There is an established opinion that if the domestic cat is given the opportunity to feel the charm of walking on the street, then the owners will inevitably encounter a problem when the pet begins to demand communication with the cat.

On the other hand, experts believe that restricting the pet’s habitat can be dangerous. In the confined space of an apartment a cat becomes bored with the consequences that follow.

Stress from boredom can be a factor in the development of behavioral problems. For example, a cat begins to scratch furniture. Also, some physical and psychological problems may arise. Among them are obesity, excessive molting, feline depression, refusal to use the tray, etc.

A caring owner will certainly make the home environment more interesting for the cat. However, nothing can compare with a constantly changing, interesting outdoor environment.

Of course, letting the animal move freely outside the apartment would be irresponsible and dangerous. Without control your cat is faced with real road hazards, angry neighbors, other animals.

Learning a cat to walk on a leash will significantly diversify the leisure time of the pet and make the owners more likely to be on the street.

Just like dogs cats look forward to walking. In addition, cats can use time outside to meet their natural needs if you walk around at the same time. Observance of the regularity of walks will develop the pet’s habit of going out at certain hours and it will not pester its owner at another time. The biological clocks of animals work much more accurately than human ones. A good and stable schedule of outdoor walks is a key factor in the emotional and physical health of the animal.

A new walking experience is easier to start with a kitten who is inclined to look at life as a great adventure.

If the owner is patient, persistent, and feels mood of the animal good, then even adult cats can be accustomed to harness and leash. Each small step of progress towards the ultimate goal is honored with praise and goodies. Under no circumstances should a cat be punished. Coercion and abuse scare it. Training an adult cat for a leash can take several weeks until the pet starts to feel comfortable in the new environment but the result is worth the effort.

A convinced fighter for cat walks on a leash Warren Eckstein devotes 15 pages to this topic in his amazingly fascinating and instructive book “How to Get Your Cat to Do What You Want”. Here is a summary of the steps involved in training your cat on a leash:

Step 1

Get a convenient leash attachment that distributes the load on the cat’s chest and not on the neck. The harness is preferable to the collar as it will remove the load from the neck and eliminate the possibility of the cat breaking out.

A correctly adjusted harness allows you to stick two fingers between the animal and the harness. Too loose tension will allow the cat to easily escape. The leash should be light and removable. The mount should be comfortable, with a latch.

Not recommended harnesses in the form of "eight", as they can constrain movement. Instead, an "H-Style" design with two independently adjustable loops connected by a third piece of material is preferred. There is another option – harnesses to the body which fit around the upper body of the animal like a small jacket. It gives the cat freedom of movement, does not get confused in the coat and does not cut into the skin.

Step 2

For let your pet get used to harness and leash, leave them near your favorite berth for several days. The learning process begins inside the house. Before putting on the harness on the cat prepare its favorite dish – a treat that is so attractive to the cat that it allows it to forget about everything else. Immediately after fixing the harness lay the food in front of the cat generously praise it.

After the meal let the cat resemble a harness for some time and get used to it new wardrobe. If it becomes clear that the cat is unhappy with the device on distract it with toys. After the animal relaxes noticeably you can remove the outfit.

Step 3

Attach the leash to the harness. Do not try to walk with the cat at this moment, just let it move freely dragging a leash along with it. Always control this process and do not let the leash catch. Most cats will take the addition of a leash easily, but if your cat is agitated you need to distract her attention as we discussed before. Encourage the cat to walk, praise it from the heart. Continue these daily workouts, they should be short and positive.

Step 4

After your cat has mastered with a harness and a leash take a leash in your hands and walk around the house for a pet. Be careful: keep the slack and do not pull at all. At this point, you don’t want to restrict the cat’s movement, just let it get used to the fact that you will follow it. Practice this for several days.

Step 5

Now it's time to teach the cat to go where you lead it. Using a sweet, affectionate voice, encourage the animal to follow you. Kittens get used to it easier, because they have not got used to follow their mom everywhere. Adult pets will need a little more patience.

You should not expect that the cat will walk on a leash like a dog. Allow it to wander from side to side within the length of the leash and do not impose a predetermined course. Just let loose wander gently guiding. When the cat feels resistance it will either go in the opposite direction or lie down. Patience and perseverance are key success factors. Never pull and pull the leash, do not take the lead role to make the cat go in a certain direction.

One bad experience can permanently set your cat against harness and leash, which means that exclude walks.

Step 6

After the cat is accustomed and does not feel inconvenience to walk on a leash inside the house you can go out into the open air. For the first few walks, it’s best to just sit on the porch or at the entrance door of your home. Let the animal get used to the sights, new sounds, the world around.

You will understand when a cat adapts to a new environment. She will look relaxed, the nervous twitching of the tail will stop, the cat will begin to show interest in learning new things. Now find a quiet place with a minimal amount of elements and sounds that scare the cat, and follow the same procedure that you used to train the cat to walk on a leash indoors.

Remember, never leave an animal unattended outside the house.

Now your feline friend can join you for walks in the surroundings, picnics, shopping. Leaving home (including visiting a veterinarian) will become easier for you and less nervous for your cat.