Cat Leashes

While the picture of a Persian cat wearing a leash may be amusing to some people, more and more cat owners are finding cat leashes as a way to let their cat outside while keeping him or her safe.

There is a wide variety of cat leashes on the market. A cat leash can attach to a harness, collar, or jacket depending on the owner and the cat. Many owners find a harness or a jacket is more secure on the cat than a collar is, since a collar is easily slipped if the cat panics and tries to escape.

To put your cat on a leash requires a lot of time and patience. While it is possible to leash train cats, it is not always easy. To start your cat on leash training, you will first need to get him used to wearing the harness or collar. Have him wear that around the house for several days, until he gets used to it. Then you can try attaching the leash. When you first go out, take it slow – cats on leashes have no way to protect themselves if they get spotted by a dog. When you purchase your cat leash, ask the sales person if they have any books on leash training my cat to give you additional tips.

Your cat collar and leash can be one of many styles. With a Persian, a cat leash may need to be of a design that will not get tangled in your pet’s long hair. Many pet stores carry both cat and dog leashes. Leashes that are heavier are usually for a dog, and cat leashes tend to be a lighter weight, but dog leashes designed for the toy breeds will also work.

Only take your cat out on a cat leash in areas that you are familiar with. A cat on a leash is sure to attract some attention from passerby, so you will want to avoid people until your cat is comfortable out and about so that they do not make him more nervous. Stay away from busy streets, in case your cat bolts, and watch out for dogs. Not all cats will adjust to walking on a cat leash, so if that is the case, do not force it. There are many styles of carriers, pens, and runs that can let your cat enjoy the outdoors in safety. Whenever your cat goes out, make sure he is wearing his I.D. tag so that he can be returned to you if he should get loose.