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How to teach a cat to walk on a leash: does your pet need such walks
10.04.2024 06:10
Updated: 11.04.2024 09:50
Cats can walk on a leash and you can teach them to do so step by step.
First, you need to teach your cat to use the harness at home so that it gets used to it .
Then you can start training to walk your cat on a harness and leash indoors, where she will be calm and comfortable.
Positive reinforcement is the key to getting your cat used to the leash quickly and without fear. Be sure to choose a harness that is the right size and made of soft material.
When to start depends on your cat and its personality. Some cats may be ready to walk on a leash as early as 6 months of age, while others may require more time and patience. It is important to take your time and give your cat time to get used to the new experience.
Do cats need walks?
The answer to this question is not simple and depends on the specific cat, its character and lifestyle.
Cats are territorial animals, and some can be unique home owners.
If your cat is calm, shy and maybe a little timid, it is better to let him go for a walk and do not force him to leave safe corners. It may be better to expand his territory, for example, at the expense of a balcony or an enclosure covered with a net.
However, if your cat has the soul of an explorer and traveler, she will surely enjoy the walk.
Some cats cannot sit still and will walk around and look into every corner.
Such cats need to diversify their daily routine, and a walk or a trip will definitely give them new and unforgettable impressions.
How to Choose a Leash for a Cat
To walk your cat, you will need a harness and a decent leash that will allow you to control your pet's actions.
A cat leash is a ribbon or cord that attaches to the collar. For the first walk, a classic short leash is best, as it will prevent the cat from going too far.
Remember that even the bravest pet can get scared and afraid. In a panic, a cat only thinks about how to get away from danger as quickly as possible and often does not look where it is running.
Running away in panic, a cat can get hit by an oncoming car, get tangled in the bushes, or simply get lost.
Once your pet gets used to walking and being outside, we can give him a little more freedom and change the line to a longer one.
How to Train a Cat to a Leash
Teaching your cat to walk on a leash requires a little patience and an attractive treat. Start by introducing your cat to the scent of the harness and leash.
For example, leave it near his bowl or den, let the animal smell it and look at it.
The next step is to try putting on the cat harness. It is recommended to do this before feeding or playing to create positive associations. Wear the harness for only a few minutes a day, gradually increasing this time.
If your cat starts rubbing against the walls, spinning, or rolling on the floor, he will try to free himself from the harness. Remove the harness when the cat calms down.
We try to attach the leash only after the animal has fully accepted the harness and stops paying attention to it. Initially, we let the rope follow it along the floor, without interfering with its movement around the house.
Only after a few days do we start walking on a leash around the house. If the purr behaves politely and no longer protests, we can go out for the first walk.
When and where to take the cat out
If you have a garden, a fenced yard is the perfect place for your cat's first walk. If you don't have a garden, you can take your pet to a park or a clearing outside the city, but remember to keep an eye on it and not let it off the leash.
For the first trip together, quiet, calm and secluded places are best, where we will not be disturbed by noise, running children, cars or bicycles. Communication and smells of other animals can also scare the purr, so avoid them.
The ideal time to walk your cat is during the day, because many potential dangers can escape our attention at dusk.
Don't force your pet to walk on ground that is wet from rain or snow. While some cats like to jump over snowdrifts, most prefer to lie in the sun.
You can't forcefully extend a walk. If your pet looks scared and confused from an excess of various irritants, it's better to take him to a safe house.
Walking should be enjoyable and a welcome change from your daily life, not a source of stress.
Previously we explained why cats sleep at a person's feet.
