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Walking The Cat - How To Get Your Cat On A Hot Looking Leash
By K. D. Cook
If your cat lives indoors but you'd like to have your feline enjoy the outdoors, you can be trained to take kitty for a walk.
First, you need a harness designed for cats. Don't use the collar leash. They can escape from those and I think it must be annoying for the cat. They just don't look comfortable. Get a figure-8 design harness (pretty color to match the coat, of course) with a lightweight leash. Available in all pet supply stores near you.
Some cats will be so over-joyed to get outside, they'll take to this new adventure with aplomb. Others will be in need of a bit more training and coaxing until they grow to enjoy their new harness. Remember this is a form of restriction. You know how they feel about being controlled. It wouldn't hurt to have a treat or two with you to offer encouragement.
Always praise and be patient. If the cat simply does not like the feeling of the harness, give up and try some other day. Some get used to the feeling by wearing the harness inside. (unsnap the leash!) At this point I should elaborate. You won't be taking them for a walk. Say, like you would a dog. No self-respecting cat is going to heel for you. Your cat will be taking you for a walk.
They need an excessive amount of time to stop and smell the roses, as it were. Yours will have their own agenda. They may decide to explore one little area for what seems like forever. You'll just stand patiently by and wait. And wait.
(As silly as it looked to the neighbors, I've been known to carry a book and get some reading done while Furby has explored a fascinating evergreen for 20 minutes. Hey, if she's happy, I'm happy) Sometimes a gentle tugging on the leash will get them to realize there is an even bigger world out there waiting to be explored. I've seen one cat owner actually on the sidewalk with her cat trotting along-side. If you can pull that one off, you're good!
Never leave your cat unattended and tied outside. There's no protection if another animal approaches. You also can't imagine what they can wind themselves around when you're not looking! Just not safe! With a little practice, walking yours can become an enjoyable bonding experience. I've seen cats become very excited when the owner brought out their harness and leash. You will feel the love!
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