HOW TO WALK YOUR CAT: Our tips on how to train your cat to walk on a lea...

Training our cat, Noah, to go out for walks on the leash and harness has been one of the coolest things we've learned to do together.  I've got the steps you'll need to have a successful adventure with your feline friend.

Do you have a cat that just begs to go outside? They complain a lot. They sit by the front door and incessantly meow. Maybe they dash out the door as soon as it opens? Well, that's the type of cat that may just love to go on a walk.

I have two cats. One is completely content being inside. She loves looking out the window and chattering at the birds. And staring down those awful squirrels. But our other cat is a major complainer and regularly cries at the door.

Does this sound like your cat? Well if you're interested in learning how to take your cat for a walk I have some helpful hits.

Unfortunately you can't just run out to the store, buy a harness, and be on your way to your grand adventure. Your cat is going to need some more encouragement. You're going to have to train them first. Bummer!!

1. REWARD

Pick out the most delicious treat ever. ONLY feed them this treat for harness/walk training. If they get it all the time, they will just refuse training and wait to get the treat later for doing nothing at all.

2. BRIDGE

A bridge is a signal to your cat while training. I use a clicker, but you can use any unique sound that your cats wouldn't otherwise hear. Pair the sound of your bridge with treats. Now, the meaning of that sound, to your cat, means "great job, here's a treat". A bridge will help explain to your cat the exact moment they're doing the right behavior, and it bridges them to the moment you can hand them a treat. It's sorta like creating a common language for you and your cat.

3. HARNESS PRACTICE

The first several training sessions with your cats will be getting your cat used to putting on and wearing the harness. Take it one paw at a time. This may take several days or weeks. Training this part slowly will mean that your cat shouldn't claw you for putting the harness on.

Side note on harnesses:
-It must be a harness, not just a collar around the neck- they will escape that in a second
-There are so many styles, and all of them have their benefits and drawbacks. You should be in good shape with any harness you choose
-If you're interested in our FAVORITE style harness, check out this type we love on amazon. But browse around and consider what would work best for your cat:
               Our favorite harness style on amazon
-Make sure the harness fits well enough that your cat can't easily slip out but can still move and breathe comfortably.


4. PRACTICE INSIDE

Now that your cat is happy letting you take the harness on and off, it's time to get them truly comfortable wearing it so they forget its even on. While they are wearing the harness starting playing with their favorite toys. Try offering pets as reassurance. Let them eat their dinner while wearing their harness. This should make the feeling of the harness on them normalized. This way, when you do go outside with your cat for the first time wearing the harness, it won't be two strange experiences at the same time.

5. VET CHECK

Make sure you check in with your vet if you're bringing your indoor-only cat outdoors. I think it is awesome to let your cat experience the outdoors in a safe way. However, your cat may only be protected for a narrow range of threats if they are an indoor only cat. Your vet may suggest a few different vaccines or some preventative oral or topical medication to make sure your kitty is properly immunized for outdoor adventures.

6. HEAD OF THE PACK

Let your cat lead the way and set the pace. You may want to pack your cat up and head for the hills and have an awesome photoshoot. But many cats would hate this for their first trip. Instead, follow them to see how far they get. You can always encourage them to follow you and reward with treats. But pulling or dragging them is a sure-fire way to make it a negative experience that they wont want to participate in again in the future.

You may not get far on your first day. You make only make it to the driveway or sidewalk. And that's awesome. You are doing an awesome thing by letting them experience the outdoors safely. It will be nothing like walking a dog who is raring to follow you on an adventure. Cats will stop to smell things constantly. They may like to hunker down under a bush and watch the birds for 30 minutes. That's cool too! Isn't it neat to see what choices your cat is making? Isn't it cool to see how they are taking in this new world?

7. ESCAPE PLAN

If your cat encounters a situation where they feel nervous or uneasy you'll be prepared with your backup plan, especially in the beginning. Bring a cat carrier out on the walk with you. This way if your cat feels nervous and needs an escape route, you can put the carrier on the ground and they can hop on in to safety. This is a much better outcome than your cat fighting what they feel threatened by or trying to flee up the road. If they feel the need to flee a situation, it would be best if they ran right into a carrier so the human can take control of the situation.

"But my cat hates the carrier". First, make the carrier a positive experience for your cat.  Place their dinner every night in their carrier. Food helps make the carrier an exciting and positive place. And if their carrier is a positive place, they will utilize it in times of stress on a walk.

8. BOSS CAT

Always make it your cat's choice to accept putting on the harness, or walking out the front door with you for your walk. They will let you know if they want to go on walks or not. And remember...treats, treats, treats.



I have no advice for the looks you may receive walking your cat on a leash. But onlookers are just jealous!

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