How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a Lead


This requires considerable patience, and, in some cases, you may find the cat’s resistance is difficult to overcome. I have found that a harness is easier to use than a collar, as the cat is more likely to object to pressure around the neck and may well struggle for freedom. However, there are many trainers who have been successful with a collar and lead.

Equipment: A harness or a collar, a lead, food treats.

Training objective: To enable your cat to wear a harness and walk with confidence on a lead.

Training steps

  • Allow your cat to see the harness lying on the floor or chair so that he gets used to its smell and shape. It is likely he will pick it up with his paws and bat it around the room until his attention is diverted elsewhere. If your cat is confident and out­going, you may be able to ignore Step 1 and proceed to Step 2.
  • Accustom your cat to wearing his harness in the house. Do not be surprised to see your cat rolling around on the floor and looking at you in a very quizzical fashion. He will soon learn to ignore the harness, especially if you praise him and offer him special food treats when you take the harness off his back.
  • Once your cat is accustomed to the harness, attach a lead or piece of string to it. allowing it to trail on the floor as your cat moves around.
  • When your cat finally ignores the lead or piece of string, try coaxing him to move along for a few steps for a few sessions. You can even use a word, such as “walkies”, and train your cat to associate the end of his walk with a “Good boy” and a few treats. The number of sessions you will need to do this will vary from cat to cat.
  • About a week later, your cat should be used to walking on a lead around the living room or wherever he has been trained. Take him out to your garden or to a quiet, safe area, free from traffic distractions, and try a short walk outside. Do not forget to reinforce the training at the end of the walk with treats.
  • After you have accomplished a few walks with your cat and experienced no problems, you can start withdrawing the treats on an ad hoc basis, so that he will come to recognise that a walk is good for his waistline, without adding to it!

Filed Under: Pets & Animals

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About the Author: Fred Goodson has a passion for pets and animals. He has 4 dogs and is planning to have another one. He is also a blogger who writes about pets and animals. Currently, he is living in New Jersey.

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