and ready to go, so let's try the back yard.  

She is curious outside, but really more scared than anything.  She hides under the table and really is unsure that this is an adventure she wants to partake in.  We take her down the steps to the grassy area.  And while she likes this better, she still is leary.  

As Levi walks her around on a leash, which she clearly doesn't understand, she tries (and fails) to jump up on the stone wall.  Then she tries to hide under bushes.  Then some noise happens, she gets spooked, runs hard, slips out of the harness, and bolts right to the back door.  Indicating that while this was 'fun', she's completely done!

Levi and I are both quite happy she didn't run away, we open the back door, and call it a day.

SUNDAY

Now Sunday is an even more glorious day that Caturday was, so we have decided that it is now Cassie's turn.  We are one day smarter and totally ready this time.  

We get the harness on quite quickly and are feeling more confident than ever.  We decide that today we are going to let Cassie wear the harness for a couple of hours before we go outside.  This must have been our issue yesterday.  Right?

Once it's time to venture out.  Cassie is pretty good.  She also doesn't understand the leash, but is LOVING being outside.  She is sniffing, roaming, and clearly enjoying her experience.  

We walk her to the grassy area, where she goes to bushes and meanders through the wee backyard.  But she isn't loving the leash.  I've figured out this much, cat's don't like leashes.  I mean, who would? 

She quickly decides she wants it off.  She immediately flips and turns and is out of it in a matter of seconds.  Then she is off, and NOT towards the back door.  

OH SHIT!

She is up on the stone wall and ready to jump over to our neighbors when I grab her in mid air to retrieve her.  Back into her harness she goes.

And just as soon as the harness is on, she has it off!  

WHAT?

So we played that game a few more times until I gave up!  She has now purrrrrfected the art of escaping from the harness.  

So in the house you go Houdini.  

I'm done with this catwalk.

I can't say it was anywhere near successful, but it was maybe worth a try?  Nothing ventured, nothing gained?  

Oh well.  we shall try again another day.  

Kitty & her kitties -  Freya and Cassie