Q&A for How to Leash Train a Cat

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  • Question
    Is it easy to leash train a cat?
    Molly DeVoss
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Not necessarily—cats are highly territorial, so when you take a cat out of its home, they might feel threatened. Pay really close attention while you're out and about with your cat, and bring them back inside if they seem uncomfortable. You don't want your cat associating walks with nervous, anxious feelings!
  • Question
    What kind of leash is best for cats?
    Molly DeVoss
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Always pick out a short leash for your cat. This will stop your kitty from running out into the street or getting tangled up in something.
  • Question
    Do cats like walking on a leash?
    Molly DeVoss
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Not really. Your cat definitely won't want to walk fast or jog with you like a dog might.
  • Question
    How do I keep my cat safe from other dogs?
    Molly DeVoss
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.
    Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Pick up your cat right away if you notice another dog approaching. Your cat will feel much safer from a higher vantage point.
  • Question
    How do you teach a cat to fetch?
    Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Kind of like a dog. Toss the object gently and reward the cat for chasing and returning.
  • Question
    Is there a way to control a cat that is on a leash?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Cats can be 'encouraged' to go in a particular direction when lured with a treat, but don't expect your cat to walk to heel like a dog. Use gentle encouragement in the form of praise or treat, and never resort to harsh methods or punishment. It is in a cat's nature to be independent, so remember it is an achievement in itself if the cat calmly accepts the harness and leash.
  • Question
    What age is best suited for a cat harness and lead?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Any age is just fine, provided the harness fits correctly. Kittens accept change more readily than adults, so by all means start getting an 8-week or older kitten used to the harness. You can practice in the house when the kitten is too young to go outdoors so you are ready for a big adventure once fully vaccinated. Likewise, an older cat will get used to a harness but it takes time and patience on the part of the owner.
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