Training on cat leashes isn’t an urban legend. The videos and photos of cats wearing harnesses and exploring the world aren’t spooky images. And what about the cats? The cats aren’t professionally trained as commercial or film “actors.”

They’re normal cats, as your cat and whose owners have taken the time to harness and train them.

Training for cat leashes is feasible. It’s all it takes is patience.

“Leash training your cat ” could be a fantastic investment in your time. …”

“Leash training your cat can be a great investment in your precious time” Steven Appelbaum, the president of Animal Behavior College. “However it is essential to be patient and gentle.”

Let’s get to an important point. There’s a reason that this blog isn’t called: “how to teach a cat to walk on a leash.”

The reality is that it’s rare to find a cat that will walk on a leash in the same like a dog. In 99.9 percent of cases, you don’t take your pet on a walk. Your cat walks alongside you.

Except when you restrict your cat’s movement (to ensure she is safe from objects that could be hazardous) Your cat will continue to follow her wherever she’s compelled to go. She’ll look for things that are fascinating to her. If she’s interested in relaxing and taking in the sunshine for five minutes at one spot, before moving on to the next, she’ll do it too.

Coastal Pet has rounded up all you should be aware of when you teach a cat, including the advantages of walking a cat as well as the steps you’ll have to follow. When you’re ready to go, take a look at our selection of harnesses for cats and leashes.

Why Leash Training for Your Cat is an Excellent Idea

Do you need additional other than “why not!” as a reason to guide your pet?

“Leash training is beneficial for several reasons.” states Appelbaum, “First, it helps you train your cat, which is especially important as cats get older.”

Similar to kids, Appelbaum says, kittens are very active. As they get older, cats are more likely to shrink and slow down. Being outdoors and taking walks with them – even if your cat doesn’t just lay down in the shade or chew grass – is an opportunity to get their blood flowing and extend their muscles.

However, leash training isn’t just beneficial to their health physically. It’s also beneficial for their mental well-being.

We’ve all heard of the rhyme “curiosity caused the death of cats.” If you’ve ever had cats or other felines You’ll know that their curiosity is never-ending. They’re most mentally healthy whenever they’re exploring all the things within them. However, a cat who lives inside an apartment house has a less expansive space to explore. Even with a constant change of games, boredom could be an issue.

When you harness and train your cats, you grant them access to an even greater universe … while doing it in the safety of.

“Once you have your pet on a leash and you’ve got her leash trained, you can take your cat out in the world. This means she will develop confidence in different settings, including people and dogs, cats sounds, etc.,” Appelbaum says.

Then, you can leash train your cat as well as the shared “walks,” are perfect actions to strengthen the connection with your cat.

Which cats can be leash trained?

Before we dive deep into the details of harnessing and training your cat’s leash it is important to be clear about one thing. There are some cats that aren’t adept at leash and harness training. Some cats need some time (or perhaps even months) to become comfortable wearing the leash. If you’re successful in leash training is often contingent on how persistent and patient you are in your training.

“In my more than 30 years of experience in training I’ve only witnessed just a handful of cases in which leash training could be… demanding enough to make it wise to let cats who were sleeping lay,” Appelbaum says.

It’s typically easier, says the vet to begin training leash as your cat is an infant. However, this doesn’t mean older cats aren’t able to be leash trained.

It’s helpful if they’re secure cats who aren’t afraid of new experiences and trust in you and are also food-motivated.

“In the majority of instances the leash training process isn’t difficult It’s just a matter of the right knowledge and perseverance… One of the most senior cats I’ve ever seen who was leash-trained was 16 years old.”

Harnesses and Training for Cat Leashes step-by-step

Step One: Familiarization

Before you even think about wearing a harness to your dog for the first time you’ll want to help her get comfortable with it as a thing. It’s important to know that it’s not something you should be worried about.

Set the harness among your cat’s toys. Place it on the floor near the food they eat when they’re eating. Let them use it to smell.

Step 2 Step Two: Install the Harness

Once your cat is comfortable with the harness and harness, it’s appropriate to wear it.

Expect a fight. Expect your cat to lay on her back like a harness weighs fifty pounds. This is normal.

“This is where food is a great resource,” Appelbaum says.

Once the harness is in place you can reward your cat with one or two special treats. Take a moment or two before taking the collar off. It’s time to go.

On the second day, you can keep the harness on for a bit longer. Perhaps five minutes second day and 10 minutes after this. Reward your pet with a reward. Pet her. Give her an affectionate hug (if she is a fan kind of stuff). Then, take off the hug.

The most important thing is to teach your cat to connect the harness to things she enjoys.

Maintain this for however long it is (often many weeks). Each time, keep the harness in place for longer. Always remember to reward your pet with sweets and affection.

You’ll know when you’re ready to go when your cat doesn’t react to the harness being put on – – perhaps anticipating an indulgence.

A note on the size of the harness: Allow enough space that you can put two fingers between the neck or body of your cat as well as your harness.

Step 3 Secure the leash

The first time you tie the leash on it is important not to grab the leash. Let your cat pull it in front of her so that she is accustomed to the sensation and tug that it produces.

As always, treat her to an indulgence. Keep doing this for whatever time you think it will take until she’s not bothered anymore.

Step Four Step Four: Hold the Leash

The final step before you take it outside!

Begin to follow your cat as you pull the leash. Be gentle and try to help her stop her forward motion (not pulling, but just slowing down) and then pull in the opposite direction.

You can reward your cat when she agrees with your suggestions.

If this doesn’t work, try placing an item of food onto the floor that is in the direction you’d like her to go so that she will have more incentive to go in that direction.

Repeat this process a few more times. Don’t fret about achieving the art of controlling your cat. If your cat is a good one, it could be her who is leading you.

Don’t travel far if you do not have to. If your home has a front and backyard, you can go there.

If you are living within an apartment locate an area that is quiet and dog-free the first time. The idea is to reduce the noise and everything that could scare her.

A word of caution when going outside Make sure you pick your cat up and take her out. Even if it’s just to the front backyard, you need your feline to understand that you have control over what you do outside. In the event that you permit, her to wander outside on her own and think she’s on her own, she’ll be able to run out the door whenever it’s opened even if she’s wearing a harness or leash.

If you’re driving somewhere take your cat into an animal carrier such as one like the Bergan Cat Carrier or cat backpack like that of the Bergan Backpack Pet Carrier, prior to leaving your home. Do not let your cat out until you’re at your destination, and the leash is tied.

The amount of time you’ll spend outdoors for your first time out in the open will depend on the cat you have.

Be on the lookout to see if there are signs of fear such as refusing to move and slack or a tail that is fluffed. It’s possible to give treats, but certain cats won’t eat them if they’re scared. Do not overdo it on your first attempt It’s possible to try again.

Step Six: Enjoy!

Let your cat lead you out of here. She’ll set the stage for the length of time she’d like to spend outside.

Be patient. Your cat may just want to play in the grass and soak in the sunshine.

Do not be too heavy-handed with the leash. Cats can be very stubborn. The act of dragging your cat in the direction you’d like it to go isn’t the most enjoyable experience for any cat.