How To Leash Train a Cat
By: Bouchy Belf
Tags: Kitten Training, Cats, Cat Training, Kittens, Kitten Care

Teaching a cat to walk on a leash gives a house cat safe access to the outdoors. Training her to walk on a leash can also be a good advance if you want to help your cat go out alone in the future. When teaching him to go outside on a leash, it’s important to remember that the outdoors can initially seem overwhelming to a cat used to being indoors. Be compassionate and patient if your cat seems alarmed or terrified at first. It will take time for him to get comfortable wearing a harness and going outside, so take it easy and reward him with lots of praise and treats. Read on to learn how to safely get your cat outside and explore.

Part 1 Choose a harness

1- Take your cat’s measurements. In order to go for a walk with him, you will need a harness of the correct size, never use a leash and a collar.

If you go for a walk with your cat wearing a collar and he starts to run (something cats often do), the collar can impair his windpipe, larynx,

and ability to swallow. A harness will distribute the restraining force between your shoulders, your chest, and your belly, making you less likely to injure yourself.

To get measurements for your cat’s harness, measure the outline of its chest, just below the front legs, and write it down. Take the measurement when you go to buy the harness.



2- Choose a harness. Most cat harnesses have adjustable straps designed to fit small kittens or adult cats, and are made of nylon or neoprene. Some harnesses come in much smaller sizes based on your cat’s specific measurements.

The harness must be the correct size for your cat’s body and must not be tightened or hanging from her body. If it’s the right size, you should be able to run two fingers under the harness when your cat is wearing it.

Never use a harness for safety when in a car, cat harnesses are not designed to protect cats if a traffic accident occurs.



3- Choose a strap. Cats need different leashes than dogs, so choose a suitable leash carefully.

Some manufacturers make lighter leashes specifically designed for cats, as cats are often lighter and less energetic than dogs.

Elastic leashes are ideal for cats, as they can stretch enough for your cat to walk safely.

Avoid using retractable leashes (often sold for dogs) on cats, as they are inappropriate for cats and can injure them.

VERY IMPORTANT: if you’re going to want to learn how to train your cat like a pro then >> CLICK HERE<< to download our $27 ebook for FREE…

You can see what the book looks like below…

Part 2 Let your cat get used to the harness



1- Put the harness on your cat for short periods. Before you can take your cat outside, you will first need to get her used to wearing her harness.

Start by putting the harness on for short periods of time each day, for several days. Put it in for just a few minutes at first, then increase the time daily for several days.

Give your cat treats and lots of praise when you put the harness on and when it walks around in it.

You should ensure that over time your cat feels comfortable moving around the house with its harness, the ideal is to avoid paying attention to it.



2- Attach the strap. When your cat begins to feel comfortable in her harness, begin to attach the leash to the harness.

At first, let the leash go behind your cat. Get your cat to walk on the leash by offering treats and lots of praise.



3- Practice walking with the harness and leash. When your cat begins to feel comfortable with the lead behind him, take it and walk him again, this time holding the lead in your hand.

Offer your cat his favorite treats and lots of praise when he starts out for a walk. Try not to pull or drag the cat when you walk, let it move of its own accord.



Part 3 Help your cat go outside



1- It starts slowly. Don’t force your cat to go outside. The prospect of going outside can be intimidating for some cats, so if your cat is reluctant to go out with you, don’t insist.

If your cat isn’t sure to get out, just leave the door open so she can get her bearings and take her time. If your cat doesn’t want to go out, try again another day and be patient, it may take some time.



2- Help your cat to venture outside. When your cat is ready to go out, follow behind and encourage him with treats and praise.

Make sure the walk is short, about five minutes. If it takes longer, your cat may become overwhelmed and less willing to go out again in the future.

Go out on a dry day. If it’s raining or if it recently rained, many of the normal smells your cat would use to find its way will be gone and your cat may have a hard time navigating.



3- Go out with your cat frequently. Slowly increase the amount of time your cat is outside and include walks outside in your cat’s regular routine.

As your cat becomes more comfortable outside, allow her to walk at a greater distance from you if she wishes. Follow him as far as the leash allows.

VERY IMPORTANT: If you’re going to want to learn how to train your cat like a pro then >> CLICK HERE<< to download our $27 ebook for FREE…