How to Leash Train a Cat

Approximately 25 percent of American families include a feline member. Although the number of cat owners is relatively high, there are still many more dog owners in the United States. Why do so many people prefer dogs over cats? Oftentimes, people have the misconception that cats are independent and that they don't make ideal companions. Yet, cats can do many of the same things that dogs can, including walking on a leash.

Although teaching your cat this skill requires patience and training, it can be done. This post will share tips on how to leash train a cat! It will also give you some cat training tips that you'll find useful no matter what trick you want to teach your furry friend!

Choosing the Right Harness

Cat collars are typically for identification purposes, but they aren't ideal for leash training. Unlike dogs, cats can easily slip out of a collar. 

Therefore, it's best to use a harness made specifically for cats when leash training. Harnesses designed for dogs or other animals may not fit your cat properly, which will increase the risk of them getting away outside. Your cat would also find an ill-fitting harness uncomfortable, which would make training all the more difficult.

To ensure that your feline is at ease, pick a harness made from a soft material. Your cat won't feel as restricted and should be able to walk normally.

Go! Solutions Team A Team of Dedicated Pet Parents + Nutrition Experts

In addition, the harness should have a D-ring on the back, since this is where you will attach the leash. 

Most often, harnesses have adjustable straps to fit the animal correctly. You can check that the harness is snug by inserting two fingers underneath. If you can fit more fingers, it is too loose. On the other hand, the harness shouldn't be so tight that your cat is uncomfortable. So if you can't get two of your fingers under the harness, loosen it a bit.

Picking Out a Leash for Your Cat

The best leashes for cats are four to six feet in length. Longer leashes or those that are retractable, make training your cat more difficult. However, you can use them later on if you would like. 

How to Train a Cat to Walk on a Leash

Training your feline to walk on a leash is a gradual process. Let's break it down into five easy steps! 

1. Get Your Cat Used to the Harness

Without attaching the leash, place the harness on your cat. Once the harness is on, you can give your cat a treat, but avoid rewards while the harness is off.

You should repeat this process, gradually increasing the amount of time your cat wears their harness.

2. Start Using the Leash

Once your cat feels comfortable with the harness, you can start getting used to the leash. At first, you should allow your cat to walk where they want. You can follow them but hold the leash loosely in your hand.

Reward your cat with a treat while wearing the harness and leash, just as you did in step one.

Recommended Solution

Single-Serve Wet Cat Food Toppers

Perfect as a treat, topper, or complete and balanced meal in a mess-free, single-serve pouch that's great for on-the-go!

View all cat food toppers

3. Introduce Leash Tension

The next step is getting your cat comfortable with the weight of the leash. Start by letting the cat drag the leash behind them while moving around the house

Just be sure to supervise them while wearing the leash, since it could get tangled somewhere and pose a hazard for your pet.

4. Walk Your Cat Indoors

As in step one, place the harness and leash on your cat and follow them around. After they've walked a few minutes, try to guide them to another area of the room gently. 

If you'd like, you can drop treats on the floor or use your fingers to lure your cat. When they move in the right direction, reward, and praise them.

5. Start Walking Outside

After you've practiced walking indoors and your cat is comfortable with the idea, you can try going outside. Start by walking your cat to the door and encouraging them to go outside on their own.

You can toss a treat outside to lure them, but if your cat feels scared or hesitates, it's best to stop for the day. You can try again later.

Go! Solutions TeamA Team of Dedicated Pet Parents + Nutrition Experts

If you finally get your cat to come outdoors, you should keep the training sessions short and bring treats. Reward them and always end the walk on a positive note. This will reinforce the idea in your cat's mind that walks are a good thing and no reason to be afraid.

From time to time, your cat may get scared while walking in a new area. If this happens, resort to a place that you have explored in the past and avoid picking up your cat.

Moreover, it would help if you avoid places that are more likely to startle your pet, such as busy roads, dog parks, or construction zones.

Keep Your Cat Safe

While there are many benefits to walking your cat on a leash, it does increase the risk for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites. So be sure to speak to your veterinarian about preventative options before venturing outside with your feline.

Furthermore, you should avoid letting your cat go outside without their leash or tying it up somewhere. Both of these things make it likely that your cat escapes from you and gets lost. 

Successful Cat Leash Training is Possible

Although it may require some persistence, leash training for cats is possible. With the help of this article, you know how to train your cat to walk on a leash. You also understand how to keep them safe in the process! Now it's time to put these cat leash training tips to use! Good luck!