Have you ever wondered if you could leash train a cat? It turns out that leash walks can be great ways to provide them with mental and physical enrichment, as long as you can do it safely. Time outside is very good for your feline furry members, even if you are just in your own backyard. Using a leash and harness for your kitty (even in the yard) lets them wander safely.

Being outdoors allows your cat to use all their senses and helps them expand their world. However, it is important to make sure your can is comfortable with harness and lead. Honestly, some cats just may not like it at all. But if your cat is up for this kind of adventure, it can enrich their lives. The other important thing to be aware of is the potential dangers they may face while they leash walk.

What Should You Expect from a Leash Walk with a Cat?

Leash training a cat is quite a bit different than training a dog. When you leash train a dog, you can train them to do certain things. You’d teach a dog to walk beside you, return to your side when cued, and to not pull on the leash. You’d also hope they will start looking to you for help if you end up in a tense situation. These are all things you’d incorporate into a daily walk with your dog.

Cats are a bit different than dogs, we all know that! When you leash train a cat, it’s more about containing them. You’ll use the leash to limit how far your cat can go. You’ll need to give them some freedom, while you retain a level of control, so you can keep them safe. Leash training a cat is less about formal training and more about getting them comfortable wearing a harness and being on a leash. You can train a cat to do a few helpful or fun things, but cats get too excited about being outdoors and they are not likely to follow cues well. Leash walking a cat if more about letting them safely sniff and explore.

What Cats do Better with Leash Training?

Not every single cat wants to go outside and explore. Some cats might find it a little bit scary. Even if you are excited about the idea, it still needs to be up to your cat whether or not they want to venture outdoors.

Some cats are more likely to enjoy being outdoors and will adapt more easily to leash training. Cats that are confident and do not startle too easily are more likely to handle the unexpected sounds and sights of being outdoors. They don’t panic when they see another animal. Cats who are skittish or jumpy, or get nervous at loud sounds, may not enjoy being outdoors. If your cat likes to experience new things and doesn’t stress out when they see a new animal or person, they may enjoy leash training.

What is Needed for Leash Training Your Cat?

You will need just a few things to get started training your cat on a leash.

·         Cat treats

·         Secure harness

·         Leash

·         Carrier

·         Towel

Cats can slip out of a collar easily, so you will need to invest in a comfortable harness that fits your cat. There are many different types of harnesses to choose from. Just remember that no harness is completely escape-proof. Trust me – if your cat wants out, they can get out. A cat has the unique ability to stretch out their bodies long and lean so they can slip right out. This is why you want either a carrier or towel handy, in case you need to
quickly secure your cat.

How to Teach a Cat to Wear a Harness and Leash

The first step to leash training a cat is getting them in a harness. You can’t just put it on them and expect them to relax. For your cat, it’s a very unnatural experience. They may flop over or just lie down. They may even act like they are afraid to move. They may associate the harness as a negative experience.

Of course, this is the opposite of what you want. You want them to have a positive experience, which is why you want to use rewards. Take your time. Slowly baby-step your cat from looking or sniffing the harness to wearing
it. Don’t push your cat past their comfort zone. If they show signs of being stressed, back up and move forward more slowly.

Use positive reinforcement. Every time your cat makes a step forward, give them a treat. When you use positive reinforcement, it helps your cat make a positive association with the experience. They may become more interested in wearing harnesses.

What if your cat doesn’t like treats?

If your cat is not fond of treats, or they don’t work for them, try using anything else they like. You may want to pet them using a PawerLab Cat Spa glove, let them play with a toy, or brush them. However, in most cases, treats are the easiest and most effective.

Steps to Leash Train a Cat

The number of small steps your cat needs might vary, but the concept is the same. You may want to do each step a few times before moving to the next step. If your cat shows any signs of stress, just back up a few steps and slow down. Training sessions should only be a few minutes long, to keep from overwhelming your cat.

Step 1: Start when your cat is relaxed and just lounging around.

Step 2: Get their treats and the harness, but don’t attach the lease.

Step 3: Hold the harness in front of your cat. You may want to just sit it on the ground close to them.

Step 4: If the cat sniffs the harness, give them a treat.

Step 5: Gently touch your cat’s shoulders with the harness, then reward them.

Step 6: Touch the harness to your cat’s shoulder and hold it for a few seconds. Then reward them.

Step 7: Drape the harness over their back, remove it right away, then reward them.

Step 8: Drape the harness for a few seconds then offer a reward.

Step 9: Drape the harness for five seconds and then reward.

Step 10: Do one clasp, remove it quickly and reward them.

Step 11: Do up one clasp, leave it on for a few seconds, then offer a reward.

Continue taking these baby steps until your cat is totally in the harness and you can increase the time they are in it.  Then, you can add the leash and let them get comfortable wearing the harness with the leash around your home before ever heading outdoors.

About the Author: Fiona

Fiona is the current President and CEO of Pawer Lab. She makes sure everything is running purrfectly and oversees the day-to-day operations. When Fiona is not working, she enjoys chasing lasers, snacking on treats, or taking long naps in the sun.