getting cat to walk on lead.?

Question

I have a oriental cat that i paid allot of money for so i don't like to let her outside on her own because it seems to be a big problem now of cats being stolen and we also live near a main road. She is smart but does not like walking on the lead. she will either back away from it when you start to pull on it or fall on the ground and not even make a effort to walk. Is there anyway to encourage her to walk on the lead?

Sorry had other things on my mind at the time. Yes it is meant to be leash not lead ;)

Answer 1

When I was moving home and had a 12 hour drive ahead of us, I trained my previous cat to walk on a harness so that we could stop for toilet breaks without the risk of losing her. I don't think many cats readily accept wearing a harness, you need to be patient with them until they learn to associate it with something enjoyable, such as going outside. I've posted a links below to web sites that offer explain how to do this.

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/ht/leashtrain.htm

http://www.peoriahs.org/catleash.html

Bear in mind, that it will be the cat walking you and not the other way around.

Good luck

Answer 2

Will she walk around with the leash on while in the house? Does she lay down only when you pull? Let her walk around the house till she gets the leash tangled. Then go to her and untangle the leash. Keep repeating this procedure till she gets it that you are the wonderful person that allows her freedom. Cats and dogs learn best when something is fun and enjoyable. Would you like it if someone tried to drag you around? That is the cats perspective. You want to be the person that facilitates her going and doing what she wants.
She may also be afraid of the outdoors? Take things slow and always end on a positive note. Make sure that whenever the leash is put on her she gets some kind of small treat either play or food or going outside. The leash will then represent good things. Take things slow and quit when she loses interest or fights. Always want positive experience.
It may not be possible to get her to "walk" beside you. Some breeds will and some won't. Maybe just sitting on the lawn and playing will be all the fun your cat wants outside. (Leash on of course.) Have fun playing with your cat thats all they really need.

Answer 3

I'm moving back to NY from Singapore where I adopted a cat and I had to start training her to use a leash because at airport security - I have to take her out of the carrier and you know how fast cats can be when they get scared and run. Your cat sounds EXACTLY like mine!!! She would back out of it or just lay there and the only movement she did make was to try to chew off the harness. Surprisingly though, now she uses the harness and leash. This isn't going to be an overnight training session. I first put the harness on my cat without the leash loose enough so she can get out of it if she wanted to and comfortable enough so she doesn't feel restricted and by doing this with my supervision she got the hang of it so I slowly would tighten the harness until it was perfect and then began using the leash - I did all this indoors - now she certainly does not love it but I can get her to use it finally, we've effectively used it outdoors. Remember a cat will lead you, you won't be leading the cat. This is the harness I have http://www.amazon.com/Aspen-Pet-Single-Adjustable-Harness/dp/B000633NPU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9/002-0278643-8885658?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1179660036&sr=8-9 it was recommended by a feline trainer and reduces any chances of kitty choking herself. Good luck!

Answer 4

Head harnesses are the answer. I know you use one right now, but it is the answer until the trainging method below is complete. Once you have successfully and fully trained your dog, you will be able to not use it. Everytime your lunges at a cat, turn around and go back the direction you came from, and once he calms down, go back and try to pass it again. Repeat this until your dog can pass teh cat without reacting to it. Also, reward it everytime he walks past the cat without noticing. This will talk time, and you have to do this often. It's not something he'll master in a day. Just ebcause he does it once, doens't mean he won't try to get the next cat. This will take a long time for it to forge into his head, but it will be worth it.

Answer 5

My cat would chew his own leg off before wearing a lead!! Cats are independent and like their own space without being dragged about on a lead. Dont take it personally. Could you maybe invest in putting a cat run in your garden that way the cat could get exercise and you could keep an eye on your baby!

Answer 6

Well first of all you should let your cat out since it could get killed by a car, another cat or in other cases yes get stolen, but it isn't nice to force your cat into a lead or harness they are free creatures that like their freedom as much as we do. Now if you must put the cat in the lead do it nice and slow and let the cat know its ok, but I don't really believe in leads for cats, save it for the dogs who aren't as fickle about there freedom.

Answer 7

Go to the site KittyHappy.com they have all the answers or read the Best Cat book "Help I'm Just a Kitty!" http://stores.lulu.com/liliwhite

Answer 8

"walking on the lead"? what is that?
if you are talking about a leash, it is quite hard to put a cat on a leash, they are very independent and like to be on their ownh.