Just like any other cat training, the secret to successfully train your cat to walk on a leash is to do it in steps and have a lot of patience. Training a kitten to use a leash is very easy but it takes perseverance to train an adult cat to walk on a leash. Knowing that some cats desperately want to go outdoors occasionally, despite their owners’ worries. Like humans, they love to enjoy the fresh air and the warmth of the sun. Sometimes when I’m outside I see my pretty cats peep through the windows and I feel the need to enjoy what I’m enjoying.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to letting your cats roam outside. They may get injured, stolen or even killed by other wildlife. Introducing a cat leash is an excellent way to prevent any of these catastrophic events from happening. Leaching keeps a cat close to its owner. But first, your cat has to undergo leash training before he gets used to living and walking on a leash.
Besides patience, work, and perseverance, there are smaller steps you ought to take before you can successfully train your cat to walk on a leash.
STEP 1
First, you must introduce your cat to its new harness. Make sure you don’t do it in a way that will freak your cat at sight, introduce it as a toy and let your cat inspect the new object and get used to it. Allow your kitten or cat to play with the harness as if it is a toy. Wave it around; dangle it in front of them and across the floor. The aim is to get your cat used to the harness.
NOTE: This may take days or even weeks depending on the nature of your cat.
STEP 2
Before you put on the harness, try to bribe your way into getting the job done. This can be accomplished by using what will win your cat’s heart. For most cats it is catnip. As a cat owner, you ought to know your cat’s favorite treat. Using this will help your pet stay close while you attach the harness on your cat.
STEP 3
Once your cat is settled, you can try putting on the harness on him. If your cat is happy having the harness across them try fastening it and introduce the leash. Reward them with a treat before you gently clip the leash to the harness and let your cat get used to the new object.
However, if your cat refuses, go back to previous step but this time, don’t reward their behavior with a treat. You only give a treat once they behave the way you expect them to.
STEP 4
Once you are successful with this procedure, start guiding her with you holding the leash. Make a game of it and with time, she will get comfortable and relaxed walking on a leash.
GENERAL TIP
In addition to being patient, always praise and reward your cat whenever she does as expected. If your cat does not like the feeling of the harness, try some other day. With perseverance and treats, you’ll surely succeed.
If you want your cat to get some supervised outside time, walking your cat on a leash may be right for you. If you do give it a try, let us know how it goes down in the comments!
Keep purring,
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