cat walk

Rudyard Kipling called cats “walking on their own”. However, now you can meet cats not walking with their owners. And more and more people go for a walk with a cat, wearing a harness and leash on their pet.

Perhaps the cat would really prefer to walk on its own. However, the street is full of dangers for the purr, so experts do not recommend letting cats out on their own. 

What if you want to go for a walk with your cat?

Ammunition for walking a cat

First of all, you need to choose the right ammunition for walking a cat.

Many owners search the Internet for collars for walking with a cat. However, a collar is not a suitable option, as it can easily damage the pet’s neck. For walking a cat, a harness and leash are suitable.

There are 2 types of harnesses for walking a cat: “H”-shaped or figure eight. Choose the one that your cat will feel most comfortable in. It is quite easy to estimate the size: 2 fingers should pass freely between the cat’s body and the harness straps.

The lighter the leash and harness, the more comfortable the cat and the easier it will be for you to accustom the purr to the ammunition for walking. 

The best material is cotton or nylon.

The minimum length of a leash for walking a cat is 2 meters.

Be sure to make sure that the cat does not slip out of the harness, otherwise the walk can have tragic consequences.

In the photo: a cat walking on a leash. Photo: google.ru

How to train a cat for a harness and walks

The best age for accustoming a cat to a harness and leash is 3 months. You can also train an adult cat, but it will require more time, patience and effort on your part.

First, let the cat get acquainted with the harness, sniff it. The main thing here is not to scare the purr, otherwise your plan will be doomed to failure. Place the harness next to the cat’s bed so that the pet gets used to the smell and look of the ammunition.

A couple of days later, carefully try putting the harness on the cat. Some cats take it easy, some actively break out. If the cat doesn’t throw a tantrum, but still tries to take off the strange thing, try to distract it with a treat or a game.

The first time is enough if the cat stays in the harness for a few seconds. The residence time in the harness increases gradually.

In the photo: a cat walking on a leash. Photo: google.ru

It is important to remember that the harness is removed at the moment when the cat is distracted or behaves calmly.

When the cat gets used to the harness and will calmly walk around the house in it, you can attach a leash. Make sure it’s weakened. 

Never bring a cat!

The cat went for a walk…

It is better if the cat’s first walk takes place in the company of other household members or your dog, if the pets are friends – a support group will give the animal confidence. It is important to choose a calm and safe place where there are no cars, other animals and strangers, and take the cat there, after putting on a harness and a leash.

Lower the cat to the ground, stroke it, try to treat it, and wait for it to move. Do not pull the cat and do not force it to move. As a rule, cats need time to settle in, so most likely she will sit down and look around.

In the photo: a cat walking on a leash. Photo: google.ru

A cat easily loses sight of a person, so stay as close to your pet as possible.

The first outing should be short. Then the time of the cat’s walks can be increased, and the route diversified. But do not force things, give the pet time to get used to the changes. Don’t let the cat panic.  

Do not forget that the cat must be vaccinated!

Usually cats get used to walks. But there are too nervous or aggressive cats – it is better to stay at home.

In the photo: a cat walking on a leash. Photo: google.ru