How to Leash Train Your Cat | Chewtorials

Leash training a cat can be a great way to provide your kitty with physical activity and mental stimulation. If you want to let your adventurous feline get their exploration on, here’s everything you need to know about how to train a cat to walk on a leash. Why Leash Training a Cat Is Beneficial While cats who live indoors are generally healthier and less at risk for injury than those who live outdoors, many kitties can benefit from exploring the outside world in a safe and controlled manner. Learning how to leash train a cat or kitten is a great way to let them stretch their boundaries, exercise their bodies and their minds and maybe discover a part of their personalities that doesn’t always come out when they’re behind closed doors. What You Need for Leash Training a Cat You’ll need just a few items to begin leash training a cat: a well-fitted harness (or cat walking jacket) and a shorter leash with some slack. Shop cat harnesses and leashes: https://www.chewy.com/b/leashes-harnesses-402 As for leashes, use a shorter lead to keep your cat nearby and under more careful control. In addition to the above equipment, make sure your cat is up-to-date on all their vaccines, as well as their flea and tick medication. Your cat may encounter other kitties or creatures while outside, making their rabies and feline leukemia vaccines all the more important, and you’ll want to ensure that they’re well-protected from pesky (and dangerous!) fleas and ticks. You may also want to consider microchipping your furry friend to help the two of you reunite in the event your cat manages to break free. How to Train a Cat to Walk on a Leash By following the easy-enough steps below, pet parents can learn how to leash train their cat or kitten and start exploring the great outdoors together. 1. Acquaint Your Kitty with the Harness Like anything new, you cat may need some time to get used to their harness. Practice snapping the harness together or undoing the Velcro to get your kitty accustomed to those new sounds. If your cat seems reticent, try placing the harness and leash in their favorite spot, such as by the food bowl or on their favorite couch cushion. 2. Try Fastening It Once your cat becomes more comfortable around the harness, try fastening it. Pay attention to your cat’s cues: Any signs of discomfort or anxiety, such as pulling away or freezing in place, mean you should take it off, offer some positive reinforcement and wait a bit to try again later. 3. Practice Inside the House After your cat seems more comfortable in their harness, try five-minute training sessions where you and your kitty practice walking on the leash and harness indoors and to encourage them with treats. Then, you can work up to longer periods of time and (finally!) start heading outside. 4. Suit Up Before Stepping Out Once your kitty seems OK wearing the harness and leash inside, you can begin venturing outdoors. When it’s time to take the plunge, be sure to put the leash and harness on before going outside. Otherwise, you risk your cat darting away sans leash, and that’s definitely not the kind of adventure you want! 6. Start Exploring (Slowly!) Let your kitty take the lead. Some cats may be perfectly content to lie still in the grass and soak up the sun, others may want to check out the neighborhood. Some cats may also be overwhelmed by all the new sights and sounds and want to go back inside ASAP. Follow their lead and be encouraging with treats. Remember, Never Force Your Cat to Walk on a Leash Finally, take care to never force your cat to do something they’re not ready to do or are uncomfortable with. If they instantly dart back inside or freeze up when you go out, you can try again in a few days to see if they gradually become more comfortable with the outside world. But if the situation doesn’t improve, leash training may just not be for your kitty. #chewy #chewtorials #howtoleashtrainacat #cattraining #catonaleash