Leash Training? Tips?

[pinupcats]

I have a friend who is getting one of my Sphynx kittens. He lives in the city next to a lovely park and wants to teach his new kitten how to take walks on a leash. I've never attempted to teach my cats to walk on a leash but I know of others who have done this successfully. Does anyone on here have any good tips or advice on what I can tell my friend to do to help train his new kitten?

Thanks,
Cyndee

 

[Brooke]

I have a friend who is getting one of my Sphynx kittens. He lives in the city next to a lovely park and wants to teach his new kitten how to take walks on a leash. I've never attempted to teach my cats to walk on a leash but I know of others who have done this successfully. Does anyone on here have any good tips or advice on what I can tell my friend to do to help train his new kitten?

Thanks,
Cyndee

Fortunately, our cats are so easy going - and curious - they usually take to the leash right away. Mine all did, and they were all adults at the time, which I'd have thought would be even more difficult than starting with a kitten...should be pretty easy!

I started by letting them get used to wearing the harness inside the house, that was the trickiest part. Once used to the harness, take the kitten outside for short periods of time, as long as the kitten is comfortable, not fearful, etc. But, as far as walking on the leash, like a dog - that doesn't really happen for me. It's more like me following the cats around where they decide they want to go...

 

[ilovemysphynx]

I would also add if your friend starts early, it should be easy and the kitty will look foward to outings.

 

[admin]

Yes we started our cats early and they have been great on the leash, just throw on the harness and leash and walk away!:Laugh:

 

[Haji the Sphynx]

Haji always did fine on the harness... but like Brooke said, it's more so Haji doesn't get away from me...he doesn't really "walk" on it. That's why I have the stroller-so we can easily go places easily.

 

[PitRottMommy]

I agree with Brooke. Many do well when fitted with a harness and allowed to roam freely. After they're comfortable, then attaching a leash and allowing it to drag behind them gives them a sense of independence and calm.

It's important to note that cats should NEVER be taken outside on a break-away collar and NEVER put into a small breed dog collar. Harnesses are practically the only suitable method for leash walks for cats. They're prone to tracheal tears, aside from the risks of escape on a collar.




Best of luck, Cyndee!

 

[Maggies mommy]

Wow thanks for the advice every 1 I wanted to train Maggie to walk on a leash but none of the harness fit her neck was to tiny! This summer I wanted to start walking her so this really helps thanks

 

[lovinsphynx]

I don't really have any good tips since all my sphynx just lay down when i put the harness and leash on them so i end up carrying my lazy cats...

 

[pinupcats]

Thanks Everyone on the advice and tips! I will certainly keep you all posted!!

Cyndee

 

[harley]

I am with Brooke...My guys do great on the Harness but they walk me not me walking them.. Sambo*(furry one) Hates it all so we are still working on him..LOL I wish your friend the best of luck..

 

[kerrie78]

My guys will walk on it but on their terms, usually when other peeps are around to show off! So I'm not much help!