proMany indoor cats love an occasional jaunt in the great outdoors! If your cat has ever tried to make an escape attempt by darting out the front door, maybe it’s time to offer her a safe way to soak up the sunshine and experience nature. Plus, being outdoors helps your kitty get some physical exercise and mental stimulation, which makes for a happier feline. So, how do you help your cat venture outside safely? With a harness and leash, of course! Here’s how to do it in several easy steps:
Start With a Harness
If you approach leash training your cat like you would with a dog, you are going to have a bad time. Cats are creatures of habit and need to be introduced to new things slowly and on their own terms. Start with purchasing an adjustable and secure harness, preferably a vest harness or an H-harness.
Try Catit Adjustable Harness and Leash Set. This harness and leash set comes in several sizes and is easily adjustable for a customized, snug fit. Something to keep in mind is that vest harnesses are typically harder than H-harnesses to wrestle your cat into, so consider your cat’s personality. The main idea is to slowly introduce your cat to her new harness so that someday soon, she will be sporting it while outside enjoying nature!
Positive Reinforcement
Once you have your harness, lay it out in a common area of your house and wait for your cat to happen upon it. Then reward her with a high-value treat when she gets curious and checks it out. Try a high moisture, low calorie treat such as Inaba Churu Skin & Coat Tuna Recipe Creamy Purée Cat Treat.
Next, it is time to get your cat comfortable with wearing her harness indoors for a few minutes at a time. Have her wear the harness for 5 minutes per day while she is doing something she loves, such as eating a meal, playing with a favourite toy, or snuggling with her people. The idea is to create a positive association between your cat and the harness. Once your kitty is comfortable with that, attach the leash and let it trail behind her without any leash tension while you supervise. The leash should be 1.5 meters or more. Remember, don't rush the process; your cat will respond to slow, consistent effort on your part (and plenty of treats!)
Time to Get Outside!
Once your cat is comfortable with her harness and leash, it’s finally time to venture outside! First, have her explore your enclosed backyard or see if she'll do a short stroll along the sidewalk near your house. Choose a quiet location and bring treats or toys for positive reinforcement. Again, your cat is not a dog; you won’t be the leader of her outdoor adventure. Instead, you’ll be following her wherever she takes you while she sniffs, stalks, climbs, explores, scratches, and generally interacts with her environment. Keep the first several outdoor adventures short and monitor your cat’s stress level; don't force her to do things she isn't comfortable with. If your cat gets scared, pick her up and let her hitch a ride in your arms, or bring a cat carrier to retreat into if that’s her safe space. Never drag her by her leash as it may hurt her or create a negative association.
If your cat takes to the leash well, she might be interested in levelling up from her own backyard or street! For example, many pet stores allow animals inside on a leash, so come on in and let your cat choose her next favourite toy. If you don't mind getting a few odd glances from people, you can take your cat on regular strolls around her neighbourhood or even to your local park! Indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats that are left to roam outside unsupervised, so getting your indoor cat on a leash gives her all the benefits of being in nature while keeping her extra safe from predators or traffic.
Happy leash training. Remember, with the right cat-attitude, anything is paw-sible!
