What is a cat leash? A cat leash is a leash to walk your cat with- you guessed it! It’s a leash specially designed for your kitty or full-grown cat.
But still, a sure way to get someone to laugh is to say that you’re taking your cat for a walk. However, in recent years, walking your cat has become a thing that people do! It is almost trending. Dare I say trending? We may not be there quite yet, but it is coming! When you go to your local pet store, you will see a section for cat leashes! Occasionally, you will see someone taking their cat for a walk, too.
About a decade ago, cats on leashes were still fairy-tales or crazy dreams. Today, cat leashes are starting to pop up here and there in different styles, brands, and colours. There are tutorials on the internet and lessons on how to teach your cat to walk. It seems that the belief that cats do not go for walks- only dogs do- is becoming a thing of the past.
Have an old dog leash kicking around your house? Want to strap it to your cat? Let’s get this show on the road? Well, that’s not exactly how it works. Cats are designed differently than dogs, and therefore their leashes need to be slightly different. The basic concept is of course the same, but the key differences are important for your cat to keep it safe when it goes on adventures with you.
Similarly, You may have a cat leash lying around that you could easily attach directly to the collar that your cat is already wearing. Resist that urge! Do not do that either! And, do not use a chain leash! Use a leash with light-weight, breathable fabric if you are using a vest harness.
The reason that you need to be cautious is that cats have much softer throats than dogs. They can’t handle the tug on their throat the way that a dog can. Doing this can injure your cat and even choke your cat! So, you will need to leave the dog mentality behind before you put your cat on a leash. And you will need to forget about the simple collar and leash technique.
Many of the different types of cat leashes (harnesses) disperse the weight of your cat more evenly across their body. This is helpful when you have a cat who is lunging and tugging at the leash. Then, the motion is spread across the body of the cats, instead of centralizing around the neck of the cat- causing injury.
By ‘a leash’ we of course mean a harness. Technically, the leash is the strap attached to the harness that you hold in your hands to lead your cat.
You can buy four different types of harnesses for your cat. There is an h-harness, the vest harness, the jacket harness, and the figure-eight harness (also known as an s-harness).
An h-harness, yes you got it, looks like an H. If you lie it down flat on the table you can spell the letter. The h-harness is a strap around the neck of your cat and also another strap around the body of your cat.
Vests cover more of your cat’s body and sometimes fasten at the back. You more often will need to slip a vest-style over your cat’s head to fit it in.
Jackets cover even more of your cat than a vest. Once on the floor, your cat will step into the jacket. It then fastens at the back.
The figure-eight harness is very similar to the h-harness. The difference is that it crosses your cat’s body in the shape of an 8.
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Fitting your cat to the harness can be the hardest part of walking your cat! Some cats do not like harnesses being pulled over their heads. If that is the case, try an h- harness over a vest harness. If your cat is not super feisty and active, a figure eight harness will be easy to fit on them. However, with each h- harness and figure 8 harness, it’s important to remember that cat’s can get a ‘pinch’ from it if they lunge forward. This may not encourage your cat to enjoy walking.
Additionally, these types of leashes can sometimes be easily crawled out of. They’re great for enclosed areas- just in case your cat does escape. Watch that the straps don’t tighten over time and dig into the skin of your cat. You want the harness loose enough that it is comfortable, but tight enough that it can’t hurt your cat or allow your cat to wiggle out.
Jacket harnesses are generally easier to put on than a vest. Your cat can step into them. But keep in mind that you may have some resistance to this process, too. The vest and jackets are least likely to be escaped from. And, the way that they evenly distribute weight- the pulls and tugs- around the cat’s body, make some very safe and handy for active cats.
You may need to be kind but firm when you are first putting harnesses on your cat. I find if I am quick about it, my cat will resist less. You can also try fitting your cat while they’re eating or snacking on some treats. You may find that this fitting process needs a lot of patience, love, and encouragement- ironically more than the walk itself!
Thinking that no cat is a walking cat, and that going for a walk with a cat is cruel, is not a fair statement. A lot depends on your cat’s personality. Your cat may be eager to go on a leash, may be adaptable to the leash, or may not be one that wants to walk at all. In the last case, do not force your cat to walk if they are dead set against it. And, never drag them by the leash. This is where the cruelty factor would come in.
But for all that, if your cat puts up a fight, try simply spending time with your cat outdoors. Play with them in and outside space and let them explore their surroundings. If you do this routinely, you may be able to get your cat into the process of accepting the leash. If not, that’s okay too.
If you like the idea of walking your cat and you have a kitten, this is a great time to start. In general, it is much easier to start cats walking on a leash when they are young. But they most definitely do not need to be young!
Be patient with your cat! Take learning to walk on a leash slowly and in steps, giving them lots of reassurance and pets and snuggles (and even treats) when they cooperate with you. Be kind in the way that you train them! The process can be much slower than teaching your dog to walk on a leash. In fact, it may be much, much, slower. That is okay.
Make the experience a fun and enjoyable one. This is a great time to bond with your cat! You’ll even get to know your cat in a different way. If you remember not to force the leash on a cat that is against it, and if you are kind in the way you train a cat who is okay with a leash and harness, you will avoid cruelty to animals- specifically felines.
Remember, walking is a great exercise for your cat! Your cat will all around be healthier and happier because you let it explore the great outdoors in a safe way. A lot of cats love the outdoors and going for walks with their masters. You may be surprised to learn that even your cat loves it. My crazy cat will even walk beside me without a harness and leash in quiet, safe places. (Although we have not graduated yet to very long walks).
Always have an identifier on your cat, like a pendant on their collar with their name and address, in case your cat gets loose and runs off!
First, bring out the harness and the leash, putting them in an area that your cat frequents. This way, your cat will get used to having them around in a no-pressure kind of way.
Second, get your cat comfortable with the leash and harness. Fit the harness around your cat and let it roam around your house or apartment with it on. Once it is comfortable with a harness around its body, take the harness out a couple more times on consecutive days (or on a regular basis). Continue to just let your cat roam around the house in this manner for a while until it is more routine. Later on, attach the leash, and let Cat get used to the added feature around the home. Supervise or keep an eye on your cat so it doesn’t get all tangled up in the leash!
Next, try walking your cat around an indoor space. Maybe not your house, but a covered area that is new to your cat. Or, an area in your house that your cat doesn’t go to often and is, therefore ‘new’- like the basement or spare room. Practice walking with Kitty in this indoor, covered area.
When your cat is comfortable with the harness and the leash, it is time to try to walk your cat outside! To do this, start with a fenced-in or enclosed area outside- like your backyard. Make sure that the place isn’t noisy or full of distractions that would scare your cat. A peaceful and stress-free area is ideal.
Focus on letting your cat lead the way and on letting your cat explore the space around you. The goal is to get your cat comfortable with you, the leash, the harness, and the outdoors. And, to have your cat enjoying it! This needs to happen before your cat walks alongside you in on-route.
Once your cat is comfortable with the outside, try short walks in familiar places. Make walking part of your routine, and walk with your cat at similar times each day (or regularly). Have treats ready to reward your cat and encourage them on the outdoor journey. Of course, pets, snuggles, and gentle reassurance for your cat will be welcome and help to build their confidence outside.
If your cat is anything like mine, if he is spooked and he’s in my arms, he will scratch at me. Make sure that you’re ready for the crazy cat. Sometimes I wear gloves and layers so my cat can’t scratch my skin if something scares him.
Soon your cat will be graduating to longer walks and new spaces. Make sure you have an abundance of patience. sometimes it will take your cat minutes to walk a couple of steps. Make sure this is rewarded!
But remember don’t force the cat! Cats who won’t be fitted onto the leash can explore outside with you in these different ways:
Walking your cat with a harness and a leash is definitely a fun adventure. You will find yourself much closer to your cat as you walk him or her. You will probably find out that your cat loves being outdoors. There’s so much to see, sniff, and do!
Not any old leash and harness will do for your cat. You need to get a harness specifically designed for the unique body and personality of your cat. There are many to choose from nowadays.
Introducing your cat to the leash and harness inside before venturing outdoors is best. Follow a slow, gentle, and gradual process until you are walking side-by-side. Reward and encourage your cat along the way.
Remember that if your cat is not the walking type, that is totally fine. Try some other ways of getting outside with your cat- cat backpacks, cat strollers, cat bags and cat carriers. Or just time with your cat in your garden! There are lots of options, showing that walking your cat has become fun and trendy!
What are your Outdoor Adventures with your cat? Let us in on your great stories in the comments below.
Wow, what a very helpful and informative post on cat leashes. I have an older cat that is a house cat and I always wanted to take him out. Now that I know more about cat leashes, thanks to your amazing post, I will now need to buy one and try it out on my cat Banjo. Can you please tell me where the best place to get a cat leash?
Hi Jason! Thanks for your thoughtful response! I like to look for leashes at my local Bosley’s pet store or on Amazon. All the best to you and Banjo on your walking adventures! 🙂
I had an old dog leash and thought it would be ok to put it on my cat. But a friend that is also a vet scared me a bit. He explained that cats have much softer throats than dogs. So, his point intrigued me and here I am, online researching to see which leash should I buy for my cat. Safety is always a concern. Thanks for your post.
Hi Ann,
No problem at all! Glad I could help. I’ve heard that about cat’s necks, also. I almost did the same thing, since we had an old leash lying around the house. Harnesses are very safe though, and your cat should be very comfortable in one.
Cheers,
Beth
I’m so glad this is becoming a thing now. thank you for getting out there and educating the world!
As a child we used to walk our cat Mistafolees, he loved it. We used an S harness. To watch him explore and play with butterflies, come to us for a cuddle then go to smell a snail, it made good memories. But we were young and the neighbours thought it ridiculous that we were walking a cay, we were ridiculed for it and convinced we were doing things wrong. Mistafolees was never walked again. Looking back, it’s sad, he loved his walks. So to see this article promoting the safe walking of your cat brings back fond memories and makes me smile.
I highly recommend walking your cat if it enjoys it. (Only 1 of our 3 cats was ever interested, Autumn just laid there and Sparkles was dead against it – I still have the scar from her claws that day, lol.)
Hi Kelly, thanks for your response 🙂 I’m so sorry that your cat Mistafolees was ridiculed out of his walks! Hopefully, people are catching on to cats on leashes now. It is good to hear that you took him for a walk, and that one of your other three cats likes walks, too 🙂
Walking cats is more common than most people think 😉
All the best to you and your cats!
Now this is the first time I hear about a cat leash. I didn’t know they even existed! But thinking about it I get that it is not so much of a crazy idea and while cats may not be the walkers that dogs are they can still enjoy a good walk out of the house. It’s crazy that something like this hasn’t become popular already.
Hi Stratos,
Thanks for your response,
Yes, it is weird that cat leashes took so long to catch on! There are quite a few cats that like them!
My cat definitely needs at least some time outside to roam around a bit, otherwise, he will get grumpy!
All the best to you,
Beth
