So it's finally come to this: your cat sits by the screen door for hours on end, mewing at birds and snapping his little jaws at the breeze. He might even try to dart outside between your ankles once in a while, for a bit of an adventure without permission. If your cat spends enough time looking out the window, you know what's up: he wants to go out and have some fun.

Letting our cats explore the outdoors can be daunting: we keep them indoors because we want them to be protected from the urban - or rural - wilderness. Fortunately, it's quite possible to show your cat the local butterfly hunting grounds without putting him in any danger.

1) The Harness

Cats are adventurous, and fences and walls tend not to stop them from going where they like. If you want to show your cat the grand outdoors, you're best off purchasing a harness and leash - usually under twenty dollars at a pet store - and going for a walk that way.

Buy a long line (or tightly tie two or three shorter ones, end to end) to attach to the harness, to allow grazing and freedom. Keep the harness fitted tightly, not quite strangling, but not too far from it, either, since it's amazing how loosely a cat's skin hangs on its body, allowing it to wriggle out of restraints in seconds. Test the harness out inside, fitting it properly (only buy an adjustable harness), and seeing how well your cat can stand it.

To reiterate, it's harnesses only - never use just a collar! Cats can panic, and also have a chance of getting caught up in the leash or tangled around something, and their throats aren't strong enough to withstand all the pressure they can exert with their bodies around just their throats.

If, after several indoor attempts to help your cat get used to the restriction of a harness, she still rolls around, tries to wriggle free, or generally freaks out, a leash is probably not for her. This can pose a serious problem for letting your cat go outside, since she might wander off without a line. The best you can do if your cat just can't stand the harness is: invest in an enclosed porch.

2) Walking the Cat

It's best not to sit down, at least until the cat gets used to being a bit restrained. Even the most relaxed of cats can be startled by strange outdoor noises, and might try to dart off - and a sudden jerk of the harness could lead to writhing, rolling panic. You might have to "run with it," so to speak, which is why it is not a good idea to attach the other end of the leash

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