How To Walk Your Cat on A Leash
Virginia Sutherland
Many folks who have been owned by cat would chuckle uncontrollably at the thought of putting a leash on it, just like a dog, and taking it for a walk around the neighborhood. Cats have their own opinion about things, and the idea of tying your cat to a piece of string and making her follow you may be one that is hard to believe.
Despite all this, there are cat owners who have successfully trained their cats to walk outdoors while wearing a lead or a leash, much like dogs who wear a leash to go out for a daily walk with their owners. It may sound absurd, but in some cats it can be done.
Training your cat to the leash is best done in small steps. First, allow the cat to get familiar with the leash by placing somewhere it can be sniffed and evaluated. Then, in baby steps, put the leash or walking jacket on your cat.
The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.
All the new sights, sounds, and smells are bound to be quite overwhelming to your cat, and this is where your immense patience has to come in.
When looking to buy a leash, the best options for a cat is a harness, or even better, more safe, and much more acceptable by cats, is a walking jacket. The harness or walking jacket will give kitty more comfort, and you more control.
Before venturing outside you may want to practice with the lead at home first. Don't be overly concerned with your cat's reaction at this. Once outside they do tend to get a selective focus, tending to forget all about their leash as they sniff and explore a myriad of fascinating items.
While persistence and patience pays off in making your cat get used to not only a leash and harness, but also going outside, if it is obvious that your cat is not getting less stressed and is indeed suffering, then maybe you are better off finding some other way for your cat to enjoy the outdoors.
You can keep trying, but there are just some cats who won't adjust to something like this. If, on the other hand, you notice that your cat seems just a little more at ease every time you go out with the leash or lead, then keep trying.
You may be surprised that before long your cat will absolutely adore her outside adventures ans will get all excited any time you go anywhere near her leash... just like a ,,, er,,,dog :)
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