Lesson2: training a cat on leash

Next, attach the leash to the harness and let kitty walk around the house, dragging the leash. Watch him carefully that he doesn't get tangled up around furniture.


Praise him for being such a good cat, and give him some loving hugs.

Repeat steps 8 and 9 for a few days, until the cat seems to accept the harness and leash.

Now, let him walk around as usual, but pick up the business end of the leash and follow him in his wanderings. Keep the tension slack, so as not to restrict his movement.

Practice step 11 for a few days.

Teach kitty to follow you by talking to him in a cajoling manner and lightly pulling on the lead. Don't fight him. Leash-training should be a pleasurable experience for the cat, not an adversarial one. On the other hand, if he tugs at the leash, simply stop until he relaxes, then move on.

You're ready to move outdoors now. Do it gradually, and take your first short excursions in your own back yard, or in a quiet area.

Gradually increase his exposure to the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. Soon, the two of you will be able to enter walkathons together.