Training your cat to walk on a leash: are you up for it?

A cat on a leash? For many, it sounds like pure horror. Yet you might secretly be curious and actually like it, provided your cat gets used to it and you don't mind the staring looks. On social media, you see it more and more: cats going on adventures with their owner wearing a harness.

But how difficult is it actually to get your cat used to such a harness? And who knows... maybe you'll secretly really enjoy walking with your cat. In this blog, you'll find out if it's something for you and your cat, and we'll dive into the pros and cons. And most importantly: how do you go about it?

💬 Cat on the line: ''That looks weird, doesn't it? Why would you do that to yourself?''

Good question. You will undoubtedly get staring looks, or even comments like “Just buy a dog.” Cats are not supposed to be on a
leash, right? But... who actually decided that?

Did you know that dogs have only really been walked on a leash as part of daily life since the 19th century?

Dogs used to work mainly for: hunting, guarding, herding. The idea of a pet for companionship that you 'take out for a walk' is therefore not as obvious as we think. Norms change. We all know why dogs walk on a leash and cats don't: cats are more independent, sensitive, and less inclined to be led.

But that doesn't mean that all cats can't be on a leash, they just need a different approach. Cats react differently than dogs. So don't expect a brisk walking pace like with a dog, it's not about the distance. That's why this requires a lot of patience, calmness, and respecting their pace.

Imagine:

You walk through the forest on a quiet morning. Your cat sniffs a branch, pulls you down a side path. Just you, your cat, and fresh air for a moment. Maybe people glance over. Maybe not. But what does it matter? Your cat is on an adventure. And so are you.

So what if you still want to give it a chance?

If you want to try it, you don't have to care about what other people think. It's okay to do things differently. Cats are curious, intelligent creatures and some love to experience smells, sounds, and movement outside.

You only know if it is something for you if you try it

—C.S. Lewis

Benefits:

Your cat can safely explore the outside world without roaming free
Health benefits: more mental and physical stimulation for indoor cats
A stronger bond with your cat
And above all: you then enjoy fresh air, extra exercise, and peace 💙

⚠️Please note: Some cats find the harness terrible, freeze, or try to wriggle out of it. It is not a failure, it is simply a sign that walking on a leash is not for your cat. And that is completely okay.

Preventing trauma: this is how you start well

The most common mistake? Enthusiastically buying a harness, putting the cat in it, and marching outside. For cats: small steps = success.

Let your cat get used to the harness indoors. Place it on the floor near his favorite sleeping spot or next to the food bowl.
Put the harness on briefly, without the leash, and reward him with some treats.
Build up to longer short moments with his harness on. Let him walk around the house by himself.
When your cat feels a bit more comfortable, you can try attaching the leash to the harness.
Only when he is completely relaxed, try a first step outside. Preferably in your garden or on a balcony.

Does your cat lie down as if it is collapsing? Stop. Take a deep breath. Try again another time. Forcing never works with cats, only patience.

What type of cat is suitable?

Not every cat likes it. And you shouldn't want to force that either. But some cats are naturally curious, energetic, and seek out the door themselves.

Good chance of success:

Confident, young cats
Indoor cats with lots of energy
Cats accustomed to routines and human contact

Less suitable:

Older cats
Cats with unpleasant experiences outside
Cats that quickly panic at loud noises or unexpected movements

Product tip: Start with a comfortable Y-harness (not an H-model) and a light, adjustable strap. Test it at home and make sure it fits well; not too tight and not too loose.

Are you unsure if your cat can handle it?

Then you are exactly where you need to be. Doubt is a good thing, it means you
are thinking about the well-being of your buddy. Start without expectations. No goal,
no endpoint, just enjoy trying it out. Maybe it really won't work.
But maybe it will become a weekly routine after a few months. With
(a lot of) patience, calm, and an open attitude, you will find out if your cat
has walking potential.

And if it doesn't work?

For some cats, a spot on the windowsill is already perfect or on one of our wall systems of course;)

Important tips at a glance:

Not every cat wants or can walk on a leash.
Always start indoors and build up slowly.
Choose the right harness and never force.
Observe: is your cat relaxed or stressed?
Is it working? Then you have a walking buddy for life
And no, you don't have to feel weird, walking with your cat is just next level cat love. And that is definitely something to be proud of!

would you walk with your cat?

Let us know below!

1 reaction

Ich habe 2 Katzen, wobei meine 4-jährige (normale Hauskatze) absolut nicht geeignet ist an der Leine spazieren zu gehen. Als sie Kitten war, habe ich es mehrfach mit Ihr im eigenen Garten versucht, sie ist aber zunehmend schreckhafter geworden. Somit habe ich es bei Ihr dann gelassen.
Meine 2. Katze ist das komplette Gegenteil! Sie ist eine 16 Wochen alte Maine Coon und ein totaler Wirbelwind. Seit 2 Wochen geht sie an der Leine und lernt immer mehr dazu. Wir waren schon bei den Nachbarn auf der Terrasse gesessen, wo sie sich tiefenentspannt 20 Minuten lang hingelegt hat. Sie liebt es bei Regen rauszugehen, etc. Ich bin gespannt wo die Reise hingeht, aber eines steht schon fest: Sie ist eine Katze die als Hund identifiziert :D

BernieAugust 6, 2025