In most cases, cats love being in nature and active, so it comes as no surprise that felines living in houses and flats may occasionally want to go out and explore the world. If you have such a cat at home, you may find useful the following tips on how to get her used to a leash. A leash is a great tool when you want to let your cat explore, but don’t want to expose her to dangers that lurk around every corner, especially in cities.
Of course, walking on a leash is preceded by choosing the right equipment. We already described how to choose a leash, what kind of harness should go with it and how to get the cat used to the new tool in one of our previous articles. Today, we will focus on how to teach the cat to walk on the leash so that walks are fun for both of you.
Step by step
Let’s follow where we last left off, in the moment where we acquaint the cat with the leash and the harness through positive associations. This will help the cat understand that this is a pleasant affair. The next step is putting the cat in the harness. Bit by bit, you try to put on her harness so that you always get a little further each day. At the same time, however, you should respect that this is a relatively big change for the cat, so you have to do this step by step. This may take a few days. A good trick is to have a favourite treat on hand, which you can give the cat as a reward.
A process that pays off in the long run
Once you are sure that the cat is used to the harness as well as the entire process, you can proceed to the next, which involves adjusting the size of the harness. The harness should be comfortable to the cat: it should not choke the cat, but should be safe at the same time. At this stage, the cat should last increasingly longer in the harness without getting her favourite treat. This part may take several days, but the patience pays off, especially in the long run.
First few days at home only
If the cat feels comfortable in the harness, attach the leash and let her get used to it. Don’t take her out right away, let her move walk around the room and give her toys to distract her from the leash, which is completely new to her. At this stage, it is good to make sure that the leash doesn’t get caught on anything at home. This could startle the cat and lead her to develop an aversion towards the whole process.
The cat explorer
When you see that the cat doesn’t mind the leash and the harness, take her out, ideally to the garden or somewhere where she can move freely and explore her surroundings. At the same time, you should chose an area where the cat cannot get startled by something unexpected. Try to adjust the length of each step of the process so that the cat is comfortable. Once you see that the cat is ready to explore another area and that she is not bothered by the harness and the leash, it’s time to take her out for a walk.
In this cycle, we’re going to have a look together on how cats and dogs are doing around the world. Where they are pampered and people forego them and where, to the contrary, the pets suffer and their situation is critical. Today, I will introduce you...
Especially outdoor cats are often suffering from ear mites. What is it actually, and how to get rid of it?
In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let’s take a look what they have already achieved during the time of our lives together. With his determination, Balto saved lives of many people...
Everyone likes to take their four-legged friend along with them on a holiday, but the situation just won’t allow it sometimes. Not all the dogs take well to long trips by car or high temperatures, or are A graders in obedience, some are habitual...
Already since about 100 thousand years ago, when people started with domestication, we have been aware of positive effects of living together with animals. And this doesn’t concern only healing methods. Already the very presence of our pets helps us to...
If you have a cat at home, you have certainly encountered the issue of who will take care of it at times. Especially now, at the time of holidays and departures for vacations. Relatives or friends are not always able to come over and to take the cat...
I have already written about dangerous foods for dogs. But how about cats?
All of us probably know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. However, did you know that you can poison your furry friend even with nuts, for example?
The time of kittens is getting closer. Outside, however, the kittens may lose their mum from various reasons. Besides, people will start getting rid of unwanted family arrivals. So it can easily happen to you, that you will find little cat new-borns....
Do you know, that you can insure your pet? But does it even pay off, what does the insurance cover and what are the conditions?
You may have already met a dog with a tied yellow ribbon on its collar or on its leash in the street. Did you know, that it is not a fashion accessory, but a message for the passers-by?
Rabbit hopping is a relatively young discipline that is quickly gaining new fans. After all, rabbits are virtually born for jumping, so why not use it for both their and their master’s entertainment.
