In our opinion, cats should never be outside, especially if you are in an unfamiliar location. However, if you want to take your cat for a walk outside, put it in a harness with a leash to keep it safe.
How can you choose a good harness if you want to leash train your cat?
We DO recommend harnesses that look like an H. This type of harness has a collar part with a buckle, as well as a buckle for the waistband. Cats are much less likely to slip out of an H harness. We DO NOT recommend the figure-8 harnesses, because cats can back out of them.
Be sure to attach an ID tag and write your phone number on the harness so someone knows who to call if your cat happens to get loose.
To train your cat, put on the harness while inside the house. Practice putting it on and taking it off. You should only be able to slip two fingers in between the collar and your cat's neck. Allow your cat to wear the harness around the house for about five minutes.
Repeat this procedure several times a day for a couple of weeks. After the cat feels comfortable in the harness, try adding the leash, but stay inside your house. Walk your cat on the leash inside, every day for a couple of weeks. If possible, do it several times a day.
When the cat feels comfortable on the leash, try opening the door to the outside. Make sure you do it during a quiet time of day, without anyone around. If your cat is scared, don't force it to go outside. Just close the door and try again later. If your cat is ready to go outside, take a short walk. Do not go far from the house. In the beginning, do not stay out long.
If you move to a new home, do not take your cat outside until it has completely adjusted to its new surroundings. Stand still if your cat acts out on the leash. Do not proceed on your walk (inside or outside) until your cat calms down.
When your cat does what you want, reward your cat by praising and petting it. Ignore inappropriate behavior. Do not scold or hit your cat.
Cats don't walk on a leash like a dog. They usually will want to go the direction they choose, rather than following you. If the cat starts to go someplace you don't want it to go, give a gentle tug on the leash and then allow the leash to go slack again. Continue that procedure until the cat changes direction. Never drag your cat.
If you have problems with your cat biting the leash, apply some Bitter Apple or Tabasco sauce to the leash. These things taste bad, but they are not harmful to your cat. Reapply before each walk until the biting behavior stops.
With patience and practice, you and your cat can enjoy an occasional stroll outside together.
Marsha Kearns and Janet Cain write two pet-information websites that are designed to benefit pet owners, shelters, and animal rescue groups. Both writers and pet lovers, they are dedicated to helping people learn more about their cat or dog so they can live more happily together for a lifetime. The sites provide fun and informative articles that are not only practical, but also easy to read and understand. Dog lovers should check out http://solvecommondogproblems.com Cat lovers go to http://solvecommoncatproblems.com Valuable free reports are offered on each site.
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