Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash: 9-Step Tutorial

If your cat has completed their harness training, it's time to train your cat to walk on a leash!

🐈 In this video, I've broken down the leash training process into 9 bite-sized steps for you. Each step should be repeated as many times as necessary before moving on to the next one.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:26 Starting Tips
1:00 Step 1 - Pick out a leash
2:26 Step 2 - Let your cat inspect the leash
2:43 Step 3 - Attach the leash iNSIDE
3:11 Step 4 - Learn how handle the leash
4:06 Step 5 - Encourage your cat to walk around
4:47 Step 6 - Encourage your cat to come to you
5:15 Step 7 - Take it outside
6:23 Step 8 - Practice your cue
7:05 Step 9 - Increase your radius
7:43 Final Advice

Other Resources:

[easiersaidwithmeg]

Thank you so much I’m training my baby now! She’s over a year but under 2 years.

[Su-jkve]

5:32 Bonus tip if their already backpacked trained before you harness/leash train them you can put them inside their backpack when stepping outside and then putting down the backpack and opening the door of their backpack to go out

[Hyper]

Thank you for making these videos. I'm a first time cat mom and she will be an indoor cat and I have been watching your videos and have been making great progress.

[vivianmoreland]

I have my cat follow the treats.
I introduced him to the harness and let him wear it all day. (2) in a row.
I did the same with the leash.

[LykaLivao-lw]

Such a clear and encouraging tutorial! I love how you broke the process into manageable steps—perfect for helping cats feel confident on a leash. Can’t wait to try this with my kitty!

[calexprenas]

Thank you for this! I was surprised to be able to get my stray foster clicker trained and comfortable moving around in a harness with a leash attached in a couple weeks! I had given up on the harness idea when I first got him thinking it would be months of agony if possible at all, but clicker training for this has been amazing. So excited to get him back outdoors but safely this time. Question: when going hiking (a ways off yet, but just curious), do your cats intuitively know to stay on the trail vs running into the woods, or did that take training? TIA!

[SamM-jz]

My kitties problem is that he does not appreciate walking infront of me and prefer behind what can i do to stop this?

[BlackAces-srjg]

I love watching these videos! My baby is only 4 months old but shes insanely curious so started harness training her, but I live in an apartment on the 9th floor so I dont feel good about taking her out there to explore. Is the hallway a decent option to use to train her by going out a few steps or should I take the plunge and go down the elevator to the outdoors?

[andrea]

I have completed harness and leash training indoors with my kitten (6 months old), but have found that she is really afraid of the outdoors. When I tried to take her to the garden near my house (a quiet place), she remained "frozen" and scared in the carrier. Is there anything I can do to help her overcome her fear of the outdoors? or better to give up the idea of adventuring with my cat?

[nickjames]

Before you can truly walk the cat you have to have them around a lot of different noises and get them used to that that will help with the walking

[katanimals]

Thank you for this video. What is a great Kitty treat pouch?

[katanimals]

Do you give a treat when they come inside as well?

[nerdherdliveson]

My cat was an outdoor kitty before and is very interested in going outside. As soon as we got out she bolted. What would you recommend for this behavior?

[cassiejiras]

Would all of these tips also apply to a kitten? I've grown up with cats my whole life but when my parents lost cats to feline leukemia, all cats became indoor cats. So I too as an adult, keep cats indoor. However, with our newest kitten, I'd like him to be our camping and adventure kitty and he's about 4 months old. I just got his harness yesterday and he's only got it on for a 2nd time today. We also have a dog that loves walks, so I'm hoping one day they both get to do it together!

[brendabanks]

My cat gets into every bush she sees 😬🫨

[islastoyreveal]

Hi my cat is 4 years old an it is a black cat and I’m scared to start ❤😢 love your vids

[iiclqx]

What can I do if I live in a dorm and the outside isn’t accessible right outside my door? And I have to take an elevator

[vivianmoreland]

He is shaken by loud noises and other people. I am taking it slow.