Leash Training a Cat

Training your cat to walk on a leash takes time and patience. Any cat can be leash trained with proper positive reinforcement and a lot of love and time from you. Training a cat for a leash is not as silly as some may think. Walking with your cat and allowing your cat to explore outside safely is a great thing.

The best equipment for cat leash training is a harness. Harnesses are best for leash training a cat as cat's necks are sensitive. Harnesses are also safer and more comfortable for your cat. In case of a situation where you have to quickly pick your cat up to avoid danger you will want a fairly short lead for your cat.

To begin leash training for your cat you will want to allow your cat to become familiar with the harness. Let your cat investigate the harness and get accustomed to it, even rubbing it on your cat so your cat's smell is on the harness. When your cat is used to the harness try putting it on your cat for short periods. Reward your cat every time you put the harness on so your cat will associate the harness with something good. Add to the time the cat wears the harness gradually until your cat is comfortable in the harness.

After your cat is comfortable in the harness you can add the leash and walk around your house with your cat for short periods of time. Again giving rewards after your cat uses the leash. Increase the leash time inside the house slowly until your cat is comfortable.

Now for the final part of your cat training. Move outside with your cat to investigate and explore your own backyard making sure to give your cat lots of time to feel comfortable. This will be a little overwhelming for cats who have lived their entire lives indoors. Give your cat time to adjust to the leash in this new setting. Once your cat is comfortable outdoors on the leash in your own yard you can start exploring further and taking longer walks with your now leash trained cat.