Walking a cat on a leash?

I have heard that you can walk a cat on a leash. The three cats in this house are too old for that. But I want to teach Sushi, but she has to grow into her harness before I can teach her. Has anyone ever taugh their cat to walk on a leash?

I've used a harness and leash, (or tie-out rope), on 4 different cats so far with no problems.
They learn quick if that is the only way they can go out then all you do is show them the harness and they will come over to have it put on.

I think many cats at first try to rebel by playing crippled, but once they associate that harness with getting what they want thos little legs start working quite well.

Originally Posted by Catlady810

I have heard that you can walk a cat on a leash. The three cats in this house are too old for that. But I want to teach Sushi, but she has to grow into her harness before I can teach her. Has anyone ever taugh their cat to walk on a leash?

Click to expand...

I don't think you'd call what I did - "teaching my cat to walk on a leash" - but, I have had some experience - I'm sure others will post with better knowledge.

I mostly used a halter and leash when we were traveling with our cat to insure I wouldn't lose him.

There were other times I used it, but very few.

The only thing I remember about it is the the cat always walked with his back "hunched" down - like he had something he needed to go under - this was because of the halter.

The halter and leash was/is good for some added safety - and sometimes I would tie him out so he could lay in the grass and sun - that was while I was sitting in a chair next to him. (My cat was kept inside otherwise.)

There's several kinds of halters for cats, don't get one for a dog - .

Gloria

Three of my cats are fully harness and lead trained and the fourth is in progress!

You need to take your time and be patient. I'll find some links to previous threads that will give you some hints and tips!

Walking The Cat

We just adopted a kitten from the shelter this last weekend, and I've been trying to train her to walk with a harness/leash. Most of the time she just wants me to carry her. I guess I'll have to read that thread, too.

Callie was harness trained at an early age. I wanted to be able to take her outside and not have her run and hide. I cannot allow her outside unattended due to the large volume of raptor birds and foxes in our area. Here she is wearing it and playing in a tea box. Being nosy And this week, after being out on the new deck and having to be made to come inside, this is her 'you suck' look.

I use a walking jacket and a leash for Stoli. I really like the jacket because it distributes the weight of the jacket, leash and tension evenly. Stoli looks like a biker in it. I put it on him a couple of times a day or so ago, then the next day I put the jacket on with the leash and set him outside a couple times. Then the same thing yesterday. He loves it. I highly recommen a walking jacket.

"..... I put it on him a couple of times a day or so ago, then the next day I put the jacket on with the leash and set him outside a couple times. Then the same thing yesterday. He loves it. I highly recommen a walking jacket."



I, too, think a jacket is the better way to go - they can't slip out!

I hope he is in a safe, protected place when you put him out so another critter can't get at him.

I guess that's always my worry when a cat is limited in protecting itself. A halter or jacket and tie out leash limits their ability to escape from something harmful == I liken this to watching a small child in a pool - you've really gotta be there almost every second.

But, then - that's me - I get too overly concerned sometimes.

Gloria

i always thought it was quite unusual for a cat to have a leash, for dogs yes but for cats it seems quite strange.

I taught my first cat Mitten to accept a harness/leash. He was several years old at the time.

At first he tried to get the harness off or would just lay down "dead" and would not move. Gradually he got used to moving around with it one. The leash was attached and let him drag it around.

I never really walked him around like a dog, but put it on when in the backyard - more/less let him choose where to walk and followed him.

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

I taught my first cat Mitten to accept a harness/leash. He was several years old at the time.

At first he tried to get the harness off or would just lay down "dead" and would not move. Gradually he got used to moving around with it one. The leash was attached and let him drag it around.

I never really walked him around like a dog, but put it on when in the backyard - more/less let him choose where to walk and followed him.

Click to expand...

but I'm sure a cat does not need to be put on a a leash in order to walk around your garden? I'm sure they can do that on their own because cats are independant animals. and if you know you pet well you know they are going to come back to you if they go out somewhere, they don't need you traveling along behind them.

They will come back to you if ... they don't get run over first, they don't get poisoned first, they don't get attacked by dogs first, they don't get lost first, they don't get scared up a tree or electrical pole first, they don't get chased by other cats first... It's their nature to roam, to explore, and they don't have to be males or unneutered to it.

I am always with Stoli every second we are out there - I follow him around and guide him with the leash every once in a while. right now he's curled up in his bed next to the open sliding glass door soaking in the rays and the beautiful breeze.

bidding on a cat tree as i type. . .

Originally Posted by HUYI

but I'm sure a cat does not need to be put on a a leash in order to walk around your garden? I'm sure they can do that on their own because cats are independant animals. and if you know you pet well you know they are going to come back to you if they go out somewhere, they don't need you traveling along behind them.

Click to expand...

A halter/jacket & leash benefit an indoor cat by letting them go outside without "escaping" your protection.

An indoor cat is not savvy to the dangers of the great out-of-doors - and as was pointed out already - there are plenty dangers out there!

I suppose there are those in different "cultures" that may not understand what this is all about - and think some of us are kooky .

Bottom line - it's all about safety for the cat.

Gloria

Originally Posted by Renovia

I am always with Stoli every second we are out there - I follow him around and guide him with the leash every once in a while. right now he's curled up in his bed next to the open sliding glass door soaking in the rays and the beautiful breeze.

bidding on a cat tree as i type. . .

Click to expand...

I can picture what you're doing, and smile. Stoli is a happy cat!
Gloria

I've had a very succesful time of it teaching mine. I use an h-style harness by lupine pet with a matching lead. Zissou runs right over to her harness, straight out the door, and we have a grand old time. She will even walk along a path if she's in the mood. I've also just recently convinced her to come inside and up the stairs to the apt when I want her too, rather than carrying her up.

I would be happy to answer any pm questions about how to do it, tips and tricks and such. You cannot just throw the harness on them and bring them out. It should take you about a week and a half to train them, before setting a foot outside.

Mine is not going outside without me, and she wouldn't want to. The times she has escaped she won't leave the stairwell, and when we are outside if she gets scared she practically jumps into my arms to protect her. She is not an independent cat.

Stoli had a GREAT walk today! He met another cat and tried to show him who was boss ;-) The other cat just looked at him like 'you are boring me pip-squeak'. He walked all around our front yard in the condo complex and smelled the grass and bushes. . ..then he had enough and walked back to our door.

I also recommend the "H" type harness. It's too easy to get out of the "figure-8" harness. Even the H harness needs to be really tight. Introduce your cat to it slowly. First day just to see it and smell it. Second day just on very loose for a minute or two, next day a little longer...etc etc. Then when the harness is tolerated, attach the leash and just let the cat run around the house trailing the leash, getting used to having it attached.

Something else I've read: when you're ready to go out, CARRY your cat through the doorway, so she doesn't get the idea she can go through there on her own.

I take both Rocket and Twink out on harness & leash and they love it; but I don't take them both at the same time. I tried that once and it was just a zoo!!

How long do you walk your cat anyway?

One of my cats is perfect on a leash (with a harness), and the other abhores it. I'd think that if I spent the time getting her used to it she'd be alright with it though.. but as of now, not!