Yes, you read that right. Cats… walking… on leashes! While it
might sound funny, the truth is that taking your cat out for a
stroll around the yard or neighborhood can be a great way to get
them some
exercise, stave off obesity
, and reduce
boredom
.But how can you get your cat comfortable walking on a leash?
Follow these steps.
1. Vaccinate and Protect Your Cat
If you plan to be taking your cat outside for walks, make sure
they are up to date on their
vaccinations and protected from
fleas and
ticks
.
2. Purchase a Harness and Leash
When it comes to walking a cat, a
harness
is the most popular choice. Harnesses are comfortable, secure,
and give you control without putting pressure on your cat’s
throat or neck. As for a
leash, any type will do, but
consider getting one that keeps your cat within 6 feet of you.
3. Familiarize Your Cat With the Harness
Leave the harness on your cat’s bed or near their food for
several days. Hold the harness and let your cat sniff it, and
offer them a treat when they do. Touch your cat’s back with the
harness or gently drape it over their neck and shoulders, then
offer a treat.RELATED STORY: How
to Train a Cat
4. Fit the Harness
After several days of familiarization, you can try putting the
harness on your cat while offering treats and praise. You should
be able to fit two fingers (no more, no less) between your cat’s
body and the harness. Leave the harness on for only a few minutes
at a time, continuing to offer praise and treats. Repeat this
training daily for several days. If your cat stays relaxed with
the harness on, increase the time that they wear it. If the cat
ever gets upset, remove the harness right away and try again
later.
5. Attach the Leash
Once your cat is relaxed wearing the harness, you can attach the
leash. Let your cat drag it around while you offer treats and
praise. Keep an eye on your cat to make sure that the leash
doesn’t get stuck or tangled. Repeat this for several days.
6. Walk Around Inside
Once your cat is comfortable dragging around the leash, pick it
up and offer a treat. Let your cat guide you around, going
wherever they please. Keep the leash loose and offer praise and
treats. Practice this for a few days.
RELATED STORY: What Can Affect a
Cat’s Lifespan?
7. Encourage Your Cat to Follow You
This one takes patience, but it will be worth it once you’re
outside and your cat is cruising confidently by your side.
- Encourage your cat to go where you go by using a calm,
positive voice.
- Apply gentle pressure to the leash, but never tug or yank. If
and when the cat turns in your direction or follows you, offer
treats and praise.
- Drop a treat on the ground and let your cat eat it, then
return to the far end of the leash. When the cat comes to where
you are, offer another treat and praise. Repeat this as many
times as it takes.
8. Head Outside
You’ve put the work in, and now it’s time to head outside. Always
attach the harness and leash before you walk through the door;
this will prevent your cat from running away. Start in a quiet
spot and let your cat explore with you following behind them.
Once your cat seems relaxed, you can start guiding them where you
want to go.
9. Regular Walks
Once your cat gets used to walking, chances are they will love it
and want to go as often as possible. To avoid your cat pestering
you to go outside, walk them at the same time every day, and
never take your cat out if they are crying or bothering you.
Instead, wait for your cat to quiet down and then take them
outside. Your cat will soon learn that being quiet, calm, and
patient will earn them a trip to the great outdoors.
Is it okay to leash your cat?
An increasing number of cat owners take their pet out for a walk
on a leash. Most-but not all- felines love being outside, an
environment of birds' mellow chirping and the scent of trees and
grass. If your cat is of the outdoor type, then walking it on a
leash will strengthen the bond which exists between you two. It
is perfectly okay to leash your cat.Do understand not all cats
like a leash to put around their body. They may not like to walk
outside the home. If your cat is of the indoor type, do not force
it outside. Respect its decisions.
Not all cats love
unadulterated nature
Not all cats love to go outside the house. Some may actually
detest trees, grasses, and wild animals. Those who do love being
outside may love it so much that they scratch everything,
especially trees. Once they understand you have no problem if
they scratch outdoor things, they will be extremely happy.
Remember a cat outside will be much more intelligent than an
indoor cat. This is as the outdoor kitty thinks more. It will
find out how to use its body and the smells of different things
which come its way. The cat will be more engaged.Taking your cat
outdoors may transform the always scared kitty into a brave
feline. When your cat knows that nothing bad is waiting for them
around the corner, it will be more confident. Being confident
means a happier animal.
Train before leash
Do not put the leash on your cat one fine day and then take it
outside. Train it indoors before you open the main door. Buy a
harness and keep it in the house. Allow your kitty to get
familiar with it. When it does, strap your cat in. Ensure the
harness makes a comfortable fit. Allow your cat to wear the
equipment inside the house. It will drag the strap around. Give
it time to get conditioned to the fact that it is fine to wear
something. Reward it regularly. Give it wet treats when you slip
the knot around its head. In a sentence, the cat must be
comfortable with the harness.When you are sure your cat has no
problem with the leash, it is now time to take it outside. Open
the main door. Allow your kitty to smell its surroundings. Permit
it to choose the walk direction. Do not take your cat the first
time to a place filled with traffic. Noisy conditions will
frighten your cat. Take him to a calmer place instead. Do be
warned that your cat may try to escape at the slightest
opportunity. It may do this once you open the main door. Make it
amply clear that you will open the door only after it opts to
wear the harness.
Do you walk your cat? Leave a comment and tell us about it,
and sign up for PetPlus, a benefit
program for pet owners that provides member-only access to
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