It is very well known that dogs are taken out on leashes and expected to get their walk daily. Cats, just like dogs, can be trained to walk in the great outdoors on a leash as well. The only difference between a cat and a dog on the leash is that cats will take longer to train.

 

A cat’s instincts are very different than a dog, and therefore, they will try to escape for many other reasons. They are much smaller than most dogs and are not as easily seen. This poses for a lot of problems for a cat to run free among the outside. This is why leash walking a cat is so important.

 

Praising Your Cat

 

It should be noted that at every step your cat makes, whether it is big or small, you should praise your cat. You can do this by petting them, brushing them, giving a treat such as a small amount of food, or even give them cat nip.

 

Whichever way you choose to praise your cat, make sure it is in small quantities. This is especially true with the use of food as treats. You do not want to disturb the diet of your cat when training.

 

Get Started With Leash Walking Your Cat

 

First, before anything, you will need to pick out the right accessories to go along with leash walking your cat. You will not only need to select a leash, but a harness as well. It is a high recommendation that you get a harness for your cat when you decide to take to leash walking. Cats are known for being able to slip out of a collar backwards. This is something you do not want to chance when you have your cat outside. Not only could your cat escape, they could also get hurt.

 

 

Although you need to use a harness, it does not have to be a heavy duty harness. You should look for a lightweight harness that is typically used for smaller dogs and animals. This will provide enough security that you should feel comfortable taking your cat outside.

 

With the harness, you will need a leash. Make sure the harness has a ring at the front for attaching a leash before you buy it. The leash should not be very long, as you want to make sure your cat is by you at all times.

 

A Few Pointers You Should Know

 

Before you actually start the steps of leash walking your cat, you should be aware of two things. The first item is that leash walking takes usually a minimum of two weeks training, but can last for months. With this said, you need to have patience with your cat. Also know that kittens will be easier to train than grown, mature cats. This is due largely in part that they are set in their own way and have their own preferences.

 

When you first begin introducing your cat to the leash walking concept, you will need to allow them to get comfortable with the harness. The harness provides a different feel, as it is slightly restrictive. The best way to approach this is to put the harness on the cat while they are indoors. Let the cat walk around with the harness on. This should be done in intervals of about 15 minutes at a time. Make sure not to overdo it and spread the time over a couple of days.

 

When your cat looks like the harness has become something they are not trying to get off, play with and such; you can then attach the leash. Just clip the leash on and allow the cat to roam around the house with it dragging behind them. You should allow the cat to get used to this for as long as it takes them to feel comfortable. You will know your cat is comfortable with the whole ensemble when they do not even recognize it is there.

 

Safety Concerns with a Dangling Leash

 

Remember, the leash will be free flowing behind the cat at first. Keep in mind that this can lead to safety issues. This is why it is extremely important that you keep an eye on your cat at all times to prevent injuries.

 

You will need to make sure the cat does not get tangled in anything, roped around something, etc. This is very important for two reasons. First, you do not want your cat to get hurt. A leash that gets caught around something can restrict and strangle a cat.

 

The next reason is that you do not want to scare your cat in any way. Although the cat might not get hurt, if it is a small snag on something, your cat could end up being too scared to wear the harness and leash.

 

The Next Steps in Leash Walking Your Cat

 

By this point, you are ready to grab the leash. Make sure that the first time you pick up the leash and begin to walk with the cat, you are following them. It is also noted that this should be done inside. You want to make sure your cat is leading the way and you are letting them go where they want to go.

 

After you do this for a couple of days, you will then want to start letting the cat know that it is time to go where you want them to go. When doing this at first, you need to have a hold of the leash, but you must not pull on the leash. Let them go as far as the leash will let them. They will usually come back when they feel the resistance.

 

 

Practice inside for a few days, move out to the lanai area and then eventually outside.

 

The best thing to keep in mind is that each step is very important. Understand that this is a new experience for your cat and help them enjoy it.