Do you live in an apartment and your cat has no access to the outdoors? Is your cat bored to death stuck inside? Don't despair, we have the solution. It's perfectly possible to go out for a walk with your little four-legged companion if you master a few rules and get a few cat accessories.
As often with cats, training can take a while, but it's worth it. We'll give you all our advice and tips so you can finally get some fresh air with your favorite pet.
Why Quality Gear (and Using It Properly) Matters
The cat harness, the right accessory
Why a harness ? Because, like certain leashes that work on the same principle, a harness spreads the pressure more evenly across the body and so reduces the risk of injury. The same goes for dogs.
Here's an example of a harness that maximizes your pet's comfort and safety: cat harness. This really shouldn't be overlooked. Attaching a regular leash only to the animal's neck can injure the cervical vertebrae, the trachea and the larynx. Being able to walk your four-legged friend with complete peace of mind is essential.
How to put a harness on your cat: getting them used to their new gear
Training should take its time so that it goes smoothly. The first step is to get your cat used to the gear. Leave the harness lying on the floor for a few days so your cat can sniff it and leave their scent on it.
Next, the goal is to put the harness on without the leash so they can simply get used to having it on their back for a few minutes. Reward them with a few treats after taking the harness off. A tip: put the harness on just before mealtime, and they'll forget they're wearing this strange gear. They'll be far more interested in the delicious kibble you've given them!
Repeat the exercise until your cat stops trying to take the harness off. That means they're ready for the next step!
The cat leash, an essential accessory
Some leashes, like the ones in our accessories collection, are designed for cats. It's best to get a fairly long, lightweight leash. It must not restrict your cat's freedom of movement.
Once you have your leash, clip it to the harness and let it trail behind your cat. The goal is first to get them used to the leash without any pressure on their body. The next step is to hold the leash without pulling, and let your cat lead you wherever they want to go.
Then, once your cat starts to feel comfortable, you can guide them yourself. Don't hesitate to reward them at every step, with cuddles or treats.
Good habits for a successful walk
The owner must not force or rush the training
Give your cat time at each step if they need it, and never force them to do something they don't want to do: it's counterproductive.
Cats have a sensory memory, and if they associate an experience with a bad moment, it may block them when they face the same situation in the future.
Cats are anxious by nature and can be stressed by the outside world. Take it slowly and don't force them to stay outside, otherwise they'll be scared to go back next time.
Where to walk your cat: context and location matter
Avoid places that are too noisy and try to pick a time when the streets are quiet. Crowds can be stressful for our furballs. If you have a park, a balcony or a garden, that's ideal! If you see your cat is comfortable and starting to enjoy it, you can then mix things up and take them elsewhere.
During the first outings, it's best to adjust the leash so it's short. Most leashes are adjustable.
Walking your cat calmly, while respecting their comfort
If your cat faces a stressful situation and wants to run away, never pull on the leash; instead, gently pick them up. Pulling on the leash is unpleasant for them and may stress them even more.
For the first walk, it's better to stay outside only briefly: 5 minutes seems just right to me. It's better to end on a positive note without staying too long than to spend 20 minutes outside and come home with a panicked cat. As I said, sensory memory is very important, and your cat must associate walks with something pleasant. Don't skimp on the treats!
As the outings go on, you can gradually make the walks longer. I don't recommend unclipping the leash. Even if your pet seems completely at ease, they remain unpredictable and can run off at any moment if they see something that scares them or that they want to chase.
Walking Your Cat Is Well Worth It!
At Chic et Chat, we really recommend this activity, which gives you unique moments with your pet. If you follow the advice we've given you, the experience will be a positive one and you'll be won over!
Feel free to browse our store of cat accessories to find the right gear for your kitty!
I hope this article was enjoyable and helpful, and I wish you happy, exceptional walks with your little companion!
Also worth reading: HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF YOUR CAT RUNNING AWAY
