{"id":666376,"date":"2024-11-12T12:39:15","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T17:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=666376"},"modified":"2024-11-12T23:22:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T04:22:33","slug":"leash-training-your-cat-updated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/lifestyle\/leash-training-your-cat-updated\/","title":{"rendered":"Leash Training Your Cat: 9 Easy Steps (With Pictures)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nImportant Precautions<\/a>
\nHow to Leash Train Your Cat<\/a>
\nTips for Successful Walks with Your Cat<\/a>
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If you\u2019ve been dreaming of taking your indoor cat on adventures outside, then the good news is that it\u2019s totally possible to do so! From chilling out in the backyard on a summer\u2019s day to going on a road trip with your kitty, there are plenty of adventures to be had.<\/p>\n

But before you allow your cat to set their paws outside, you\u2019ll need to make sure they\u2019re properly leash trained. While leash training your cat isn\u2019t exactly the same as leash training a dog, there\u2019s still a process to follow. Start with the basics, and make sure your cat is comfortable before moving ahead to the next step.<\/p>\n

With time and patience, you and your cat can look forward to enjoying everything that the great outdoors has to offer! We\u2019ve written a complete guide to leash training your cat to help you get started!<\/p>\n

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Important Precautions<\/h2>\n

Before considering walking on a leash as a kind of exercise and adventure for your cat, think about whether this is actually appropriate and safe for them. Consider the environment: Is it safe? Noisy? Are there other loose cats or dogs? Is there a lot of traffic? Then, is this something your cat would enjoy, or would it scare and stress them? Is your cat usually withdrawn and nervous, or are they confident and inquisitive. At the end of the day, this needs to be a pleasant experience for your kitty, not one to cause them fear and anxiety.<\/p>\n

Although your cat is unlikely to ever be out without their harness, accidents can still happen. It\u2019s crucial they have a microchip and a collar with identification details on there, such as your name, address, and telephone number. This may be statutory in some states and countries. If your cat ever gets lost and picked up by the shelter or the vets, they will be able to reunite you based on this valuable info. Some owners may also use a GPS collar on their cats, for just-in-case scenarios.<\/p>\n

Appropriate leash and harness training is crucial, before setting your cat\u2019s little paws outside for the first time. Too small or too big a harness can either be very uncomfortable for your kitty, or it may easily come off if you encounter another animal and your cat gets scared. Stick to quiet areas to allow your cat to build confidence.<\/p>\n

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The 9 Steps to Leash Train Your Cat<\/h2>\n

1. Introduce a Harness<\/h3>\n

Before you even think about putting a harness on your cat, you\u2019ll need to get them comfortable with the idea of the harness itself. Once you\u2019ve got a harness, start to train your cat to associate it with positive experiences, like food!<\/p>\n

Hold the harness out for your cat to sniff, and as they do so, give them one of their favorite treats. Leave the harness near your cat\u2019s food bowl as you feed them, and let it slowly become something familiar and safe. You could even try spraying catnip spray on the harness to encourage your cat to investigate it.<\/p>\n

Strange noises can startle cats, so once your cat is comfortable around the harness, you can also start unclipping the buckles before clipping them back together or unfastening the Velcro. Clip the leash on and off as well. As your cat comes to see what you\u2019re doing, give them a treat.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Katerina Dalemans, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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2. Place the Harness on Your Cat<\/h3>\n

Next, you want to start getting your cat used to the feel of the harness on their body without actually fastening it. With all the buckles undone, simply place the harness on your cat\u2019s back. Only leave this on for a couple of seconds before again rewarding your cat with treats.<\/p>\n

Repeat this stage as often as necessary for your cat to become comfortable. With some cats, this may be just a couple of sessions; others will need much longer. Allow your cat to dictate the timescale, as rushing them now will just cause issues when you try to complete the steps later.<\/p>\n

If your cat is hesitant, place the harness on them gently just before feeding them a portion of their favorite food. This will distract them and reinforce the idea that the harness is associated with good things!<\/p>\n

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Are you looking for the perfect cat harness? We suggest Hepper's Cat Harness & Leash Set<\/strong><\/a>, which includes a nicely designed, machine-washable harness made from soft, sturdy velvet and mesh.<\/p>\r\n

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