Warren, I'm not surprised, cats often "choose" their owners. My last two certainly did (some stories there!). She has certainly chosen the both of you, I'm sure there will be a beautiful bond.
I name my Lilac Burmese, Phoebe (after Saturn's moon and ok, I admit, I liked the namesakes from Friends & Charmed too
). Look for moon names if you want some ideas.
They will take very easily to a harness providing it's done straight away. Soon enough, you can drop the leash instead of holding it and let them roam around. They won't go far as they still have the harness and think you have control. If you say the word "walkies" (as I do) everytime you put the harness on, they will know this means excitement for outside and come running no matter how asleep they are. I rarely use the harness now (when she tests me and does a runner (within catch range thankfully- never chase a running cat btw) it goes back on next time, and then she's back to being good). End result, she is now trained to stay put outside with me without the harness. Do not show her trees to climb.
I read in my cat book, that if you train a cat to go outside young, they will forever want to dart out as soon as the door is open (mine does), where as if you leave it till they get older, they won't.
I have this most amazing book that has taught me so much about cat behavour- it's by Wendy Christensen titled "Outwitting Cats". Wish I had this book many years ago, as so much makes sense now that I'd wish I known earlier. Please do yourself a favour and get a hold of a copy. It's around $30, from most bookstores (Borders usually stock it). It even has a chapter on what is toxic to them.
If you can get her used to her name and to come to it when she's called, she's already trainable. Teach them tricks young. I never food rewarded, gave praise instead. But, I always get them to do tricks when they are waiting for dinner esp.). When teaching tricks, only spend about 10mts at at time. You'll know when their really good, is when you point to something and it won't be your hand they are looking at (Cats tend to look at the hand), they will look at the object. That's where an understanding of vocabulary comes into play. That's another chapter. At the end of the day, it all has to do with the time you spend on them. Orientals are full of energy and can be demanding and wearing, and they are relentless at getting your attention (you'll find this out soon enough).
