Cat on a leash: How to do it?

Cats love fresh air. At least most of them do. However, not all of them have the opportunity to enjoy freedom in nature. Especially cats living in cities spend a lot of time indoors without the opportunity to run freely. That is why cat owners may appreciate the opportunity to take their cat out on a leash and be sure that their feline companions will enjoy it! However, a leash can be a challenge for many of them. How to overcome this challenge to make outdoor walks enjoyable for both the owner and the cat?

A tool for the city and nature

Cats face the greatest danger especially in cities or agricultural areas with animals that can present a potential threat to cats. That is why walks with a leash may seem like a great choice. However, you should keep in mind that walking on a leash is much harder for a cat than for a dog. One of the reasons is their nature that makes them more stubborn than dogs, which may complicate a nice walk a bit. For that reason, be patient.

 

Proper equipment

At the beginning of training, selecting the right equipment is key. Aside from the leash itself, a harness will also come in handy, which will make the cat more comfortable. Here you need to test what size is right for your feline friend. The harness should not be too loose to avoid providing the cat with enough room for unwanted movement, nor should it be too tight. In that case, the cat would feel uncomfortable and walking would not be enjoyable for her.

 

Thorough measurement

It is ideal to measure the cat before buying a harness to avoid possible complications. Some cats are big enough to fit a harness for a smaller dog. In this area, it is good to be open to all possibilities that could best suit your pet. When measuring, measure the cat’s circumference around the chest and neck, as these will be the most important dimensions for the harness.

 

Good material

Equally important is the material. Today, the market offers a large number of harnesses made of different materials. However, not all of those are good for cats. You can choose between leather, imitation leather or artificial materials such as nylon. The latter gets the best feedback from cat owners. Nylon harnesses are comfortable and leave enough room for movement, while being easy to maintain and clean.

 

Comfortable leash

When choosing a leash, make sure that it is long and strong enough. It is also important for the leash to be comfortable for your hands. Leashes that are too thin may get especially uncomfortable, so it is better to focus on thicker variants that are comfortable enough.

 

Getting used to it all

Once you have everything you need, now comes the process of introducing the new accessories to the cat. It is quite possible that this stage will require more time and patience. Try to leave the harness together with the leash close to the cat’s food bowl. The cat will get used to the new objects, and more importantly, she will have them connected to something that brings her joy – feeding.

We will discuss the next stages of getting the cat used to walking outdoors on a leash in the next article.

Related articles

Tips for Games Played Together with a Cat

Cuddling and caressing is not everything. Cats also enjoy time spent together playing a game and moreover, this activity leads to strengthening your relationship. Your furry friend will let off some steam and will be definitely grateful that you spent...

Three Crucial Trends in Dog Nutrition

What are the newest trends in dog nutrition? And what is the opinion of experts and dog owners themselves? I have made a summary for you about what hot topics have been discussed in pet nutrition recently, both at home and abroad.

Abandoned Semi-captive Cats

Even though animal protection associations try hard, the number of semi-captive animals has been rising in the Czech Republic recently. Cat colonies are to be blamed for that as the cats reproduce there uncontrollably.

10 tips how to take proper care of a ferret

Are you planning to get a ferret and don’t know how to take care of this pet? Ferrets love freedom and movement, therefore it needs a lot of space as well as your attention. That’s why I come with 10 tips how to take care of this little beast. :)

Get in shape in the new year with your dog

If one of your New Year resolutions was to lose some weight you gained during Christmas and get fit, your dog companion may help you with that. Also, dog obesity is one of the issues vets have to deal with the most in recent years. What to do for a...

Catnip: Why are cats mad about it?

While Catnip is a herb with medicinal effect for people, it has different and much stronger effects on cats. Why does this undemanding perennial plant have an intoxicating effect on cats?