Walking a cat may seem like an impossible task, but it’s not. All you have to do is break it down step by step and go slow. Cats are trainable, just like other animals. It takes persistence, patience, and lots of treats. Here are my steps for walking a cat.
Step 1: Is your cat a good fit for walking?
Yes
Cats that like walking outside typically have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy exploring new things. Walking a cat can also be a great activity for cats with high energy levels.
No
On the other hand, cats that startle easily don’t do as well outside. Also, if your cat was previously a successful stray, you may want to keep them from going outside. Sometimes when cats are reintroduced, they start to beg to go out all the time. And lastly, if your cat isn’t friendly, it’s better to keep them inside. You’ll see people when walking and you don’t want to put them or your cat in a stressful situation.
Step 2: Get a Harness
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You’ll want to find a harness that fits securely so your cat can’t wiggle their way out, but also isn’t so tight it restricts their movements.
I recommend shopping for a harness specifically labeled for cats. Although some are labeled for cats and dogs, their bodies and different, and I’ve found ones for cats fit better. Most harnesses will suggest measuring your cat’s neck, belly, and down their back to find the appropriate size.
My favorite harnesses fit like vests and close on the belly and under the neck, but shop around. You may find another style that works well for your cat.
Step 3: Train Your Cat in the Harness
- Step 1: Place the harness next to the food bowl or with toys at playtime. Spray it with Feliway (pheromone spray) or even put treats or catnip on it. You’ll want to do this for a few days to get your cat used to the actual harness.
- Step 2: Put the harness on your cat and immediately reward with affection and treats. If your cat goats (falls over and doesn’t move), that’s okay, just leave them in the harness for maybe 60 seconds, take it off, give treats, and try for 90 seconds the next time.
- Step 3: Each time your cat’s in the harness, try to extend the amount of time they’re wearing it and encourage them to move. Play with them, make a small trail of treats across the room, or call their name and lead them with a tube treat.
- Step 4: Once your cat’s comfortable wearing the harness, attach the leash. Use treats and vocal commands to lead them places around the living space. Again, increase the amount of time they’re in the harness each time they where it. Important: When they do something you don’t want, calmly say, “No,” and gently tug on the leash.
- Step 5: Once you reach 10 minutes, you can consider your cat harness trained!
Step 4: Start Going Outside
Two things:
- Before you start going outside, ask your vet to recommend a flea and tick treatment for your cat.
- Never open the door before putting your cat in the harness and leash.
Plan on going outside for short stints and be prepared to frequently reward your cat with treats. A deck or porch is a great place to start!
Let your cat get accustomed to walking around and exploring. Just like you did inside, if they try to go somewhere they shouldn’t, calmly say “No” and slightly tug to redirect them.
Increase the amount of time you’re outside each time you take them out. You may increase the time by 15 seconds, 30 seconds, a minute, or some other duration. All cats are different. I recommend starting with 30-second increments and adjusting from there based on your cat’s response.
When you see they’re comfortable and relaxed walking around, you can plan to walk on an actual sidewalk or at a park.
Step 5: Go for Walks
To lead your cat, you may need to walk in front of them, call their name, offer a treat, or say “Come here,” to get them to start actually walking. You’ll likely have to do this repeatedly until your cat gets the hang of it. Tug at the leash to get them to move, but don’t drag them.
Pair encouraging language like “Come on,” and “Good boy,” with treats to help your cat understand they’re doing something good!
Again, if they wander anywhere you don’t want them to, say “No,” calmly. My cat Lucy has been walking for years, and I still do this because she sometimes likes to walk a little too far off the path.
As time goes on, if your cat enjoys the walk, you shouldn’t need to give them constant treats. If your cat will only walk with rewards, that’s fine, just monitor the amount of treats you give them.
Cats tend to have short attention spans, so don’t feel discouraged if your cat doesn’t want to walk for a long time. Ten minutes is a great goal to set, and consider anything longer than that a huge win.
Step 6: Safety First
My cat Lucy doesn’t like dogs, so we have to take extra precautions when walking. Here are a few tips so you can keep your kitty safe from things that may upset them:
- If you have a hard time controlling your cat and they’re very reactive to other people or animals, walk them in secluded areas, empty parks, or around your backyard.
- Look ahead and direct your cat a few feet off the pathway or sidewalk to put distance between them and approaching people and dogs.
- Change direction if people or dogs walk toward you and you think your cat will react negatively.
- If you have a more docile cat, stand a few feet away from from the passing dog and hold your cat.
- Plan ahead and go different routes to avoid passing houses you know will have barking dogs or children playing outside.