Imagine your cat sniffing the fresh breeze, ears perked to the sound of birdsong, paws trotting confidently along a garden path — all while safely by your side. Walking a cat on a harness and leash might sound unusual at first, but for many feline companions, it’s a chance to explore the world beyond the windowsill. With a bit of patience and the right approach, leash walking can open a whole new level of enrichment and connection between you and your cat.
Benefits of leash walking your cat
Leash walking allows cats to experience the outdoors safely while engaging in their natural instincts, such as exploring and sniffing. It is a great way to increase physical health by encouraging exercise. It can also help your cat mentally by providing sensory stimulation while they explore new scents, sounds, and sights. This type of environmental enrichment is a great way to keep your cat’s mind active.
Is your cat a leash walking candidate?
Before introducing a cat to leash training, it’s important to assess whether they are a good candidate. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Age – While kittens are generally more adaptable and quicker to learn new behaviors, adult cats can also be successfully leash trained with consistent, patient efforts.
- Personality – Cats who are confident, curious, and not easily startled tend to respond best to leash training. Timid or anxious cats may find the experience overwhelming without gradual desensitization.
- Interest in the outdoors – A cat that frequently watches activity outside, shows curiosity at open doors, or attempts to explore beyond the home may be more inclined to enjoy safe, supervised outdoor experiences.
- Response to training and treats – Cats that are motivated by food rewards and engage well with reward-based training are typically easier to train to walk on a harness and leash.
Cats that make great leash-walking candidates tend to be curious and confident, showing a strong interest in exploring new environments without getting easily scared. These cats are typically playful and energetic, always on the lookout for new forms of stimulation and adventure. You’ll often find them perched at windows or lingering near doors, clearly fascinated by the outside world. They’re not overly skittish and can handle unexpected noises or changes without bolting. Most importantly, they’re usually open to new experiences and may already tolerate things like car rides or vet visits without much fuss.
Leash walking checklist
Don’t leave the house without these essential items!
- Collar with ID tag
- Properly fitted harness and a lightweight leash
- High-value treats
- Water and a water bowl
- Backpack or carrier
- Familiar blanket
Keep your cat safe
Always be aware of two things:
- Your environment
- Start in a quiet, controlled environment like a yard or balcony and only venture further when your cat is comfortable.
- Pay attention to what’s coming towards you or from behind so that you can prepare before it can startle or scare your cat.
- Keep an eye on what items your cat may eat, such as plants or garbage and redirect them from anything harmful.
- Always be aware of traffic, as it can be alarming to a cat who is not familiar with those sounds.
- Your cat’s behaviour
- Go slow! Keeping the experience positive is critical for long-term success.
- Give them a choice to hide by offering their backpack or carrier on the ground. This is a great way to have them decompress.
Before heading outside with your feline best friend it’s best to see your veterinarian to make sure your cat is healthy, up-to-date on vaccines, and to chat about other recommended treatments such as parasite prevention. Make sure your cat has a permanent form of identification such as a registered microchip plus visible ID (collar and tag) in case of emergency.
More forms of cat enrichment
It is important to note that not all cats will be successful with leash training or want to go outside, and that’s okay! There are many other ways to provide enrichment for your cat:
- Build a catio: These customizable patios for cats are usually enclosed areas that are extensions of your living space and are typically constructed just outside a door or window. They keep both your cat and the wildlife safe!
- Window perches or hammocks: These clever window accessories are a great way to allow them to view the outdoors from the comfort of home. Make sure the screens are secure if the window is open.
- Cat trees or tower condos: Cats love to climb, perch, and scratch. Cat trees/condos are great ways for them to express their natural behaviours and observe their surroundings.
- Cat safe grass: Bring the outdoors in by growing indoor greens that your cat can munch on such as catnip, oat, rye, and wheat.
- Food puzzles: Cats are natural hunters and food puzzles are a great alternative that mimic this behaviour while offering mental stimulation. Don’t have a puzzle? Scattering their food on the floor is a great way to keep their mind engaged.
- Toys: There are so many toys to choose from! Some may move to mimic an animal, while others have feathers or springs. Toys can be complicated or simple, but the important thing to remember is to get what your cat will enjoy. Sometimes, the box the toy came in is what your cat may love best!
Learn more
For more information on how to train your cat to walk on a leash: How do I teach my cat to walk on a leash?
Read more about indoor vs outdoor cats and how to enrich your cat’s life: Should I keep my cat indoors? Is unsupervised outdoor time OK?
For microchip information and to register your pet, visit BC Pet Registry, B.C.’s first provincial pet ID database, owned and operated by the BC SPCA.
To purchase harnesses, collars, toys, and other items, visit BC SPCA shop – For Cats.