You’ve seen the videos of adventurous cats walking on leashes. Maybe you’ve even tried it, but your kitten just lay down like you’d wounded them. While leash walking isn’t a great option for all cats, don’t assume that one failed attempt means you can’t teach your kitten to love leash walks!
First, let’s review the benefits of leash walking cats:
- Exercise: Intentional exercise is good for both you and your feline best friend. Obesity is a huge problem in cats, so incorporating physical activity into your bonding time has the added benefit of helping keep your kitten healthy.
- Enrichment: There are so many things to see, smell and hear on walks! Walks are a good way to stave off boredom and reduce anxious activity.
- Socialization: A cat on a leash is sure to draw attention. It’s a great way for your kitten to meet new people.
- Bonding time: You and your kitten will enjoy your walks together, improving the bond you’ve formed.
There are the following safety concerns to be aware of:
- Risk of escape: Cats are really good at wiggling out of harnesses. If your harness isn’t snug enough and your kitten gets spooked, they may escape, putting them at risk of injury.
- Other animals: Your kitten may have no fear, but that doesn’t mean a dog won’t try to chase them. If you see a dog approaching, it’s best to avoid them. Consider picking your kitten up and turning away from the dog. Similarly, keep in mind that community cats may not react positively to your kitten.
- The elements: If you can’t keep your hand or bare foot on the pavement for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your kitten’s paws! Your kitten should not walk on really hot, really cold or salted surfaces.
- Anxiety: Many cats are territorial and thrive on routine. As such, some may become anxious when removed from their home environment. If your kitten’s eyes are very dilated, their ears are flattened and they’re breathing quickly, especially if they’re open-mouth breathing, it’s time to go home.
Before going on a cat walk, make sure you’ve picked a good harness. Attaching a leash to a collar on a kitten isn’t a good idea. Instead, use a harness that fits around their chest and belly. Cats are good escape artists, so ensure it’s a snug fit. As always, we recommend making sure your kitten’s microchip is up to date and putting a tag on their collar with your contact information to help them find their way home in case they escape.
Once ready, how do you even begin to train a kitten to leash walk? It all comes back to positive reinforcement!
- First help your kitten get familiar with the harness. Leave the harness out so they can smell it. Give them treats when they interact with it.
- Once your kitten seems to have no fear of the harness, put it on them. They may freeze or lie down. This is normal! While they’re wearing the harness, give them good treats and have them engage with their favorite toys. Your kitten needs to realize that the harness does not restrict movement. Once they have calmed down, remove the harness.
- Each time you put the harness on your kitten, leave it on for longer periods.
- Next, try walking your kitten on a leash inside your home. Reward them with treats for a job well done.
- Begin trying to take your kitten outside onto your porch, balcony (consider fall risks!) or yard, rewarding them as you go. Don’t move past this step until your kitten is calm in this environment. You may even find your kitten pawing at the door for some outdoor time.
- Once they have accepted the outdoors, progressively increase the distance from your home. We recommend taking the same route every day and slowly increasing the distance.
- Once your kitten is enjoying their walks, you can post your pictures and videos for everyone else to envy!
If your kitten doesn’t get into the leash-walking routine, you may have other options for going on walks together. Enclosed strollers are great options for curious felines who are resistant to walking on a leash.
Why not just let your kitten go outside? Read about the perils of outdoor living for cats and threats you should be aware of.
