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Leash Training Basics
Contrary to popular opinion, many cats can be leash trained.
If you want to leash train your cat, but you're not sure where to begin, take heart. Leash training, however, has its limitations. Few cats will behave on a leash like a dog will, trotting obediently by your side. Most cats will stop often to look around. So take leash training for what it is: First, a method of safely restraining or walking your cat indoors and, second, under the right circumstances, a pleasant, safe way to enjoy the outdoors with your pet.
Positive reinforcement. Leash training for cats requires the same basic principles as every other kind of training; proper equipment, patience and positive reinforcement. Because cats are intelligent, sensitive creatures, you never should use force in training. Instead, you must show your cat what you want it to do, then persuade it to perform the behavior.
During training, you may use food rewards; later, you will phase out the treats entirely. Food rewards that work well include tiny bits of lean chicken or a dry food that is not your cat's regular food. Cats never should have to work for their dinners - only for special treats. Be prepared to spend some time training your cat to walk on a leash. The cat may need several weeks to adjust to the harness and leash, and you'll need even more time to teach the cat to walk with you.
Proper Equipment
Before you begin, you'll need good equipment to ensure that your cat cannot escape or become injured. Because a cat's neck is more delicate than a dog's, collars are not appropriate for leash training or for walking, no matter how pretty they look.
Instead, buy a sturdy, lightweight figure-9 or figure-H halter with one strap that passes around the cat's neck and another strap that passes around the body behind the forelegs. The harness should fit securely without being too tight; you don't want to choke your cat, but you don't want it to be able to back out of the harness either. A metal ring in the center of the harness allows you to hook the leash above the cat's back.
Choose a lightweight, short leash, no longer than 5 or 6 feet, with a handle that loops around your wrist. If danger threatens, you'll want your cat close by so you can quickly pick it up.
How to Start
Before you can leash train your cat, you must persuade the cat to accept the harness. Whether your pet is a kitten or a full-grown cat, the technique is the same. First, prepare some food rewards for your cat. Then, in the safety of your home, try Step 1: Put the harness on the cat without the leash.
Your cat may fall over to one side and refuse to budge, or it may lie down and imitate the Great Sphinx. In either case, don't worry. Offer the cat a treat and wait. When your cat stands up and walks toward you, give it the treat. The cat may stand up immediately, after 10 minutes or after a few sessions. Don't rush it. Leave the harness on for up to 10 minutes at a time, two to three times a day. Once your cat is comfortable with the harness, attach the leash.
Now you are ready for Step 2: Teaching the cat to walk on the leash. With the leash in your hand, move one step forward, gently tug the leash, and show your cat the food reward. If the cat follows, reward the cat. After a few days of successful following, begin gradually to phase out the food reward.
You may walk the cat on your right or left side. When you walk your cat, it may be a good idea to loop the leash around the opposite wrist that the cat is walking on and control the leash with the other hand. For example, if your cat is walking on your left side, hold the leash in your right hand and control it with your left. That way, if there's a problem, you may grab her with your left hand and keep the leash secure with your right hand and wrist.
Your cat may balk, fall down or try to run away from the constraint of the leash. Always remain patient and gentle. When the cat finally stands up and walks with you, have the food rewards ready. When the cat consistently follows and heeds your tugs on the leash, move on to Step 3- the outdoors.
Hit the Trail
Not every owner--and certainly not every cat- enjoys outdoor excursions. Such outings can be difficult and dangerous, and owners must take many precautions to ensure that their cats safely enjoy the excursions. It is not recommended to walk cats near streets and highways, or where aggressive animals might jump out and attack. Quiet, well-maintained parks, yards and other secluded areas are ideal places to walk a cat. Other surroundings may distract or endanger your cat.
Walking a cat is rarely like walking a dog. Cats are sensitive to everything in their environments, and if they aren't scared, they may stop often to smell a rose or to gaze at a butterfly. Many of us would love to be able to exercise a cat by walking briskly, but this pace is impractical. Instead, walk slowly, have fun, and your cat will have fun, too. Be prepared for much stopping and starting. If your cat is fearful, don't insist on walking outdoors.
While outdoors, don't let your cat nibble your neighbor's grass. You never know what parasites or pesticides could lurk in an unfamiliar lawn. Offer your cat its own pot of grass indoors, and discourage it from eating grass outdoors.
Advanced Techniques
To teach a cat to heel or to follow without a leash, use the same methods discussed above. Some cats obey and follow better without a leash. However, do not walk your cat outdoors without the safety a leash offers. If your cat becomes frightened and bolts, you could lose your pet!
Leash training is not for everyone, but it can add an extra dimension to your relationship with your feline friend. If you make leash training a positive, upbeat experience, your cat probably will never object to wearing the leash or walking with you once training is complete.
