Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

How to leash-train a cat in no time

Mary Johnson
By
A tabby cat wearing a beige harness.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t actually need to go outside. In fact, the Animal Humane Society says indoor cats are much safer and happier. Allowing your cat to wander freely may seem like the loving thing to do, but letting your cat go outside is risky business. From antifreeze leaks and unknown toxins to strange dogs and speeding cars, the world outside poses many threats to unsupervised cats. Walking cats on leashes is the perfect solution. Your cat will be able to explore the neighborhood, and you’ll be able to keep your fur baby safe. Let’s look closer at how to leash-train a cat.

Should all cats be leash trained?

According to cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, leash-training your feline friend “provides an extra dose of exercise for your cat.” He also says, “If your cat is one who typically avoids hanging out anywhere near the front door and doesn’t exhibit any interest in the great outdoors — or who even might be fearful of going outside — don’t bother.” However, if your cat attempts to bolt outside each time you leave the house, leash training provides your cat with the best of both worlds. Whether you’ve adopted a former stray who loves the outdoors, or you simply want your cat to safely accompany you in your backyard, training your cat to walk with a leash creates ample opportunities for fun in the sun.

Recommended Videos

What you’ll need to leash-train your cat

Leash-training a cat is vastly different from leash-training a dog. While dogs are typically eager to go outside, your cat may need more time to adjust. Here’s what you’ll need to begin training your cat:

  • A harness
  • A leash
  • Your cat’s favorite treats

We recommend using a cat harness specifically designed for cats instead of using a harness meant for small dogs. Cats and dogs are shaped differently, and a well-fitting harness helps distribute pressure evenly over your cat’s body. If the harness is too tight, it could potentially choke your cat. If it’s too loose, your frisky feline may be able to wriggle out of it. When it comes to a leash, opt for something soft and flexible, avoiding potentially dangerous retractable leashes. You want your cat to associate her harness and leash with something enjoyable. Giving your fur baby treats during the training phase is a great way to help her make the connection.

A white cat walking outdoors on a leash.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Leash training in a few easy steps

Some cat parents say it’s impossible to train a cat, but we suspect they were going about it the wrong way. Training requires patience and time, and not all cats warm up to the idea of wearing a harness. That’s OK, too. Ready to start leash-training your cat? Let’s go over the steps.

Step 1: Allow your cat to mark her territory

When you purchase a harness for your cat, you probably want to rush home, put on the harness, and go out for an adventure. Not so fast. Give her time to get comfortable around her harness first. Hand your cat a treat and play with her while holding the harness. Allow her to sniff at her new harness. You can also try setting it down and letting her play with it. She may rub her face against it, marking it with her scent. Now that the harness smells like her — and she associates it with treats and fun — she’ll be less likely to fear wearing it.

Step 2: Start off indoors

Once your cat is more familiar with her harness, it’s time to let her try it on. Approach her when she’s in a calm, friendly mood. Give her plenty of attention, speak in a reassuring tone, and bribe her with a treat or two once the harness is on. Let her wear the harness for a few minutes at first. As she grows more comfortable, increase the amount of time she wears her harness. Safety tip: Always supervise your cat while she’s wearing her harness.

Step 3: Let her walk herself

By now, your cat is much more content wearing her harness, so it’s time to clip on the leash. Let her walk around the house with the leash attached but don’t hold on to it. Giving her freedom of movement keeps your feline friend relaxed, so she’ll be less likely to associate her leash with feeling agitated.

Step 4: Take her for a walk inside the house

Holding the leash loosely, follow your cat as she wanders around your home. This helps her adjust to tension on the leash without immediately venturing outside. Make sure to praise your cat for being a good girl, and give her a few treats as a reward.

Step 5: Go for an outdoor adventure

At this stage, you can safely take your cat outdoors. Wait for a mild day with sunny skies and go for a brief outing. Allow your cat to explore to her heart’s content but remember to take her inside if she shows signs of distress.

A blue-eyed Siamese cat wearing a black collar.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Teaching your cat to walk on a leash takes a bit of trial and error. Remember to give her treats when she does something right instead of punishing her when she misbehaves. You don’t want her to associate her harness with being scolded. With patience, persistence, and a little luck, you’ll be able to leash-train your cat in no time.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why do cats like to sleep on the bed with people? This common behavior explained
Does your kitty adore sleeping on your bed? Here's why that's so normal
Orange cat sleeping on a bed covered by a blanket

Few first-time cat owners expect their cats to be affectionate, yet many cats seek their owner's attention. Compared to dogs, cats are typically thought of as more standoffish and less loving. That's certainly not always the case. You may be surprised when your otherwise aloof cat prefers to sleep in your bed over any other place in the house, but cats have many reasons for wanting to sleep in your bed. Read on to learn why your cat likes sleeping in your bed and the pros and cons of letting them do so.

Reasons your cat likes sleeping on your bed
How did your bed become your kitty's favorite sleep space? Several reasons could be in play.
Your cat loves you
Though they sometimes act indifferent, cats love people just as much as dogs do. Sleeping in your bed may be your cat's way of letting you know they care. When your cat sleeps with you, they show that they enjoy your company. This is especially common if you met your cat during the first four to nine weeks of their life when imprinting occurs. If you were a stable and caring presence during this time, you've likely imprinted on your cat and gained their complete adoration and trust.
Your bed is oh-so-comfortable
Cats can sleep up to 15 hours a day -- they are sleep pros. They’ve probably tried to nap in every spot in your home, so they know the comfiest, warmest, and best locations for napping. It makes sense that they would try sleeping in your bed. And all the blankets and pillows you put on your bed for yourself only make it more enticing for your cat. After all, you find your bed comfy, so why wouldn’t they?

Read more
Is your puppy breathing fast while sleeping? Here’s when you should worry and how to help your dog
When to call a vet because your pup is breathing fast while sleeping
A Jack Russell terrier lies in bed between the feet of his owner

It’s hard not to love watching your puppy sleep. In fact, they might somehow manage to get cuter as they snooze. They look so content and peaceful, especially if they're snuggled up to you. Though experts frequently recommend giving your pet their own sleep space, like a crate, it’s ultimately up to you. Regardless of where and when your puppy is sleeping, you want them to be comfortable and safe. If you notice your puppy breathing fast while sleeping, you may get worried. Should you be? It depends.
Here’s what experts want you to know about labored breathing during sleep and when to call a vet.

Different puppy sleeping patterns
Before we get into breathing patterns, it could help to have some knowledge of puppy sleeping patterns. They're similar to ours, though puppies cycle through them more quickly than humans. A puppy may experience 20 sleep cycles nightly. Humans typically go through about four or five cycles. These are the phases.

Read more
What you need to know about your cat’s swollen lip – what caused it and how to help it heal
These are the most likely causes and best treatment options for your cat's swollen lip
Woman petting cat

Your sweet furry friend is a wealth of enjoyment and entertainment — from funny sleeping positions to those precious purrs. Cat behavior can be somewhat of a mystery for even the most dedicated kitty lovers, though, and those feline feelings can lead to physical manifestations that puzzle us.

If you've ever looked at your cat and noticed a swelling on the upper or lower lip, here's what you need to know: This common occurrence isn't something to worry about, but it isn't something to ignore, either. While your vet checks your cat's health, you can read up on this confusing condition. Here's what causes a cat's swollen lip.

Read more