How to Leash-Train a Cat

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Harness
Short leash

Step 1:
Start as soon as your cat has been weaned--generally around six or seven weeks of age. Young kittens are more receptive to a leash and if your cat grows up with walking on one it will become second nature.
Step 2:
Buy a harness. Even if your cat routinely wears a collar, a collar is not ideal for walking a cat because of the pressure a leash puts on a cat's fragile neck. A harness more evenly distributes the force, protecting your cat. Visit a pet supply store which allows you to bring your cat inside and pick out the harness she tolerates wearing the best.
Step 3:
Let the cat become comfortable with the harness. Start by laying the harness by him or placing it in his bed so he gets used to the leash and learns to think of it as something familiar. Then, after a week, place it on the cat for short periods of time until no longer objects to wearing it.
Step 4:
Reward the cat while she is wearing the harness. Play with your cat, pet her and feed her treats while she is wearing the harness. Not only will this help her forget about objecting to the harness, it helps her think of it as a positive thing.
Step 5:
Familiarize the cat with the leash in the same way you did the harness. When the cat is comfortable with the harness, bring out the leash and let him get familiar with it. Place the leash on the harness, let him walk around with it and reward him.
Step 6:
Train your cat to walk on the leash indoors. When she is comfortable with the harness and the leash, start leading her around the house on it. Start indoors because she'll be more comfortable indoors, especially if she is not used to being outside.
Step 7:
Head outside for a walk. Take short walks around your yard at first and work up to longer walks around the block or in a park. It is best to walk your cat in quiet places where he won't be frightened. Stop and reward your cat often during the walk.

Tips & Warnings

Walk slowly and allow your cat to lead the way. This helps the cat retain its valued independence. Let the cat think it is taking you for a walk!
Pick a short leash so your cat is within easy reach in case it becomes frightened or endangered by a car or dog.

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