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How To Walk Your Cat on A Leash
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by: VirginiaSutherland
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Word Count: 504
The majority of people who have ever owned a cat would probably get a hearty chuckle out of the idea of putting a leash on a cat and taking it for a walk. Cats are so incredibly independent that it's hard to imagine the thought of tying a cat to anything and trying to instruct it where to go.
Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.
Training your cat to the leash is best done in small steps. First, allow the cat to get familiar with the leash by placing somewhere it can be sniffed and evaluated. Then, in baby steps, put the leash or walking jacket on your cat.
Your cat may get scared the first few times venturing outside. This does not mean that your cat can not learn to walk on a harness. Be patient, and make the outside encounters as quiet and interesting as you can. Keep them short as well. A short fun time outside will make a good impression on your cat.
Remember, this is all new to your cat and can be quite frightening. Taking it slow will pay off.
When looking to buy a leash, the best options for a cat is a harness, or even better, more safe, and much more acceptable by cats, is a walking jacket. The harness or walking jacket will give kitty more comfort, and you more control.
Before venturing outside you may want to practice with the lead at home first. Don't be overly concerned with your cat's reaction at this. Once outside they do tend to get a selective focus, tending to forget all about their leash as they sniff and explore a myriad of fascinating items.
You need to be persistent when trying to get your cat to accept the leash or lead. It should become obvious to you after a few tries whether your cat is going to ever develop an acceptance of the lead. If your cat is just as agitated and upset about the fourth or fifth venture outdoors with the lead as it was the first try, then it may just not be in the cards for your cat to ever accept this situation.
Trying for some time in baby steps is the way to be successful, but there are cats who just won't have any part of this. Be observant. If your cat gets a little more comfortable each and every time, then continue taking her out. Short trips with lots of praise and treats.
You may find that eventually your cat actually enjoys the walks outside, and gets really excited over the prospect of heading outdoors. It's a great way to allow your cat to explore without worrying about where it will wind up.
About the Author
To read more articles authored by Virginia Sutherland, such as Heath Care For Cats and Transient Feline Diabetes just click on the links.
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