Whether you have an indoor cat or an outdoor cat, the truth is all cats love exploring. Some cats like going outside and exploring different neighbourhoods whilst others prefer to stay indoors and inspect every nook and cranny of a home. Then, you also have cats that do not have gardens to wander about or live in high-rise flats but want to be let outside.
In these situations, training cats to walk on a lead might be a good solution. Anita Kelsey, cat behaviourist, shared with the Guardian that “letting a cat outside can help to solve some pets’ “destructive behaviour”.” She has two Norwegian Forest cats that enjoy walking on a lead. However, she points out that every cat is different.
“Mine are a breed of cat that really wants to go outside. But nobody can force a cat to go on a lead; you can’t force a cat to do anything if they don’t want to.” She says. Walking on a lead might be suitable for some cats but it is important to consider each cat as an individual. Some may enjoy being walked on a lead, others will not.
The RSPCA advises against walking cats on a lead in case it causes them distress. The animal welfare organisation explains that cats require a sense of control, which they will not get when being walked on a collar or harness. By being restricted, “It may be more difficult for them to move away or hide from anything which might scare or worry them.”
Leads for cats.
At Saffron Pawtique, we supply a collection of cat accessories and equipment, such as cat leads, cat collars and cat harnesses for everyday use. Some of our leads suitable for cats include the Geopetric Pink Blazer Lead, Geopetric Green Blazer Lead and Geopetric Yellow Blazer Lead. These are comfortable and stylish cat leashes that can be used for both cats and dogs. So, if you are searching for the perfect cat lead for your furry friend, why not browse our full collection?
Tips to walk cats on a leash.
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Slowly introduce the harness.
It’s important to link the cat harness with a positive experience, so taking your time slowly introducing the harness is key. Also, practice snapping the harness together to get your cat accustomed to these new sounds.
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Try the harness indoors.
After making your cat aware of the harness, slip it on but do not fasten it yet. You could try to put the harness on before giving them food so that the meal distracts them from the harness sensation. Do this until the cat is comfortable with the harness.
Once the cat seems more comfortable, you can fasten the harness and see how your cat reacts. It might take some time for your cat to adjust to walking with a harness.
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Attach the leash.
When your cat is comfortable walking with a harness on, it’s time to attach the lead. Practice walking around the house while keeping the lead loose. After a while, you can start trying to gently guide your cat with the lead.
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Take it outside.
Now, that your cat is happy walking with a lead on inside, you can take them outside (but remember to take it slowly!). Start in your garden or around the neighbourhood first. A quiet area will be the best place to go for a walk first. Just remember that walking a cat is not like walking a dog. A cat will most likely prefer to sniff around and fall asleep in the sun.
As mentioned above, walking cats on a leash should be decided on a case-by-case basis. If your cat is not comfortable whatsoever going for walks, you should look at other options, from building a catio to levelling up your cat’s mental stimulation indoors.