How can I train my house-/outside cat to walk on a leash.

Question

She's actually a housecat, but every so often she likes to play Houdini, worrying us half to death and (so far) reappearing about 3 weeks later, malnourished and covered in burrs. I thought we had compromised by letter her stay in the enclosed porch where she could see out all day, but she's since decided that's not enough and started trying to get out again. Someone suggested a leash, but she hates it and paws at it until she snaps her safety collar. I don't want her to be miserable inside, but she doesn't know how to fend for herself outside and we live in town, which means there's always the chance of her getting run over. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I would say try a harness. Don't take her out on it right away. Gradually introduce it to her. Put it on her in the house and see how she reacts. Leave it on for just a little bit. Then, each day, longer and longer. It may be a daunting task, but eventually will become routine. Then, you should be able to take her out in it. It is best to do this when they are very young and then they'll just adapt. Since you're past that, then, you'll need to just introduce her to it.

Eventually, after the outdoor walks begin, she'll associate the two and it won't bother her. Don't give up!

Answer 2

Since it sounds like this is in the cat's best interests, I've looked up some websites. See which info fits your situation, which ones agree in general, maybe look for a few others. Go for the most respectful, gentle, dignified method. I lived in an apartment complex adjacent to a highway years ago and didn't leash my cats, allowing them free indoor/outdoor (daytime) run. We came home one night to a nice note from a neighbor who found our cat run over. He was kind enough to remove it from the road and let us know.

My daughter's house (apartment) cats can walk on leashes, but were trained from kittens. Mine? They stay in our backyard, trained as kittens, so after a year they've not yet figured it doesn't have a ceiling. I cannot imagine either of mine ever going on a leash, nor could I do it to them. But, our situation doesn't necessitate that.

If nothing clicks on these websites, I'd go a step further and contact a trainer, again, same conditions (respectful, gentle, dignified). I know someone is out there.

http://www.howtodothings.com/pets-and-an...

http://www.catsplay.com/thedailycat/2002...

http://www.hdw-inc.com/leashtraining.htm

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissue...

Hey, good luck!

Answer 3

Try a harness for small dogs - this will go around her body and is harder to get out of than a collar. At first she might flip out, or just lay there, but eventually she will learn that harness means outside!! YAY!

Answer 4

Cats don't walk on a harness/leash. Cats do what they want. If you can't build a secure otudoor run for her, and are concerned about her getting run over, she should be an only indoors cat.