How to Walk Your Cat on a Leash

For many people taking their dogs out for a walk is an everyday chore. Dogs have schedules and often their owners are very strict about making sure that their pets get out at the same time everyday for a bathroom break, fresh air and socialization. But, for me I have a cat, who gets very bored in my Brooklyn apartment. He bites my toes when I sleep, he scratches me when I rub his belly, and he runs back and forth down the hallway like a marathon runner. A lot of people who first meet Simon (the cat) think that he is very ill mannered and intolerable. I needed a solution, and the solution was the outdoors!

If you ever meet me and Simon on the streets of New York you would be convinced that I had the sweetest cat that is very well behaved. Simon gets to explore new people, smells and locations all with the help of his trusty cat harness, leash and fabric cat carrier (just in case). He doesn't care much for dogs or actually walking along side me on our adventures outside, but he does like the park and likes to be carried around in my arms.

I did a little research on taking cats for walks and there are a couple of books out there that can be found on the topic. Many experts say that cats can taught to take walks and it's actually good for their health. I really believe this.

The first step is to invest in a good well-fitting harness for your fluffy friend. The H shaped ones are preferred over the figure eight harness because they do not pull from the neck. You never want to pull or drag your cat while on a walk outdoors. After purchasing a harness, place it on your cat a few days before actually going outside. Put it on him (or her) as a test to get him used to it. Take it on and off periodically and let him get used to the feel of it on his body. During the harness buying process, you will also want to buy a leash for your cat. Simon's happens to be bright pink with Rhine stones, but any secure leash for small dogs will work nicely. I would suggest that is need not be too long. Accompanying the leash and harness is a trusty cat-bag. I got mine awhile ago and it's foldable and dome shaped; made of fabric and also lets the cat peak out and see what's going on around him. The reason why I take this one with me is because it is light weight and a good place to put Simon in case he is frightened. Finding a cat bag like this is easy, just look at the ones people carry their small dogs in. These can get pretty fancy and some even look more like a large purse than a cat bag.

Let your cat get used to being outside before you let him explore. Give him lots of loving pets to soothe his nerves that he may have at first. He may immediately warm to being outside or be very frightened. Give your cat time, days, or even weeks to simply being outside with you if he needs it. The next step is to let him down and explore is surroundings. Controlled areas such as parks and other areas in your yard where dogs will not be around to pester your cat. Eventually your cat my naturally begin to walk along side you, but he may need a little coaxing. I would suggest walking behind your cat, careful not to step on his tail and scoot him forward a little at a time until he gets the hang of it. While outside, I sometimes let Simon climb up a tree a little and explore grass, steps and even neighbors. Some people may think the sight of your cat outside is unusual, but more than likely you will get happy glances from strangers and may even meet new friends. When we are outside Simon is a friendlier, happier cat when and more accepting of a strangers touch.