Train your cat to walk on a leash

Judy's cat Simba on a walk

Yes, that’s right!  Your cat, not your dog.  With the proper encouragement and training, your cat can walk on a leash attached to a light body harness.

It’s arguably better to keep your cat indoors rather than letting your cat roam freely about the neighborhood—indoor cats typically live longer due to decreased risk from dangers like cars, opossums and raccoons, and fights with other cats.  Yet if you train your cat to walk on a harness, your feline friend can accompany you on walks around your neighborhood.

It’s important to use a harness especially made for cats, since their small shoulders mean that they can usually slide out of dog harnesses.  The best way to harness train a cat is to first measure the cat’s neck and belly, and then measure the harness.  Adjust the harness to the correct size before you put it on the cat since it’s difficult to size a harness on a wriggling cat!

Then, place the harness on the cat (without the leash) and let the cat get used to wearing the harness.  Make sure that the harness is not too tight or too loose.  Leave the cat in the harness for about ten or fifteen minutes a day under supervision in your home.  Some cats take quickly to walking on a leash, while others will continually resist.

Giving the cat a treat while she or he is in the harness will reinforce the desired behavior.  Try walking the cat around inside your home before taking the cat outdoors.

When you think that your cat is ready to “go public,” walk your cat on a quiet sidewalk or in a park that’s dog-free.  Soon, your cat can even accompany you on store outings!  Just be sure to that kitty travels between stops in a sturdy carrier while riding in the car.