How To Leash Train Your Cat In Just 4 Easy Steps
Welcome To Adventure Cat Training 101
Did you know that it’s possible to train your cat to walk on a leash and harness?
Here we’ll walk you through exactly how to leash train your cat — in just 4 easy steps!
1. Get the Right Leash and Harness For Your Cat
Make sure to get a good harness that properly fits your cat and will be comfortable for them.
Generally, you should be able to fit no more than 1 or 2 fingers underneath the harness while it is on your cat.
Don’t forget to make sure it is not too tight as well!
2. Let Your Cat Get Used to the Harness & Leash Slowly
Don’t just put your cat in the leash and harness and take them for a walk right away!
Allow your cat to slowly get used to the whole process.
Let your cat sniff the harness and get used to its presence, and then try putting it on to let them get used to wearing it. You can then begin to introduce the leash in the same way.
3. Positive Reinforcement
You can slowly increase the amount of time your cat wears the harness, and give them lots of treats, love, and playtime while they are!
Slowly introduce the leash in the same way.
Positive reinforcement is very important for the whole process.
4. Walkin' Time
Once your cat doesn’t mind the leash and harness, you can try taking them on practice walks around the property.
When you think your cat is ready to venture outside, start slow and gradually increase the duration and distance of the walks.
Find environments that won’t be too scary for your kitty, and keep up the positive reinforcement!
If at any point in the process your kitty seems extremely frightened, STOP! Go back 1 step, or until your cat is more comfortable, and try again. Make sure to continue using positive reinforcement and go as slowly as your kitty needs.
Rushing the process will only make things harder!
It is generally best to keep a cat indoors when possible, and leash training can be a good alternative if your cat needs some extra stimulation from the great outdoors!
Remember that we should be doing all of this with our kitty’s in mind.
We should be doing this for them.
So If your cat does not seem to enjoy begin an “adventure” cat whatsoever, then perhaps it would be best not to force it.
Your cat should be your partner in your adventures, not an unwilling participant!
If your absolutely does not want to be an adventure cat cat, that is okay!
In that case, we can simply work on making our home the best environment it can be for them!
