Cat Collars and Leashes Buying and Using Guide

All cats enjoy being able to explore nature. The problem is that whether you live in the city or in a rural area there are many different dangers lurking about. As dog owners use a leash to walk their dogs and let them enjoy being outside, so too can cat owners. It isn’t very often you will see someone walking a cat on a leash, but contrary to popular belief, they can be leash trained. With a little patience and the right equipment, you and your cat can start enjoying the wondrous offerings nature provides.

Cat collars are not manufactured for purposes of holding a leash. Most cats’ collars are decorative accessories cat lover’s use to display their unwavering affection for their feline companion. Other uses for cat collars include holding identification tags, these tags can help if your cat is lost or stolen by providing essential and identifying information. There is, however, one other use for a cat collar and this reason is to warn unsuspecting birds of your cats approach. A simple little bell attached to a collar is an ingenious and affordable way to protect the bird population.

The reason a cat collar is not compatible with a leash, is that a cats head is shaped in such a way that one slight tug on the leash and the collar will simply come off. If you desire to start walking your cat, the best piece of equipment to use is a cat harness. A cat harness is manufactured and designed to stay securely on a cat at all times including when the harness is attached to a leash.

When purchasing a harness for your cat, there are several styles, colors and price points to consider. Some are made of nylon and can easily be wiped clean, while others are more along the designer line and are made to look like a well fitted and padded vest. Whichever brand or color you choose, it is extremely important to make sure it is adjustable for your cat’s safety and comfort.

While cat leashes also come in various color and material choices, there are typically two kinds available. A standard leash is just that, no extra added features or enhancements. A retractable leash on the other hand, offers cat owners the ability to offer their cats, a wider range of length in order to explore with the added security of knowing the cat is still safe in a traffic fee area or walking to and from your home. Whichever model of leash you choose, it is important to ensure that it is lightweight so your cat can easily maneuver while it is attached.

Unlike the common technique of negative reinforcement when teaching a dog to walk on a leash, cats do not respond in the same way. Cats require constant positive feedback in order to grasp the concept you are trying to teach them. Offering your cat praise when he has accomplished what you want and ignoring him when he has not performed well, are the best practices when introducing the concept of leash walking. Cats are very fast learners, however, they are fickle so don’t expect a perfect response to your commands every time.

The best age to start introducing the concept of leash walking is when kittens are about eight to ten weeks of age. Start by placing your cat in the harness while he is roaming around the house. This allows him time to become acquainted with the feeling of having it on. After you have done this for a couple of days, it is now time to add the leash. Do not add pressure to the leash, just allow him to walk around the house, getting comfortable with it being there, but be sure to watch your cat to ensure the dragging leash does not get caught on anything that could be potentially dangerous or life threatening.

When your cat has had a couple of days to get used to the harness and the leash, the next step is to pick it up. Using a small amount of pressure on the leash, call your cat to you, if he complies, offer him a heaping amount of praise and affection. After a few days, you and your cat should be ready to venture out and enjoy the great outdoors.

         

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