Like
most learning, this is easiest
if taught early in life so the
cat grows up comfortable with
a leash and harness. The training
technique is the same for young
or old, it is just slower in
a cat over 6 months old.
Note
that not all cats will accept
a leash and harness. Since
cats are not pack animals,
it is not natural to travel
with others. So, allow plenty
of time and give plenty
of praise. |
Introduce
The Harness
Obtain
a quality harness and fit it
comfortably to the cat. When
you first introduce the leash
and harness, just leave it near
the cat's food bowl, bed
or favorite sleeping spot.
You will need to decide if you
want the cat to wear the harness
all the time indoors, or only for walks. If you
intend to leave it on all the
time, put it on and leave it
on, so the cat becomes accustomed
to it as soon as possible.
If
you plan to take the harness
on and off, the best time to
introduce the harness is just
before feeding time. Let the
cat wear it during the meal,
then take it off afterwards.
The idea is to get the cat to
associate the harness coming on
with something good happening. Taking
it off is probably a reward
for the cat.
Begin
Leash Training Indoors
Once
your cat is comfortable wearing the harness,
attach the leash and let the
cat drag it around the
house for a few minutes. Gradually
increase the amount of drag
time. During this period, give
lots of attention and cat treats.
Try to make the harness and
leash a good thing.
Praise constantly at first
while the cat is walking on
the leash. |
The
first time you hold one end
of the leash should be during
feeding time. Have the cat's
food bowl in one hand, and the
leash in the other. Walk
around the house calling the
cat to follow you for a few minutes.
If the cat balks or stops, don't
pull on the leash. Just wait,
and encourage the cat to come
to you and the food. If the balk continues,
drop the leash and walk to where
you normally feed the cat and
put down the food. Let the cat
drag the leash more before you
take it up again.
Outdoor
Walks
The
first thing is to make sure
the cat is well identified with a tag and possibly a chip.
Bring food treats and start
when the cat is hungry. Go for a
short time, and basically follow
the cat while you hold the
leash. Use the food treats, and
back away if the cat comes. Give treats for coming toward
you while you are holding the
leash. Also try putting a food
treat several feet in front
of the cat. Then, hold on to the
leash as the cat goes for the
food. Praise constantly at first
while the cat is walking on the leash.
Consider using a retractable
leash to avoid tangling.
If
the cat stops to sniff, or just
balks, remain calm. Don't
pull the leash. Instead, ignore the cat
and only give attention and
praise when he or she is walking
on the leash. Gradually increase
the time spent walking on the
leash. Hopefully, the cat will
come to understand that the
leash is the ticket to exploring
outdoors so the harness
and leash will become good
things.
Parasite Exposure
By taking the cat outdoors,
you may be risking exposure
to fleas. For this reason, you
will want to consult with your
veterinarian regarding effective
flea control, and be sure your
pet is up to date on all vaccinations.