How to train a cat to walk on a leash? Cats are independent pets and love to roam around free. Some cats are tempered and some are cool. It is found that some cats don’t love to walk on a leash. However, it all depends on the intention of the owner as well as the successful training we can have for the cat to walk on a leash. In this article, I am going to talk about how to train a cat to walk on a leash.
How to train a cat to walk on a leash
There are many examples, opinions, and evidence that walking on a leash is beneficial for both the cat and its owner. By enabling a leash, the cat stays on track, and there is no way to loiter around when you are outside on a walk with it.
On the leash, the cat cant won’t be able to run by any fast car, intercepts any other property, smells this and that thing here and there does not roll around the field or anything, gives you good company alongside you, and doesn’t go away when you’re on long-distance travel, and so on.
People are getting interested in training cats to walk on a leash. But, the question comes how to train a cat to walk on a leash.
The training part is always challenging. In case you have adopted a well-trained cat who is already trained to walk on the leash, it’s good. But what if you need to train a fresh cat? Don’t worry. In this article, I am going to explain how to train a cat to walk on a leash.
[read more]
Collar or harness
The first step of the cat training on how to train a cat to walk on a leash comes with the consideration of a collar or harness. To be frank, the collar is quite good for the dog, but may not be good enough for the cat.
The biological formation of a cat’s body structure is not appropriate for the collar. The collar can be suffocating as well as slip away from the neck of the cat.
Introduce the harness
Therefore choosing the right harness will be good for the cat’s safety and security. You will find many harnesses specially managed for the cat.
Make sure that the harness does not turn too loose or tight. Both situations will not work well. If it is too tight or too lose the can will feel discomfort which is a hindrance to walking on the leash.
Introduce the harness with the cat. Give it confidence that the harness is a kind of toy and is good for the cat. This familiarization will make the wearing process easier for the pet. You can show a picture or video to give the cat its smell and color to play on.
After fishing the harness around the cat, insert 2 fingers in between the body and the harness and roll around in order to check the perfection. The weight of the harness to be lighter and to be made with softer material to ease the cat while walking on it.
There should also be a D ring security with the harness to make the walking of the cat comfortable and secure.
Take time to wear the harness for the first time. Do it slowly. Give the cat some reward and appreciation after completing the first step. Then go with the additional bondings slowly. Carefully observe the reaction of the cat as soon as the harness covers its body. Pacify it in case it’s turbulent or uncomfortable.
You should keep in mind it’s quite normal that the cat would react, feel uncomfortable, and even walk strangely at the beginning. Give it enough time to adjust to the situation as it has never experienced this situation ever before. Good rewards and appreciation will inspire the cat more and more.
The cat should be given some time with the harness around its body. The cat will be roaming around in the house with it in order to become familiar and fit with the harness.
In the beginning, don’t wear the harness for more time (a couple of minutes max) in case the cat is afraid of this. However, gradually increase the time limit every consecutive day. Fasten or tighten as per the requirement of body fitness. After successfully completing this step, go for the next, that is, wearing a leash with the harness.
Leash
Choose the right size of the leash. The size of the leash is 5-6 feet on average. Too short or long would be problematic. It may tangle in case it’s longer, and will create tension when it’s shorter.
You might be required 1 to 7 days to wear the leash with the D-ring of the harness around the body of the cat, considering the temperament and comfort of the pet.
You can go to a comparatively spacious room so that wearing a harness and leash doesn’t cause any other damage to the furniture or any fragile items.
Holding the leash is a good idea instead of dragging this. You need to give the cat a handsome treat and reward in every instance. To be familiar with the harness and leash, stay with the leash in your hand while the cat roams in the house.
At this stage, train your cat to come to you upon calling by gently pulling the leash. After successful completion, give it a reward. The reward can be of a treat or toy. Consider that some cats are afraid of any leash dragging behind them, the cat needs some time to adjust it.
Going outdoor
It is the last stage of the training, and you can say it is the implementation stage. With the effort you have the cat has paid during the last 1-2 weeks, it’s high time to adjust to the outer world.
The backyard or the garden nearby is the best place to train the first outside landing. Let the cat be familiar with the transition from inside to outside with the harness and leash. Threat it well after successful completion.
Familiarize the cat with places or directions you want your cat to go, with a gentle push, pull, and signals. Gradually the cat should be accustomed to the sight, sound, smell, danger, predator, dirt, color, and the environment outside. Considering the breed type and nature, this period may take 1 week to 4 weeks, while some cats may start learning straight away.
Be cautious
There are dangers and challenges outside. On the outside, young will be facing many unwanted and unpredictable situations, such as dirt, infection, barking dogs, parasites, as well as fast-moving vehicles.
Be lenient with the nature of the cat you know in the home. It is not a good idea to force the cat to do anything out of its comfort area. It may discourage the cat from moving outside next time. Let it do what it wants to do unless it’s seriously out of the norm.
Keep everything in mind. Upon successful training, I am sure the cat will be enjoying the trip with you as a cute companion.
More Interesting Articles
- What are the Different Types of Motivation in the Workplace?
- 50 Interesting Fun Cool Facts about Sports You Probably Didn’t Know
- Raising Baby Ducks for Beginners – What do Baby Ducks Need?
- What are the Major Causes of Back Pain You Can Avoid Easily?
- 14 Great Benefits of Body Massage – Is Body Massage Good for Health?
- How to Edit Your Blog Post – 6 Most Important Steps for Beginners
- Interesting Geographical Facts – Test Your Knowledge with Online Quiz
- Scottish Fold Personality – Why She is A Unique and Lovable Breed
- Rainbow Trout Recipe BBQ – Three Delicious Recipes with Easy Steps
- 30 Cordial Happy New Year Wishes, Sayings, Status for Intimate Friends
[/read]