Training a cat accustomed to living indoors to walk on a leash allows him to feel safe even in the great outdoors. Training him on a leash can also be a good stepping stone if you ultimately want to help him get out of the house freely out of control. When you teach him to go out on a leash, you need to remember that the outdoors may seem stressful at first if he is used to being indoors all the time. The first few times you will need to tune into your pet and be patient if he seems alarmed or panicked. It will take some time for the cat to feel comfortable wearing a harness to go out, so approach it calmly and reward him with lots of praise and lots of treats. Read on to learn how to educate your cat to explore the outdoors safely.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Harness
Step 1. Measure the cat
To be able to take it for a walk with you, you need to find a specific and quality harness; never use a leash and collar. If you take him to walk with a collar and leash, which some cats love to do, however, know that you can damage his trachea, larynx, resulting in severe swallowing problems. The harness, on the other hand, distributes force in a balanced way between the shoulders, chest and belly of the cat, making injuries or injuries less likely.
To calculate the right size, take note of the cat's chest circumference, just behind the front paws. It is this measure that you need to communicate to the clerk when buying the equipment
Step 2. Choose a bib
Almost all models are made with adjustable straps designed to fit both smaller and adult kittens and are made from nylon or neoprene. Some harnesses are also available in half sizes to fit the cat's measurements.
- You have to put it on the cat's body so that it does not compress or tighten any part, but at the same time it must not be too loose and loose to slip. When worn correctly, you should only be able to get two fingers under the band.
- Never use the harness to secure the animal when you go in the car; it is not an accessory designed to protect cats in the event of a car accident.
Step 3. Choose the leash
Cats have different needs than dogs, so make sure you choose one carefully and that it is appropriate for the specific characteristics of the animal.
- Some brands produce lighter leashes designed specifically for cats, as these cats are typically less heavy and strong than dogs.
- Elastic leashes are ideal for cats, as they stretch enough for the pet to roam a bit safely.
- Avoid stretchable ones (typically sold for dogs), as they are unsuitable for the feline and can injure him.
Part 2 of 3: Allowing the Cat to Get Used to the Harness
Step 1. Have the cat wear the harness for short periods at first
Before you can take him outside, you need to get him used to holding the harness for a while.
- Start by putting it on for short periods of time every day for a few days. The first few times you will have to leave it only for a few minutes, gradually increasing it.
- Reward and praise the cat a lot when she wears it and when she can walk with it.
- You should be able to make him feel completely comfortable holding the harness even at home to the point that he doesn't even notice that you have it anymore.
Step 2. Attach the leash to the harness
Once the cat feels comfortable, start putting on the leash.
The first few times leave the free leash attached to the harness. Invite the cat to walk with the leash attached by offering him treats and giving him lots of compliments and caresses
Step 3. Start training him to walk with the harness and leash
When the cat becomes calm even with the leash behind him while walking, you can take the leash and encourage the animal to walk again; but now you are the one who keeps him on a leash.
Always offer him treats, treats, and praise him when he starts being led on a leash. However, try not to pull or drag the cat when you move, but allow it to follow its pace and walk of its own free will
Part 3 of 3: Helping the Cat Walk Outdoors
Step 1. Start slowly
Never force him to quit. The prospect of going outside can be very traumatic for some cats, so if you see your cat is reluctant to follow you outdoors, don't insist.
If your cat is insecure and fearful of going out, try leaving the door open so that it begins to get used to it and take its time. If you see that he just doesn't want to venture out, try again another day and be patient; it could be a time-consuming process
Step 2. Help him face the world
When the cat is ready for the outdoors, follow him by continuing to encourage him with treats and praise.
- Take a short walk, no more than five minutes. If you stay out longer you risk your cat feeling overwhelmed and less willing to go out again in the future.
- Wait until it is a rainless day. If it rains or has recently rained, many of the normal smells that the cat should use to settle in are washed away and the animal may have difficulty finding its way around.
Step 3. Take him out regularly
Gradually increasing the duration of the walk allows the cat to stay outdoors and to incorporate walking into its normal daily routine.
As he gets more and more comfortable outdoors, you can even allow him to get away from you a bit if he wants. Follow him as far as the leash allows
Warnings
- It is mandatory to vaccinate your cat if you plan to take it outside (and it is still highly advisable, even if you always keep it indoors). Diseases such as distemper are transmitted by a virus that can remain inert in the environment for weeks, but if the cat comes into contact with another infected cat, it can become ill. Talk to your vet about the most suitable vaccines for your specific area.
- Cats are naturally cautious animals and probably fearful when confronted with unknown stimuli. When taking your pet outside, be prepared for the fact that it can try to run and hide. Keep him firmly on a leash and stay close to him, offering him treats, lots of cuddles and praise of encouragement.
- Remember that a cat behaves differently than a dog. Don't expect him to stick by your side trotting happily during the walk, as he most likely won't. Training a cat on a leash is basically meant to allow him to go outdoors in a safe and controlled manner, not to teach him to be a dog substitute.
