Having a cat means that you’ve grown used to their feline personality. That personality that lets you know what they will or will not do. Cats tend to have an independent nature about them and not easily trained.
The thing about cats though, is that you can train some felines. Today we’re going to discuss ways you can incorporate a leash into your cat’s life so that they can get outdoors for some fresh air without running away.
Training your cat to walk on a leash isn’t something that should be forced, it will take time, and you may find that your feline companion is simply not interested in this process. If they’re not interested, then do stop training and perhaps revisit another time.
Introduce Their Harness
Get your kitty comfortable with the harness that they’ll have to wear during walks on a leash. Leave the harness near your cat’s food bowl so that they start to get familiar with seeing this new item. Hold the harness near your cat and let them sniff it to get used to the scent, providing treats during this process. Slowly start closing and opening the harness so that your cat gets comfortable with the sounds the harness makes.
Try on the Harness
Once your cat seems to be comfortable with the harness, it’s time to try on the harness. You won’t want to snap the harness onto your cat right away. Instead, just place the harness on your cat lightly. Allow your cat to walk around and get used to it. Then slowly work your way towards snapping the harness into place and let them wear it for the day indoors.
Attach the Leash
The process of trying on the harness and getting your cat comfortable with it can take days, weeks, or even months depending on the personality of your feline friend. Once your cat has accepted the harness, it’s time to attach the leash. Take your cat into a wide-open room in the home to walk around with your cat on the leash. Practice this until your cat seems comfortable walking on the leash.
Get Outside
Once you’ve both become comfortable with the harness and leash walking, it’s time to venture outdoors. If your cat has always been an indoor cat then this process is going to be quite the adventure. Your cat will be on high alert while you walk around the yard. Allow your cat to slowly get accustomed to the smells and sounds of the outdoors as you walk them around the yard.
Once your cat is comfortable and walking on the leash without being skittish or angry about this process, it’s time to take them for a stroll. Always start with a short walk so that your cat doesn’t have anxiety or stress while walking on a leash. Within a few months, you’ll soon find that your cat and you are rather comfortable going on walks together while your feline companion walks with confidence with a leash on.