How To Train A Cat On A Leash

Introduction

If you’ve attempted to get your cat on a leash, you’ve probably realized that it’s not easy. It can be frustrating and sometimes even dangerous to try to walk a cat who isn’t trained properly. Chances are, the training will take longer than you’d like and won’t be as easy as you hope—but it’s still worth doing. Cats can be incredibly rewarding pets, and if yours is one of the lucky ones who likes being walked on a leash then there’s no reason why they shouldn’t go outside occasionally. The key is knowing how to train them to remain calm and enjoy being outside without being too stressful at home.

Train your cat early, while they are still a kitten.

While it may be tempting to wait until your cat is a little older before you begin training, it’s best to start when they are still very young. The younger your cat is, the easier it will be for them to learn new tricks and behaviors.

It’s also important that you start training your kitten as early as possible so that they can become familiar with walking on a leash throughout their entire life. If you wait too long or train them too late, their muscles will grow stronger and firmer; this can make it much more difficult for them to get accustomed to walking on a leash later in life because their body will have adapted so well into having only four legs instead of two!

Choose a harness over a collar.

The first step to training your cat on a leash is choosing the right equipment. There are two types of harnesses:

• Step-in harnesses, which are also called walking jackets, and
• Harnesses with buckles that you fasten around the pet’s chest.

Both types have their pros and cons, but there are several reasons why I recommend step-in harnesses over traditional collars for cats. First of all, using a collar can be dangerous for your pet because it can get caught on something and choke him or her if he tries to run away from you when out in public—and let’s face it: cats love running away from humans! A second benefit of using a step-in style is that it’s much more comfortable for them than a traditional collar; many owners report that their cat doesn’t seem phased by wearing one at all (as long as they’re properly sized). These advantages make this kind of setup ideal for both you and your feline friend!

Choose the right kind of harness.

• Choose the right kind of harness.

Harnesses are safer for cats than collars, as they don’t restrict the cat’s ability to breathe or move its head around. They’re also more comfortable for both you and your cat, because they distribute weight evenly over the body rather than putting pressure on a single point (the neck). There are many different styles of harnesses available at pet stores and online that come in multiple sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your cat well. Some even come in fun colors!

Establish a routine.

Establishing a routine for your cat is important. It helps to make your cat feel safe and secure. If you don’t have any existing routines, you can start with something simple like feeding them at the same time every day and letting them outside for bathroom breaks around the same time each morning or evening. This will help them know when it’s time to get up and active, instead of just being able to sleep all day.

Praise your cat when they exhibit good behavior.

• When your cat does something you want them to do, reward them with a treat.
• Pet them and let them know how good they are.
• Play with toys together.
• Take a walk together so they can get some exercise and practice their leash skills in the real world!

Wear your cat out before attempting a walk.

Before attempting to walk your cat on a leash, it’s important that you wear him out. A tired cat will be more likely to stay focused and less likely to get distracted by other animals or interesting smells. You can do this by playing with your cat for at least 20 minutes before going outside. Some of my favorite ways to play are: tossing toys around so they have something to chase, laser pointer races (always fun for both human and feline), stringing up some kind of toy (like a ping pong ball) that drops when the string goes taut, and using an interactive toy like the Cat Charmer or Da Bird Wand.

Don’t rush it, and don’t worry too much about time constraints.

Don’t rush it, and don’t worry too much about time constraints. Cats learn at their own pace, so don’t worry if things aren’t moving along as quickly as you would like. If your cat is having trouble getting the hang of walking on a leash, keep trying until they do get the hang of it — and then keep practicing!

Don’t get frustrated when your cat doesn’t remember what you’ve taught them. Keep working on repetition, and be patient with them when they make mistakes such as biting or scratching at their leash or collar. You may also want to try different types of collars (like this one) in order to find one that fits more comfortably around both the neck and face area (which will help prevent any unwanted irritation).

Get your cat into a routine for training and walking

• Start off slow. Get your cat accustomed to the leash by walking around the house or yard with him or her on a loose leash.
• Be patient. Your cat may resist in the beginning, but don’t give up! Remember that this is a new experience for them and can take time for them to adjust.
• Be consistent. Don’t let up on training—it’s important that you follow through with at least two walks per day so that your cat won’t revert back to any old habits if they get too comfortable in their new routine.
• Be positive when dealing with your pet when introducing him or her to this new habit, both during training and later down the road as well (we’ll discuss why below).
• Don’t forget: Cats are very independent creatures who like having control over their lives and making decisions themselves; try not getting upset if your cat takes some time adjusting to walking outdoors on a leash

Conclusion

Patience is an integral part of training a cat, especially when it comes to leash training. If your cat is having trouble adjusting to the harness or leash, try to relax and not let this disrupt your own emotional state. You may also find that you have to adjust your schedule temporarily in order to adapt to the unique challenges of training your pet.

One of the best things you can do is give them time outside without a leash so they can get used to being outdoors; if they like their time outside, then once they are comfortable with going out on their own terms (e.g., through an open window or door), they may be more receptive when you ask them if they want another adventure on a leash!