But most importantly, they look forward to spending quality time with their cat. Yes, their cat.
Walking cats on a leash is an activity that is growing in popularity. Pet specialty stores sell harnesses especially designed for felines. Many personal pet care providers are beginning to offer cat walking as part of their services.
Benefits to Leash Walking a Cat
Leash walking your cat provides the animal a safe way to explore the outdoors. Cats are naturally curious and generally enjoy the adventure of exploring a new environment. Leash walking can give an indoor cat needed exercise and allows them to spend quality time with their owner.
“Leash walking your cat is a great thing to do,” said Pam Brighton, President of Oasis Animal Sanctuary in Williamstown, New Jersey. “It is good for the cat to be outside in the sunshine where they can be safe and under your control. It may take a while for the cat to adapt to leash waking as they may feel they are caught in the harness.”
Brighton explained how free-roaming and stray cats can often kill birds and other small animals. This is an issue among wildlife conservationist.
“It is our obligation to protect the cats as well as wildlife” said Brighton.
Training a Cat to Walk on a Leash
Walking a cat on a leash is not as simple as participating in the same activity with a dog. While some cats may actually allow their owners to put a harness immediately and head outside, others require a gradual, structured training program. Small treats should be used as reinforcements and training should be done before the cat’s regular feeding time
The cat owner should purchase a harness especially designed for cats along with a lightweight leash about six feet long. A harness is safer for walking as a cat collar should have an emergency release that could open if the cat applies pressure on the collar.
The owner should place the gear on the floor where the cat has the opportunity to examine the objects. The next step is to put the harness on the cat and allow him to become comfortable. Once this is achieved, the leash should be attached. The pet owner should now attempt to walk the cat inside the house.
When the owner feels their cat has reached a level on comfort, they should carry the cat outside. This is important to carry the cat outside as they may grow to enjoy the walks and try to unexpectedly run out of an opened door.
There are precautions that must be taken to ensure the safety of cats on their walks. If the owner plans on taking the cat off their property, they should walk over the proposed route by themselves. They should become aware of any potential hazards such as dogs. A cat should never be left unattended outdoors while leashed as this presents a choking hazard and leaves the cat open to attacks by larger predators.
With patience, training a cat to walk on a leash can give owners and their pets and enjoyable relaxing activity.
Sources:
ASPCA
Pam Brighton, President Oasis Animal Sanctuary
HDW Enterprises
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