Taking Your Cat on a Cat Leash
The idea of a cat owner taking her pet on a leash may seem counterintuitive, but for many owners it’s become a way to strengthen the bond and improve their feline’s mental health.cat leashes Increasing numbers of people are walking their cats around their neighborhoods, joining regular “cat walks” in their local parks and even holding competitive cat shows where they parade their prized felines.cat leashes
But what exactly is a “cat walk” and can cats really handle being led? Leash training is a big undertaking, and it’s important to take your cat slowly.cat leashes Rather than trying to plop your cat into the harness and dragging them along, Start by letting them wear the harness indoors for short periods of time. Offer lots of treats, play games and give them a chance to explore the feel of it on their body. This will help your cat forget the harness and begin to associate it with positive things. Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness, you can move on to practicing leading them. Hold the leash with slack to get them used to the feel and give plenty of praise and treats when they follow you. Start small and gradually increase the length of each session until you can take your cat outside on a calm, safe path.
When you do take your cat on a walk, remember that they may not be as receptive to commands as dogs.cat leashes They are more likely to follow instinct, so be prepared to use a gentle tug of the leash if you want them to leave something behind or move in a certain direction. Cats can also be quite sensitive to the sound of their owner’s voice, so talk gently and speak in a soothing tone.
You should also be aware that cats may encounter other animals while on a walk, and they will need to have a safe place to retreat to if they are scared.cat leashes Likewise, your cat may need privacy to toilet, and being on a leash will remove their ability to go to their usual spot. They’ll also be unable to run away and hide if they feel threatened, which could make them feel very vulnerable.
It’s also worth noting that cat-walking can lead to more harm than good for community cats.cat leashes These are the feral or stray cats that live outdoors, often in human neighborhoods and who are sometimes targeted by animal control officers. Cats on leashes can be easily snagged and brought to shelters and pounds, where nearly 100% of them will be killed. Ultimately, animal damage control laws that allow for the capturing of cats are harmful to community and feral cat populations. In fact, these types of laws are a major contributing factor to the ongoing decline in feral cat numbers.