Should I get a lead and harness?

[InvincibleInvisibility]

Context: gorgeous 4 month old ragdoll kitten. In a flat. Only ever planned for him to be an indoor cat.

Now however I need to work out how we can have windows open in our flat for the summer...(all are floor to ceiling windows).

Either we buy netting to put outside (DH not keen) or I thought we could get him used to a harness and a very long lead that we could tie securely to something when windows are open (and someone will always be in the room with kitty).

What do you think?

So as not to drip feed there is also a possibility of us moving to a house in warmer climes later this year where I will also want a window / patio door open so a long lead would also be useful...

Oh and we never leave windows open all day. Just an hour or so to freshen the room

Look at Flat cat screens. They fit in your windows. Don't put them on a long lead and leave unsupervised, I took one of my Persians out and she nearly strangled her self trying to get out of the harness. Because she wanted to go under a car and the lead wasn't long enough. She was not taking no for an answer.

Christ don't put him in a harness inside the flat. You will traumatise the poor thing. Get the windows properly screened with the Flat Cats type screens.

thecatneuterer is absolutely correct (as usual).
It's an utterly stupid and cruel suggestion to put your cat in a harness while inside.

Ok
It was just whilst supervised and for an hour max (preferably when asleep.)

Cant use flat cat screens as our windows open inwards

A large dog crate would be preferable if there is no other option.

I suppose i ll just have to shut him another room whilst we air the living room. We rarely leave the windows open for a long time due to traffic noise and mosquitoes...

I will be honest my indoor Maine coon is now an outdoor Maine coon. I have only ever had outdoor cats so didn't realise how difficult it is. I used flatcats they are fabulous but you have to peel them off to open the windows. It was a constant battle opening the patio doors and locking the cat in our bedroom. We tried the harness with not a great deal of success, she did come outside sometimes when we were outside but we were on constant guard so not much fun. Couldn't have a catio, she had plenty of high wall furniture and climbing tree's.

I hope someone who has sucess with indoor cats comes along soon. When the cat was sat inside watching us in the garden I had to let her out.

Definitely Flat Cats screen. So much peace of mind. It's quite unobtrusive as well.

Yes get a lead and harness. But it's more to take your cat outside or in the garden. You cannot toe it somewhere and let your cat alone with it. You need to be on the other end at all times and really alert to what your cat is doing or where he is heading. So easy to get the lead wound up somewhere dangerous if you aren't paying attention.

Ok thanks. I was in two minds about the lead to go out anyway. But then I wondered if he d be frustrated not going out every day.

Interestingly I know 2 people with outside cats who are on very long leads to go in the garden (Paris is not very cat safe)

Mine have always been fine indoors. They have to be as FIV+ but even now we have a secure garden they don't go out. They will sit there with the door open = zero interest.