Training Tips Tuesday: Leash training a cat.

FOFF Founder B. Douglas
Nov 10, 2021
5 min read

• yet again late, but delivered none the less. Every Tuesday

🐾Training Tips Tuesday #1: Leash Training A Cat🐾

🔸 Okay, you're all probably thinking "she's absolutely insane" thinking you can train a cat at all to do anything. BUT, despite their stubborn non conforming nature, it's not impossible. In some cases it's even semi easy, depending on the cats personality and your know how and bond with them. First things first, odd sounding, putting a leash on a cat, yes. But the leashing and walking of cats is becoming vastly more and more popular. From 2020- now, there's been a huge spike in the number of people whom walk their pet cats, and the cats seem to enjoy it!

🔸Today we're seeing more and more pet owners outdoors with their kitties. Maybe the pandemic leading to more free time, a hipster fad; whatever the reason, we aren't sure, but it's definitely becoming the norm. A few years ago if someone said hey, here's a leash to take your cat to the park, etc. I would have probably worried slightly about the mental health. But, I too have jumped on this bandwagon of outdoor Feline festivities.

🧶 One of the first things to consider when trying to train your cat to be okay with a leash, what type of cat you own. Some cats are not meant for the land of the leash, or outdoors at all. Some breeds are highly recommended to keep inside like the ragdoll or ragamuffin for example. They're docile nature puts them at risk of dog attacks, other cats who are aggressive or other animals & a plethora of other environmental hazards.

🔸As well as breed and safety are mentioned, if your cat has been declawed, you probably should not take them outside. Without claws, they lack the crucial abilities to protect themselves or climb away from danger. If some incident occurred where your cat got loose, if she panics and runs it's not safe out there I she's clawless. Personally I don't condone the practice of declawing for those reasons.

🧶There are many cats however, they love the walking and fair much better. Typically the household version of a jungle cat, Bengals love walks. Along with Absynnian & ocelots, love the walking & even swimming. Being in closer relation to their wild heritage than most or any house cats. They're high energy and this is great exercise and Bondi time for any feline.

📌📢 What to know generally 📌

1️⃣ 📍 NEVER hook a leash to your cats collar. They are not dogs. People make the common mistake of comparing a cat to a dog, for what purpose i have no clue. CATS AREN'T DOGS! Nor are they related . They're an entirely different species. People make the assumption that if a dog does it it must be okay, big no no! On the leash is just one of these quite critical examples. Cats have no clavicle (collar bone), a basic collar and leash will snap your cats neck. Even with the lightest tug of her trying to roam or run can seriously harm her. When leashing a cat a proper fitted HARNESS IS NEEDED.

🐈🔸 INTRODUCING THE HARNESS...

🔸 Now, cats are a mysterious animal whom do as they please. They do not like, and they aren't going to be fond of being leashed up randomly. As they feel the need to be in control, lay your cats harness and leash near your cat . This allows her to familiarize with it, leave it amongst her toys for a day or so prior.

🔸Next try putting her harness on, speaking calmly and nice. Positive reassurance here helps also.. possibly give her treats or praise & petting , whichever your cat prefers. Do the positive reinforcing throughout the training process, especially if you've got a cooperative kitty! They deserve it.

🔸Once your cat is comfortable with her harness, then add her leash. But don't go skipping tl a park just yet.

Practice with your cat indoors jn an area she's comfortable and used to

I'm small 5-10 minute increments a few times if possible before heading out.

🔸. These moments will decipher somewhat wether the cat is ready or willing to go on walks or outside. If they seem tense, aggressive, or literally will not let you put a harness on them, try again at a later time. You don't want to push too hard on them with it if you're going to revisit or attempt again. A negative experience could impact any future attempt to put her harness on. Give them a good day before attempting again. Of course after so long, it may be time to accept your cat was not meant to be walked via leash..

🐾 Venturing Outside The First Time🐾

🐈 Keep in mind,if your cat has never been outdoors, this may become very overwhelming or frightening to them. It cam cause alot of stress and anxiety for your kitty. It's expected for them to show some excitement or a little nervousness their first time out. But be able to recognize if your cat is afraid or seems to be panicking or worried longer than a few moments. If this occurs, you should return her indoors to avoid causing severe anxiety.

🔸Going back to cats & dogs being absolutely different, also unlike a dog; when walking a cat let the cat take the lead. Cat's love to be in control as well as they're probably going to turn stubborn very fast if being pulled around outside. Follow the general path your cat wants to go , to a certain degree .

🔸Taking your cat out may consist of several short yard trips first, but most cats are fine to go cruising the park after a yard session or two. You're cat may or may not Fair well with a leash. I hope this gives some guidance and helped!

🔸Walking your cat among other outdoor festivities is an excellent way for you both get healthy exercise and strengthen your bond. Do not be discouraged If your cat does not enjoy the outdoors. I have 3, one loves it and does great, one absolutely hates it and the third is somewhere in between. Each cat is different. There are plenty of other ways to bond with your feline friend!

🐱Get a safe harness recommendation here➡️ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.dailypaws.com/gear-apparel/cat-supp

🐈A few things to consider & remember:

▪️ Kittens are much easier trained than adult cats.

▪️ No leash & collar combos, HARNESS ONLY!

▪️Not every cat will be great for a leash.

▪️Never leave your cat unsupervised outdoors.

▪️Always keep the harness on securely and keep a bag or take to grab your cat and run if a threat such as a dog arises, as well as staying close by them.

▪️Keep them indoors if sick, declawed or handicapped or geriatric. For the cats safety .

Thanks for reading!🐈✌️🐾

Author: Brittany Douglas,

Founder of the FOFF

Contact: foffky.leaders@yahoo.com

chairmanffccc@gmail.com