Important Tips for Cat Leash Training

Wouldn't it be great if you could take your cat for walks the way you take your dog for a walk? Just snap on the leash and you're off for some enjoyable trots around the neighborhood. Unfortunately this just isn't the case, and chances are you'll need to go through some cat leash training before you can take your feline outside with you. Just getting him onto the end of that least might be an ordeal in of itself! There are some quick tips you can consider when it comes to cat leash training, so let's go over a few right here.

Treat Your Cat

Yes, getting your cat into a harness is going to be difficult but doing so effectively is going to be part of successful cat leash training. Cats don't typically like things that confine them so it will take some time for him to get used to it. As you put him in it the first time, speak soothingly and be sure to pet him and praise him. Give him a special treat that he only gets when the harness is going on. Let him walk around with it on for several minutes a day for a week or so, then take your cat leash training to the next level by attaching the leash. This too will take a bit of practice for both of you. You need to remember that a cat is not as strong as a dog so any time you tug on your cat's leash, it should be very gentle and not sharp or abrupt. You're just trying to get his attention, not pull him toward you. This part of cat leash training is important to you because if you overdo it you'll make your cat hate being in the harness and on the leash at all.

Take It Slow

When cat leash training, you also need to go at your cat's pace. Remember that cats experience the outdoors differently than dogs. Dogs are eager to race ahead and just run around, whereas cats like to observe, carefully approach, and then linger around something they're curious about. A good part of cat leash training is going to rely on you as the one guiding the leash. You can't simply walk up and down your block with your cat but you need to be prepared to take things slower and let him explore and hang back if needed. You might also consider going out when the neighborhood is not very busy as your cat will probably feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Patience And Praise

Remember that there's more to cat leash training than just training your cat; you need to be prepared to do your part as well. Cats don't react to a leash the way dogs do and they need lots of patience and praise while you're training. But if you do, you'll find that that in the end they may love being on the leash as much as you enjoy taking them out on it!

If you'd like more of my Cat Training Tips, check out my "Insider Tricks and Secrets to Training Your Cat".