Some Tips for Successful Cat Leash Training

Whether your cat likes to spend its times indoors or outdoors, there might come a time when you need to take your cat outdoors and this is where you need to train your cat to walk on a leash. You might have seen dogs taken out on a leash, you even might have seen ponies on leash, but have you ever seen a cat on a leash? Probably not, but that doesn't mean it's not possible. Here are some practical tips for leash training your cat.

The main purpose of a leash is to control the erratic behavior of your pet while outdoors. Cats are taken on leashes so that they don't run away from you and cause public nuisance. Once a cat escapes it's very difficult to catch him, because they are very agile and able to get through small spaces easily, not to mention their jumping abilities. In some areas, it's illegal for a cat to run free. It's also potentially dangerous, despite your cat's fine instincts. There are cars, large dogs and rabid squirrels to contend with that your cat might not be able to escape.

Just as with any type of training, cat leash training will take a considerable amount of time. Do you remember the first time you tried to put a collar on your cat? The cat might have resisted putting it on and after you managed to put it on somehow, the cat would have been busy for hours trying to remove it. You will have a similar experience with the leash, but if your cat is already accustomed to a collar, half of the battle for leash training is won.

Start training your cat for a leash by attaching a leash to your cat's collar. Do not tighten the leash and keep it slackened, so that the cat gets used to it. Also, do not walk or drag the cat the first time you put the leash on your cat. Let her get used to it. This is the secret of successful cat leash training. Try this method for a few minutes on the first day.

Kitty training, especially training your cat to walk on a leash, is a lengthy process. During the training period, you need to have lot of patience. Keep an eye on the reactions of the cat all the while. If you try to force your will on the cat, you are bound to lose, so do it with patience. You can also entice your cat to cooperate by giving him treats.

Next, try to walk your cat around the house. Once she gets accustomed to walking with the leash on, try to take her outdoors. Put the leash on for longer times now and walk with it even while it is walking casually. If the cat at this moment is comfortable, then consider your cat trained to walk on a leash. Next time you are going outside, just leash your cat and take it outside with you.

Training your cat to walk on leash can be difficult and the secret to its success lies in the innate nature of cats. A cat needs food, shelter and love, so you have to use these things as tools to leash train your cat. Whenever you are giving any sort of training to your cat, food is the biggest motivator. After food, love takes prominence, which you should use effectively.

Leash training is just one unusual form of cat training. Visit Cat Toilet Training to find out why and how you can easily teach your cat to give up its litter box and use the toilet instead!