Talking Your Cats For Walks On A Leash

by Virginia Sutherland

Most people who have owned, or been owned by, a highly independent cat, would never even conceive of the idea of putting a harness, or leash (leash!!) on their kitty and taking her for a walk. The mere thought is bound to produce some deep rumbling chuckles within the cat owner. Their cat on a leash, being told where to go? Sounds unbelievable, but read on, your kitty may be about to discover a whole new exciting world!

Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.

Training your cat to the leash is best done in small steps. First, allow the cat to get familiar with the leash by placing somewhere it can be sniffed and evaluated. Then, in baby steps, put the leash or walking jacket on your cat.

Your cat may get scared the first few times venturing outside. This does not mean that your cat can not learn to walk on a harness. Be patient, and make the outside encounters as quiet and interesting as you can. Keep them short as well. A short fun time outside will make a good impression on your cat.

For an inside cat the outside world will seem frightening at first, so be patient and gentle. Before long your cat will learn to love the excitement of going outside.

Don’t buy a leash that is designed for a small dog, but instead look into purchasing a leash or lead that is specifically designed with a cat in mind. These leads wrap around your cat, giving you control of the cat and keeping the cat from choking itself in a frantic attempt to get away.

Before venturing outside you may want to practice with the lead at home first. Don’t be overly concerned with your cat’s reaction at this. Once outside they do tend to get a selective focus, tending to forget all about their leash as they sniff and explore a myriad of fascinating items.

You need to be persistent when trying to get your cat to accept the leash or lead. It should become obvious to you after a few tries whether your cat is going to ever develop an acceptance of the lead. If your cat is just as agitated and upset about the fourth or fifth venture outdoors with the lead as it was the first try, then it may just not be in the cards for your cat to ever accept this situation.

If you have been patiently trying, taking small steps, taking your cat to a quiet place with interesting things to sniff and she you see no improvement in her comfort level, then, maybe walking on a leash is not for your cat.

You may be surprised that before long your cat will absolutely adore her outside adventures ans will get all excited any time you go anywhere near her leash… just like a ,,, er,,,dog :)

About the Author:
Virginia Sutherland is a longtime cat lover. She writes about all things that can improve the happiness and wellbeing of cats. Check her resource for a Cat Food Coupon, and Free Cat Food Coupon.