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Nothing appeals to a
cat like the stimulating great outdoors, no
matter how interesting and exciting the home environment. However, responsible human companions
do not allow cats to run loose outdoors where dangers lurk everywhere. So how do
you resolve this dilemma? You convince your cat (s) that a leash is the key to
the wonders of the outside world.
Now
you must remember leash training a cat will not be easy and may take a fair amount of time.
Success depends on the personality of your feline companion. Training a cat to
walk on a leash could
take as little as a few weeks or stretch out, with your patience, over many
months. Maintaining your patience, and strict avoidance of punishment or
coercion, is paramount to success and happiness for all involved.
Kittens
adapt more quickly to the walking concept than do older cats that are in
complete control of their lives.
BUT our feline masters can learn to associate
the harness and leash with the pleasure of outdoor excursions.
Harness?
Yes, you
must use a cat harness with an upper ring for snapping on the leash. Select
as simple and lightweight a harness as possible, but use one. Cats are adept at
slipping backwards out of a snug collar when it is attached to a leash. Believe
me, I speak from experience.
Every
tiny step of progress towards the cat walking goal should be rewarded with praise
and perhaps a food treat. Never, ever punish or scold your cat when they are
resisting the leash. Cats do not respond well to negative reinforcement.
Your
mutual learning experience begins indoors.
Start by giving the cat a few days to
become accustomed to the harness by leaving it on for about 15 minutes at a
time. Then comes the leash. At first don’t try to walk the cat, just let them
move about dragging it behind them.
Keep a constant eye on your cat to
prevent entanglement and any scary situations from arising. If the cat becomes
irritable distract them with a favorite toy. Encourage your darling to walk
toward you and give plenty of praise when they do. These daily lessons should be
short and non-stressful.
Now
it’s time to pick up that leash.
Keep the lead as slack as possible and walk
around behind the cat wherever he/she wants to go. Don’t try to steer them,
just follow along. After a few days of playing follow the leader it’s time to
convince the cat to follow your lead.
Put into action your best sweet
talk to get the cat to follow you as you hold, not pull, on the leash.
Let your cat wander from
side to side but you set the general course. When they reach the end of the
leash and feel resistance they’re either going to come to you or sit down and
resist. Always be gentle and avoid pulling or jerking your cat. A cat
loves a challenge and they usually win so don’t turn this into a battle. If it
becomes a tug of war stop the lesson, pick up your baby, and tplay.
After
you’ve both somewhat mastered walking around the house, head for the porch.
If
your cat has never roamed outside they may be frightened at first by all of the
stimuli rushing in. Sit with them as they take in all in. Eventually the day
will arrive when their heart stops racing and they’re ready to explore. Go
along with it. Before long you’ll be taking daily strolls together.
Pampered Cats Home
Page
Please Note- I
am not a VET. These pages are provided for informational purposes
only. If you have a sick cat, PLEASE contact your veterinarian!
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