Contrary to popular belief, cats are capable of learning to do activities that dogs routinely complete. For some cats, even basic activities like leash walking are fun. On the other hand, if you put a cat on a leash without first training it how to walk on one, it won’t know what to do, just like a puppy that has never been taught how to use one.
How to Choose an Item for Your Cat’s Leash Training
While collars are useful for cat identification and bell hanging, they are not the best option for usage with a lethesh. Because they are not built like dogs, cats can easily get out from under a collar that is attached to a leash. Harnesses are a lot safer to use while walking a cat when training it for the first time.
For a secure fit, choose a harness for your cat that is snug but not too tight. To check if the harness is too tight, slide two fingers under it. If two fingers can fit between the harness and your cat, it should fit adequately. If you can squeeze more or fewer fingers beneath the harness, it may be too slack or tight.
Cat-specific harnesses are the ideal options. Only when it is uncomfortable will your cat take into account how poorly the harness fits or how difficult it is to walk in. The best harnesses for your cat are frequently made of soft materials, are lightweight, and are trimmed to allow a cat to move naturally. You should also secure the D-ring on the back of the harness you select, as this is where you will attach the leash.
Selecting a Leash for Cats
It is ideal to use lightweight leashes that are 4 to 6 feet length for training cats of all sizes. Retractable leashes and longer leashes are OK after a cat has been trained, but start out with a moderate length and leash weight.
Give your cat time to become accustomed to the collar.
Give your cat some time to become accustomed to the harness once it fits it properly. Reward your cat for sniffing it with treats.
Just keep in mind that each cat is unique and may take a different amount of time to get used to wearing a harness. It can take your cat a few hours or even days to become used to wearing a leash, or they might not like it at all. Be careful to praise and spoil your cat while it is clad in the harness. While it’s still safe within your home, let your cat practice using the leash. Become accustomed to wearing the harness for an hour straight. If your cat clearly moves correctly while wearing the harness, you can advance to the next phase of leash training.
Give your cat time to become accustomed to the leash.
If your cat doesn’t mind wearing the harness, connect the leash to the D-ring. If your cat is wary of the harness, only put it on for a short period of time and gradually increase the time it spends wearing it. If you connect the leash instead, you may want to hold it while still allowing your cat to wander around freely if it is easily spooked. Because some cats are scared of a leash dragging behind them, you wouldn’t want to immediately instill a phobia of the leash in your cat. Once your cat is used to having the leash linked to it, you can take it outside.
Teach Your Cat to Walk on a Leash
While letting your cat to roam freely outside, maintain control of the leash. To get your cat to walk in the direction you want, provide it food or a toy. Leash pulling on your cat is not advised, but a little tug to get its attention back is OK. You should reward your cat frequently if it is progressing in the direction you want.
While being safe on its collar and leash, your cat will gradually get used to the sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations of the outside. While some cats may need a few days or weeks, others will start to feel more at peace right away.
Make sure your pet is safe.
Spending time outside increases the danger of parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other diseases infecting cats. Discuss preventative steps with your veterinarian to make sure that your cat is secure when spending time outside.
Avoid places where your cat can be scared when you’re outside, such as busy streets and dog barking. Even if a cat has been trained to walk on a leash, certain situations may terrify it and cause it to become afraid of going on walks in the future.
