TRAIN YOUR CAT TO WALK ON A LEASH Using Positive Reinforcement - TUTORIAL

Teach your cat to walk on a leash using positive reinforcement is possible. Leash training a cat is not difficult, but we need to be mindful that cats are not dogs and we have to take a few things into consideration.

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In this tutorial on how to train your cat to walk on a leash I'm going to be sharing the methodology that worked for Mia and I: How to chose a harness, How to harness train, How to leash train and finally, tips and tricks to go outdoors safely and ensuring a positive experience walking with your leashed cat.

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[horsethief]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this already as I haven't seen it, but an extra tip(s) if you're still struggling with getting your cat used to the harness and/or have a particularly fearful/anxious cat: you're going to want to start from the *very* beginning with the introduction to the harness. As in the first time you bring the harness out, you click and reward them for even looking towards it. If somehow they aren't looking towards it, see if an ear flicks in the direction of the harness; any slight sign that their attention is shifting towards it. As your cat goes on, gradually increase your criteria for reward; if they're looking at the harness, let them move physically towards it, whether that be taking a step, or simply shifting their weight toward it. Do this for a couple sessions, or however long it takes for them to understand and be comfortable with what you're asking of them. Continue this process with every slight progress; from moving towards the harness, to touching the harness, to putting their head through the harness, to feeling the harness around them without it buckled, to eventually having the harness fully on, and they're comfortable. Keep the harness fully on for 5 seconds, 15 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes; again, increasing your criteria as you go, but taking steps small and easy enough for them to process clearly. Break it down as much as you need to to help your cat. When adding the leash, make sure to not put any pressure on it at first, so they don't immediately feel restricted and as though they need to escape. As they get more comfortable with that, you can start to apply pressure, but keep it light, and never aim to apply very much. After all, we want to keep them responsive, not completely desensitize them to our cues. A last tip for anything that you teach through clicker training is to keep your rate of reinforcement (how often you reward your cat) as high as possible/necessary. As you increase your criteria for rewards, there might be longer pauses depending on what you’re asking of them (i.e teaching them to sit/stay for extended periods of time), but especially when training completely new things, reward them at any chance you get, for any stability and/or improvement in their actions. This is how I initially started to train horses to wear halters, bridles, etc.; it takes some extra learning and a lot of patience to fully understand and get good at, but you should be able to train any animal through positive reinforcement.

[johnhartman]

I had a stray cat that adopted me. He leash trained easily and I would let him off the leash when on walks away from people. He followed me everywhere day and night. I gave him room to roam and he always stayed within site nomatter what I was doing. I grew up as a dog person but have converted to a cat person. They are smarter than dogs and just as loyal when given the chance. I am excited to see others make cats more than a house ornament. I love your videos.

[victoriac.attorneyatlaw]

You said the magic word PATIENCE! My cat is 7 yrs old so he's older.. today after one week he walked 10 feet. I was over the moon happy. He has a cystitis condition and the vet recommended walking him to help with stress. Now I'M STRESSED HAHA ..thanks for the vid will try it 2 to 3 times a day now...baby steps LITERALLY!

[Adrians]

I love seeing people promote ethical training methods for cats!

[VGoncalves]

0:00 : introduction
1:15 : types of harnesses
2:29 : harness meets cat!
3:34 : putting the harness on
5:15 : walking the cat around the yard or street
6:50 : best harnesses

[unmashedmashedpotatoesmash]

UNDERRATED!!! Can’t wait to see your channel grow!👊

[survivormary]

My cat never walked on a leash till we moved to a suburb where we were no longer in the country. I kept him indoors so I wanted to let him out for some fun. He slipped every harness I tried within seconds and I had to run around like a nut trying to find and catch him. Even had a neighbor call cops because I was in their bushes looking for him panicked. Very frieghtening. I got a very small dog collar, and three regular leashes hooked together. I would have to pull him a little stop wait, eventually after a walk or two he could not wait to go out. He never wanted to walk during the day with cars around he would be scared to death so I never pushed it. I only had to say "wanna go for a walk?" He would run to the door. When we would go outside he would KNOW I wasn't just latching him out to the porch rail but would start running down the drive. We would actually jog for a bit. He had places he liked to stop drop and roll around putting his scent I'm sure and to stop and smell some of the plants alone the way, and I would let him have fun. Times had to pull him a bit to get him to budge. He would decide he was staying and would spread out both front paws and dig in. No slipping there...I never pulled hard. It's like a child if he got too stubborn I would stop pick him up and move him and then put him back down in the direction I wanted to go. I always walked him in the opposite direction of a busy road around us. Watch leaving the leash out to long coming up on trees as they might decide to jet up them and definitely don't pull them out of the tree, just slowly caox them down. you have to really watch out for neighbors who leave their dogs unleashed because twice I had a dog run at us! I miss my best friend and our walks.

[brittgeorgina]

I have a Sphynx cat and I’ve started training him after watching your videos. Because he’s an indoor cat he’s quite anxious when he is initially outside but recently he was comfortable enough to wee outside. #proudmum
Thank you for your videos!

[SoulAmatus]

I’m going to have an indoor cat because I don’t wanna risk loosing her. So thank you for this video.

[typeshannon]

I was looking online for some help with training my cat because he goes in the back yard but try's to get out so I wanted to give him that freedom while keeping him safe on a harness. this was very hepful and I am definetly subscribing :D

[nodanceswithwolves]

This is the best video. I have always wanted to train mine, but never knew how. Thank you so much for the info. Getting started right away!

[unknownwonknu]

Short, very well explained, easy to understand, and thorough with cat behavior and how to respond. This is a good informative video.

[starchildsol]

I love your channel!!! You explain everything so well 🙏🌸☺️much love and gratitude 😊🐈🐯🐾

[epic]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[KMx]

Great video! Thank you for posting this content. 😻

[astroboyfan]

Working on steps 1, and 2 so far. Thanks, this is great advice!

[Durbanpoison]

Just found you and can’t wait to get started on training my cat!

[calicravens]

You seem like such an awesome person! Thank you for your videos and for treating Mia so well!

[Michellee]

Oh my goodness! I can't believe I just found your channel! I have 2 cats and LOVE little Mia! I immediately subscribed!

[Atabei]

I got the harness you recommended for kittens in your harness review video and he’s doing great! Seems pretty secure, it’s a lot like your escape-proof harness except that it goes over his head (like putting on a sweater) instead of fully opening and buckling, and it’s super light so he’s comfortable. I haven’t tried taking him outside yet but expect to be able to do that soon. This week, I’m just letting him get really used to wearing it 😁🐈‍⬛❤️
Thanks for taking the time and initiative to create all these videos- it’s been super helpful!