Leash training your cat begins with getting your feline
comfortable wearing a harness and leash. This process often
requires diligence and patience. Every cat is different, and
some will take longer to train, while others may never learn
to accept a cat harness and leash. For these cats,
cat carriers and containment
can be another option when moving locations with them.
First, to start putting your cat harness and leash on, fit
your cat with a comfortable cat collar. Next, place the
harness near them while they eat, so they begin to connect
it with a positive experience. Click the snaps or peel back
Velcro of the harness, so your pet gets used to the sound.
After a while, place the harness on your cat but don’t cinch
it. Give your cat treats or put on the harness right before
they eat in order to quickly move their attention to
something positive. Your cat may freeze or wriggle out of
the harness. Keep trying. Each day, keep the harness on a
bit longer and reward your kitty with food or praise.
When your cat gets used to the harness, begin securing it.
The harness should be snug enough that your cat can’t back
out of it but loose enough that you can fit two fingers
between the harness and your cat.
Continue securing the harness. Next, clip on the leash. Let
your cat drag the leash for a few days around the house for
short periods, and then hold the leash loosely. Once your
cat grows accustomed to the leash, you and your feline are
ready to go outside.