Caturday Chronicles: On Leash-Walking Cats – Murjan, Bear, and the Rest Who Said Nope

Leashed Bear in the mulch

Not every cat wants to walk on a leash. I’ve lived with many cats, and only two—Murjan and Bear—have truly embraced the idea. Both are big cats: 16-pounders, long and tall, confident in their own skin. And both knew exactly what “out” meant.

Murjan, now departed, had a distinct “mwout” meow whenever the leash appeared--or he wanted it to. He was leashed for the first time as an older cat and took to it with remarkable calm. He would pad slowly down the stairs, settle under the trees, and gently explore the planted area. Anyone could walk him—he was that serene. Walking Murjan was like meditating with a feline sage.

Then came Bear. Bear doesn’t just want to go out—he needs to. When he hears “out,” he bolts to the sliding glass door and sits there, tail thumping, waiting for the leash like a hopeful dog. But Bear is no calm sage. At just two years old, he’s full of fire and athleticism. He charges toward fences, tries to scale them, and makes me earn every step of our outings. I trust only myself to handle him—he’s powerful, unpredictable, and way too smart.

And yet…Bear also has Murjan moments. He’ll stretch out in the mulch beneath the lemon tree, purr into the breeze, and nibble delicately on blades of grass. Those are the times I breathe deeply and remember why I bother.

So how do you know if your cat is leashable?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Personality Matters

Curious, confident cats often enjoy outdoor exploration.
Nervous, easily startled cats may panic at the first unfamiliar sound or movement.
Leash-walkers tend to be cats who enjoy novelty without fear—like Murjan—or who are driven enough (like Bear) to put up with the leash for the reward of freedom.

2. Size Isn’t Everything, But It Helps

Both of mine were big and strong. A hefty cat often feels more grounded outside—and is easier to keep track of than a tiny ninja with zoomies.

3. Start Indoors

Begin by letting your cat wear a harness inside. Treats help. No leash yet—just let them get used to the feeling.
Then add the leash and walk around indoors. Make it normal.

4. Controlled Outdoor Time

Begin in a quiet, enclosed space: a yard, a porch, a leash-secured patio.
Let your cat lead. This is their adventure, not yours.
Watch body language—flattened ears, puffed tails, or frantic movements mean it’s time to go in.

5. Always Be Vigilant

Never leave a leashed cat unattended. Ever.
Use a secure harness (never a collar), and double-check all fastenings.
If your cat spooks easily or has a strong prey drive, leash time may never be safe beyond your yard.

Some cats love the leash. Some tolerate it. Most flat-out refuse.

That’s okay. They are cats, after all.

As for me, I miss my peaceful walks with Murjan. I treasure the whirlwind ones with Bear—even when I’m sprinting behind him, leash in hand, while he chases the scent of something unspeakably thrilling.

Because every “out” is an invitation: to explore the world, to share the moment, and to see life through feline eyes.

Learn more about cats. See our many Caturday posts.

Be entertained. See all our posts about cats.

Be inspired. See posts by and about Sula, parish cat, and her books.

Have a chuckle. Read posts by and about Jeremy Feig's award-winning book (book of the year finalist, Kops-Fetherling Lagacy Award for Humor), How My Cat Made Me a Better Man.

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

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