Leash-training a cat seems like a losing battle, doesn't it? If you've ever tried to walk your cat on a leash, you might have given up rather quickly, concluding that your cat would hate you if the leash stayed on for one more minute. And yet you may notice your indoor cat peering outside longingly, or smelling the fresh air from an open window. If only there were a way to train your cat to tolerate the leash...
But there are ways! Leash-training requires the right frame of mind, the right equipment, and lastly, a good amount of time. But leash-training provides a safe and healthy way for your cat to indulge his most famous of attributes - curiosity.
- Be patient and positive. Curiosity is followed rather closely by stubbornness - or so you might think as you first introduce your cat to wearing a harness. Most animals don't like to wear anything encumbering anyway, and cats certainly don't like to be constrained. But your patience and friendly attention will help soften the furry friend, making her more receptive to the harness. The most counterproductive thing to do is to lose your patience and vent your frustration.
- Buy the right equipment. Though a collar is appropriate for a dog, it isn't acceptable for a cat's slender, more fragile neck. It might seem wrong to put your cat into something as severe-looking as a harness, but a harness is required when you walk your cat on a leash. Different harnesses are available; visit a pet store to see which one your cat likes best. The important thing is that the force of leading your cat isn't absorbed in a bad place like the neck, but instead better areas like the chest or mid-back.
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Author: Staff Writer