While cats love to explore themselves, it can be a little tricky letting them out if live in an apartment or beside a busy road, making a lead the ideal alternative.
1. Buy a special cat harness where the lead is attached at the back of the harness rather than the neck.
2. Let them get used to the smell and sight of the lead by leaving it near their bed or dish.
3. Over a few days, introduce them to the feel of the lead by gently draping it over their neck and allowing them sniff it.
4. When he/she is used to the feel of it, gently place it on them, but don’t attach the lead just yet.
5. After you have put on and removed the harness a number of times and your cat is used to it, you can now attach the lead.
6. Over a few days, let them get used to the feel of the lead by attaching it to the harness and just allowing it to drag along the ground.
7. Give plenty of treats when they are near or wearing the harness.
8. When your cat is comfortable you can start to hold the lead as they walk around the home, letting them get used to the feeling.
9. When they are ok being restrained you can take them out for a short trip to see how they get on.
10. Gradually increase the length of time you are out, until both of you are comfortable.
