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  • How to leash train a cat | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Teach your cat to enjoy the outdoors safely with valuable tips on leash training, harness selection, and stress-free outdoor fun. 

    Leash training your cat gives him access to the outdoors while keeping him safe. But improper training and poorly fitting gear can make for a negative experience. This article explains how to leash train a cat. It also shows you how to choose the right harness and leash and make the training process stress-free.

    “Going outside is great enrichment for cats,” says animal behaviorist Nina Leipold. She often travels with her cat, Flounder, using a leash and harness. “Leash walking means your cat (as well as nature) stays safe. It also means he gets the enrichment he needs to stay mentally and physically stimulated.”

    Selecting the right leash and harness for your cat 

    Only use products designed for cats, not small dogs. Felines and canines have different body proportions, and a dog harness won’t fit your cat properly. Always opt for high-quality materials.

    Harness tips 

    You can choose from the following cat harness styles: 

    • Vest: The chest piece connects to adjustable straps on one side and buckles on the other.
    • Step-in: The two front leg holes and the body of the harness meet at the top of the spine near the shoulders. 
    • Jacket: Connects around the neck and torso with hook-and-loop strips. 
    • Figure-8: One strap goes around the cat’s neck and another around the chest; form a figure-eight shape when flat.
    • H-style: Features two loops, one around the neck and the other around the fullest part of the chest. Looks like the letter H when seen from the top. Not recommended for cats that pull.
    • Roman: Includes a loop around the torso, a strap along the bottom, and a strap along the top. 

    “Most harnesses have a measuring guide on the packaging,” says Nina. “Measure your cat and remember — they’re squishy. If he’s right on the cusp of a size, go one size down so he can’t slip out. If he’s having a hard time adjusting to a harness, I’d recommend one with a sleek, less bulky design so he doesn’t feel it as much.”

    Leash tips

    • Leashes can be fixed (with a set length) or retractable, which provides more freedom. 
    • Long leashes ranging from 15 to 30 feet allow cats to gain some independence while still under supervision. 
    • Avoid heavy dog leashes or those made from chains.

    Training your cat 

    Start indoors and use positive reinforcement 

    Once you’ve chosen a harness that “fits well and isn’t too big,” the next step is to get your cat to “learn to love the harness,” says cat parent Mélanie Joubert. She has successfully leash trained her own feline friend, Charlotte.

    Begin training indoors and reward your cat with treats to build a positive association with the harness. Attach a leash to the harness and encourage him to follow you by using treats to lure him. “The worst thing you can do is pull the cat by the leash,” warns Mélanie. 

    Venturing outside – stay close to home at first  

    Don’t take your cat outside until he has the hang of his leash and harness and is fully comfortable with it. Keep your outings close to home. 

    “If your cat is nervous at first, try taking him out on the porch and using treats or his favorite toy to create a positive association with being outside,” says Nina.

    “Start by letting your cat explore, and follow him,” Mélanie adds. “Later, lure him to follow you, but stay in a small area near your home. When your cat moves with more confidence, start expanding the area.”

    To further help your cat adjust, Nina recommends taking him outside daily, weather permitting. Stay attuned to his body language to keep the experience positive. 

    “Look for a straight raised tail, forward-facing ears, prancing or confident walking, and attentiveness to you,” she says. “You want to avoid tail ‘poofing’, crouching, and ears that are back.” 

    Nina cautions that if your cat looks scared, is afraid to move, or growls or hisses at anything that moves, he’s feeling stressed. Take him indoors and try again another time.  

    Optimize your cat’s leash training results

    Keep these important tips in mind:

    • Cats typically enjoy warm temperatures and dislike being outside when it’s cold, windy or wet. However, limit outdoor time during summer heat waves.
    • When taking your cat outside, be aware of potential predators and avoid heavily trafficked areas. Keep an eye out for broken glass and sharp rocks.
    • Never leave your cat outside alone. You should be there to supervise him at all times. 
    • Make sure he has access to shade and fresh water on warm days.
    • Some cats prefer using a litter box and may feel anxious about relieving themselves outdoors. Keep an eye on your kitty’s body language and take him inside if you think he may need to use the litter box.

    Learning how to leash train a cat opens up a whole new world for your feline friend.  You can enrich his life by giving him safe outdoor access, complete with fun, fresh air and exercise.

    “Is my cat too old to leash train?”

    “Age honestly doesn’t matter,” says Nina. “What matters more is that you start desensitizing your cat to outdoor stimuli as soon as possible. This will ultimately make the outdoors less scary and leash training a lot easier.”

    Whether your cat is a kitten or an adult, take it slow and be patient when acclimating him to a harness and leash. If he gets scared, go back a step and start again. 

    Not all cats adapt to leash walking 

    Sometimes, even skilled trainers with quality gear can’t get a cat to walk on a leash. While many cats love it and can’t get enough of it, others may never accept it. 

    “If he just isn’t having it, even after using positive association methods, a screened-in porch or catio are good alternatives,” says Nina. “If you don’t have these, just opening the windows (with screens) allows your cat to experience the sounds and smells of the outdoors from a secure place where he feels safe.”

     

    1. Photo credit: @flounder_meatloaf

    Nina allows Flounder to spend time outdoors while wearing a harness and leash.

    2. Photo credit: Mélanie Joubert

    Charlotte wears a black harness and leash that blends into her coat.


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    Sara Jordan-Heintz is a newspaper and magazine journalist. Her articles have appeared in Equine Wellness, Antique Trader, Farm Collector and Discover Vintage America, among others. She is a recipient of the Genevieve Mauck Stoufer Outstanding Young Iowa Journalists Award. Sara’s work is regularly published through the USA Today Network. She is the author of the book Going Hollywood: Midwesterners in Movieland.

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    Sara Jordan-Heintz

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  • Cat enclosures for outdoor safely | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Give your cat the best of both worlds! How a cat enclosure lets him enjoy the outdoors while staying safe from danger.

    It’s vital to balance your cat’s natural instincts with his safety and well-being. This can be challenging for indoor kitties. Cats with outdoor access enjoy more mental stimulation than indoor cats. However, you need to weigh this benefit against the risks of letting your cat roam free. A cat enclosure gives your feline friend the best of both worlds. 

    Cat enclosures provide secure, contained spaces. These range from small portable cages or tents to elaborate, multi-level outdoor structures attached to homes or free-standing. Cat enclosures create a stimulating environment to keep kitties safe from traffic, predators, and other dangers. 

    This article offers helpful advice and suggestions for buying or building a cat enclosure for outdoor safety.

    The four main benefits of cat enclosures

    1. They keep cats safe: Outdoor cats face a variety of risks to their health and safety. These include cars, diseases, and wild animals. An enclosure minimizes these risks while allowing your cat to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
    2. They help protect wildlife: Cats are natural hunters and can significantly impact local bird and small mammal populations. Enclosures prevent them from hunting while still offering enrichment.
    3. They provide mental and physical stimulation: Cats are curious creatures that thrive in environments rich with sights, sounds, and smells. Enclosures offer sensory stimulation and encourage physical activity.
    4. They reduce stress: An enclosure alleviates frustration in cats who find indoor-only environments stressful, without compromising their safety.

    “As a veterinarian, I emphasize the importance of fresh air and sunshine for maintaining a cat’s vitality.” says veterinarian Dr. Lynn Bahr. “Exposure to natural light helps regulate their circadian rhythm, supports a healthy coat, and can improve mood and energy levels.”

    Types of cat enclosures

      • Window boxes: You can attach these small cage-like structures to a window, giving your cat a perch with a view. They’re perfect for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
      • Portable mesh tents: Lightweight and easy to set up, these tents can be moved around your yard or even taken on trips. They’re affordable and versatile.
      • Patio or balcony enclosures: You can customize these to fit your particular outdoor space.
      • Freestanding enclosures: These larger structures often include multiple levels, ramps, and platforms for climbing.
    • Catio: Also referred to as cat patios, these enclosures can be attached to a window or door, or be free standing. They can be small or span large areas. Many are designed to accommodate multiple cats and include more elaborate features. You can even create a catio with enough space for you to hang out with your cats!

    Designing or purchasing a cat enclosure

    Depending on your skill level, you can build your own cat enclosure as a rewarding DIY project. Alternatively, you can purchase plans or design your own. For those less inclined to DIY, many companies offer enclosures in various styles and sizes. These can include options like tunnels or connecting pathways. 

    Whether you’re buying or building a cat enclosure, consider these key features:

      • Durability: Use or buy materials that will withstand the weather, as well as your cat’s scratching.
      • Safety: Be sure to use pet-safe screens sturdy enough to prevent an excited cat from busting through them.
      • Size: The enclosure should be large enough that your cat can climb, jump, and explore. Include shelves, ramps, or platforms for added interest.
      • Shelter: Make sure the enclosure includes a shaded area or hideaway to protect your cat from the elements.
      • Accessibility: Ensure easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
    • Toys and enrichment: Once you’ve set up your enclosure, add scratching posts, beds and toys.

    Getting your cat used to his enclosure

    Not all cats will immediately take to an enclosure. Introduce your kitty gradually, using positive reinforcement like treats and praise. Place familiar items, such as a favorite blanket or toy, inside the enclosure to make the space feel safe and inviting.

    An enclosure enriches your cat’s life while giving you peace of mind. It’s more than a gift for your kitty. It’s a step toward living harmoniously with nature and creating a healthier, happier life for your feline companion.

    Life with a catio 

    Cat parent Jessica Fritschle built a catio for her kitties using a purchased plan. Although she considers herself “moderately handy,” she encountered some challenges that required modifying the plans. Ultimately, she made it work. 

    “My cats love their catio and spend lots of time out there,” Jessica says, adding she was initially a bit worried about letting them into the enclosure. 

    “I hovered like a helicopter parent for the first two days! I was irrationally worried someone would find a way to escape, but now I leave the catio open [to the house] while I’m working without any worries.” At night, Jessica closes off access to the catio because of local wildlife.


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    Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager and author of five cat books, including Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher, and Tortitude: The BIG Book of Cats With a BIG Attitude. Ingrid writes for magazines and websites around the world. She is the founder of Purrs of Wisdom with Ingrid King, where she writes about all things feline .For more information about Ingrid, please visit www.IngridKing.com.

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    Ingrid King

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