Many folks who have been owned by cat would chuckle uncontrollably at the thought of putting a leash on it, just like a dog, and taking it for a walk around the neighborhood. Cats have their own opinion about things, and the idea of tying your cat to a piece of string and making her follow you may be one that is hard to believe.
Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.
Training your cat to the leash is best done in small steps. First, allow the cat to get familiar with the leash by placing somewhere it can be sniffed and evaluated. Then, in baby steps, put the leash or walking jacket on your cat.
The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.
All the new sights, sounds, and smells are bound to be quite overwhelming to your cat, and this is where your immense patience has to come in.
Don't buy a leash that is designed for a small dog, but instead look into purchasing a leash or lead that is specifically designed with a cat in mind. These leads wrap around your cat, giving you control of the cat and keeping the cat from choking itself in a frantic attempt to get away.
Once kitty has gotten used to, or somewhat used to, wearing the harness at home, you can try to ad the leash. At this point many cats will have malfunction of their legs... or won't be able to walk straight. Not to worry, for most kitties the excitement and stimulation of being outside make them forget that they are on a leash.
If, after you have been taking very slowly, and your cat still, after you have progressed to actually going outside, still is scared after a few tries, then maybe this is not for your kitty.
Trying for some time in baby steps is the way to be successful, but there are cats who just won't have any part of this. Be observant. If your cat gets a little more comfortable each and every time, then continue taking her out. Short trips with lots of praise and treats.
You may be surprised that before long your cat will absolutely adore her outside adventures ans will get all excited any time you go anywhere near her leash... just like a ,,, er,,,dog :) - 31851
Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.
Training your cat to the leash is best done in small steps. First, allow the cat to get familiar with the leash by placing somewhere it can be sniffed and evaluated. Then, in baby steps, put the leash or walking jacket on your cat.
The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.
All the new sights, sounds, and smells are bound to be quite overwhelming to your cat, and this is where your immense patience has to come in.
Don't buy a leash that is designed for a small dog, but instead look into purchasing a leash or lead that is specifically designed with a cat in mind. These leads wrap around your cat, giving you control of the cat and keeping the cat from choking itself in a frantic attempt to get away.
Once kitty has gotten used to, or somewhat used to, wearing the harness at home, you can try to ad the leash. At this point many cats will have malfunction of their legs... or won't be able to walk straight. Not to worry, for most kitties the excitement and stimulation of being outside make them forget that they are on a leash.
If, after you have been taking very slowly, and your cat still, after you have progressed to actually going outside, still is scared after a few tries, then maybe this is not for your kitty.
Trying for some time in baby steps is the way to be successful, but there are cats who just won't have any part of this. Be observant. If your cat gets a little more comfortable each and every time, then continue taking her out. Short trips with lots of praise and treats.
You may be surprised that before long your cat will absolutely adore her outside adventures ans will get all excited any time you go anywhere near her leash... just like a ,,, er,,,dog :) - 31851
About the Author:
Cat enthusiast Virginia Sutherland writes about all aspects of cat care. Check her articles about Highly Palatable Cat Food and Irresistible Cat Food
