Caturday: Bear Outside, or Taking a Cat for a Walk

 



A new pleasure emerged this week. It turns out that Bear, who loves the outdoors but is an indoor cat, is quite willing to tolerate a leash. Now, he will take off like a dog, running with the wind and causing me take more than big strides to keep up. Both of us g on flat-out runs.

Murjan, a much-beloved cat, who died in 2021 at the respectable age of almost 19 after 3.5 years of chemotherapy for lymphoma, loved to be taken for walks. (He never ran; he ambled -- perhaps the age made a difference since Bear is only a couple of years old.) Murjan even developed a special meow that sounded like "out" -- mwout -- that he would insistently repeat until the leash appeared and the door opened.

the only other cat I have had who showed any interest in walking outside, but, supposedly, most cats can be trained to walk on a leash with patience and persistence although it's important to keep in mind that not all cats will take to it. Here are some steps to help with the process:

1. Start Indoors:

Begin training indoors to let your cat get used to the harness and leash in a safe, controlled environment. Allow them to explore and become comfortable wearing the harness without the added pressure of being outside.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement:

Reward your cat with treats, praise, and affection whenever they wear the harness and walk with the leash. This creates positive associations with the training process.

3. Gradually Extend Leash Time:

Once your cat is comfortable with the harness, start attaching the leash and let them walk around indoors. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend on the leash.

4. Introduce the Outdoors Slowly:

When your cat is comfortable indoors, take short trips outside. Choose a quiet, safe area to avoid overwhelming them with new sights and sounds. Gradually increase the length and variety of outdoor adventures.

5. Be Patient:

Remember, every cat is different. Some may take to leash training quickly, while others may need more time to adjust. Be patient and consistent with your training efforts.

6. Safety First:

Always use a well-fitted harness specifically designed for cats to prevent them from slipping out. Never force your cat to walk on a leash if they show signs of stress or discomfort.

While leash training can be a rewarding experience, some cats may simply prefer not to walk on a leash, and that's perfectly fine. The key is to go at your cat's pace and make the experience as positive as possible.

For more Caturday posts, click HERE.

Read more posts about cats.



Watch for Luna Norwood's forthcoming book, Raising Happy Cat Families.



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