Cats On Leashes: How To Walk Your Cat

So you heard about this cool new trend called “walking your cat” and thought it might be a fun way to get some exercise, spend more time with your feline friend and even give him some stimulation.

You want to be the new cool cat mom or dad, so you set out on a mission to train your cat to walk on a leash. How do you teach a cat to walk on a leash? How do you know if they’re ready? Do they need special equipment? Is it just like training a dog?

Cats are usually very independent animals. But, there are some cases where they need help to get around the world. They can’t always walk on their own and that’s when we need to teach them how to walk on a leash.

This guide will show you how to train your cat so that it can learn how to walk on a leash. It will also give you advice about the best training methods, what kind of equipment you’ll need, and more!

Walk Your Cat: Why?

Are you trying to lose weight? Are you trying to keep your cat fit and healthy? Are you just trying to have some fun? These are just a few reasons why it is a good idea.

Cats (especially domestic cats) can be at risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, joint disease, and more. Walking your cat is one way to reduce those risks!

Cats also have different needs than dogs when it comes to exercise — they’re extremely independent. Owners are often advised to let cats exercise on their own terms, when they want to and how they want to. But, fun facts about cats: they don’t exercise on their own and they need you to motivate them.

It can be tricky, but walking cats is a great way to get them moving and offer them the mental and physical stimulation that they crave.

Equipment You’ll Need

If you’re ready to get your hands dirty and start the process of teaching your cat to walk on a leash, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment.

Harness Or Collar?

There is some debate as to whether or not your kitty should wear a harness or a collar. A harness is a great option for larger cats, it will distribute the pressure more evenly and will also help keep them safe if they try to run away. A collar is a good choice for smaller cats or if you plan on keeping your cat on the leash at all times.

Whichever you decide to go with, make sure it is the appropriate size for your cat’s body type. Your cat should not be able to get out of the collar, but it should not be super tight either.

You’ll also need a leash. The type of leash you get will depend on if you plan on walking your cat on its leash inside or outside. If you’re only walking your cat indoors, a fabric leash is recommended since it’s unlikely your kitty will try to break free. If you plan on taking your cat for a walk outside, you’ll want a more durable leash. When it comes to cats on a leash, you will find that there are two different types of leashes you can use: the retractable leash and the fixed-length leash. The retractable leash is perfect for outdoor use because it has a long length, but if you live in an apartment or condo with small outdoor space then the fixed-length leash might be better.

You’ll also want to make sure you have a proper ID for your cat. You can get a collar tag that has your address and phone number in case your cat gets lost.

Tips for Teaching Your Domestic Cats to Walk on a Leash

First and foremost, before you even think about getting a leash, make sure your cat is healthy enough to be walked. It’s never a good idea to start walking your cat if there’s a health issue at play that makes walking difficult. Once you’ve ruled that out, it’s time to start training! There are a few different techniques you can try when training your cat to walk on a leash. Some people even combine a few different techniques to see what works best with their cats.

Treat Training

You’ll want to start by getting your cat used to the harness. If you’re holding the harness, extend your arm out to them so they can see what you’re doing and know that it’s all good. Then put the harness on your cat without any pressure. Put it on them while they’re eating or playing and let them get used to it as an everyday part of their life. Progress by gently giving them treats through the harness so they get used to having something on their body. Take a step closer to your pet so that you’re now right next to their face. Hold their cheeks gently with your hands and give them a little kiss!

Clicker Training

Also known as “mark and reward”, clicker training is a common technique for getting a cat to do what you want. It uses a small handheld clicker (which makes an actual “click” sound when pressed) to show your cat the precise moment they did something you wanted them to do. Your cat will be rewarded every time they hear the click.

Start early with small tasks and keep the session of training short. All you need are some delicious treat and patience. You can begin by teaching your cat to come when you call their name.

Be patience andnever directly punish your cat, whether you plan on tapping their butt or using a loud sound.

Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If…

• Your cat freaks out or gets scared: This is a possibility, especially if you start walking your cat outside. Try practicing indoors a few times before you take them outside. It may take a few tries before your cat is comfortable walking outside.
• Your cat is scared of the leash: This can happen if your cat feels like they have no control over their environment. Start by moving them to a smaller, quieter room. Give them some treats and comfort so they don’t feel stressed or worried.
• Your cat is overstimulated/can’t handle the walk: Some cats are just too excitable and don’t have the attention span or stamina to walk. If your cat is overstimulated or can’t handle the walk, try finding a shorter route or taking them on a path where there’s less traffic.
• Your cat is too delicate to walk: Again, make sure your cat is healthy enough to walk before you start. If they have joint or mobility issues, it might not be the best choice for them.

Are There any Dangers Walking A Cat?

If you do decide to walk your cat on a leash outside their comfort zone, it is crucial that you attach this to a harness rather than a collar. Cats can without problems slip out of collars or may also choke in the event that they get away and end up entangled. Also we don’t advise you to use a dog harness, those made only for cats are designed to be more comfortable and secure.

Be aware of dogs! Unfortunately not all dogs like cats and due to their size difference it’s very risky to let your cat near one. This is something that should be avoided by all means possible.

Final Words

Whether you want to track your fitness progress or you just want to spend more time with your kitty, walking your cat is a great way to get some fresh air and give your feline friend some extra love and attention.

Cats walk in a different way than humans do and this is because they have a different anatomy. Their spine is not nearly as flexible as ours so they have to move their legs in a certain way in order to move efficiently so be sure to go slowly and keep your cat healthy and safe by taking breaks as needed and avoid walking them in extreme weather. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or keep your cat healthy, walking is a great way to get exercise but remember: you shouldn’t force your cat to do anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Walking in your own yard may be your best bet at first. If you wish to explore outside your yard, you and your cat should be extremely comfortable outside and have some training in place. If you live in an apartment or condo complex, walk through the hallways and corridors before venturing outside.

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