Is it right or not to bring the cat on a leash?

It is no longer very rare to see cats on a leash. But is it good to bring the cat on a leash? Could he suffer from it? What do we run into?

Cat on a leash yes or no?

Many new cohabitants of cats are wondering if they can take the cat out on a leash, both to indulge his desire to explore, and to encourage physical exercise. But is it good to bring the cat on a leash? Could he suffer from it? What do we run into?

It is no longer so rare to come across people carrying the kitten in their arms or on a leash. This is particularly surprising, because we know that cats are animals that love to be quiet, they are very free and not very easy to train. Yet it often happens to see them walking on a leash and hence the big question: is it right to post the cat on a leash?

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Cats on a leash yes or no

And here the answer to this question comes from one of the most authoritative pro-animal associations, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. RSPCA specialists generally do not recommend the use of a leash for walking the cat. In fact, unlike dogs, cats are not very sociable. Also, the presence of extraneous odors and noises could be stressful. Not to mention the encounter with other animals, such as dogs, which may bark and scare them.

However, there are cases in which you can try to accustom the cat to go on a leash to allow him to safely visit the areas surrounding the house, such as the garden or the courtyard. While it is strongly not recommended to take the cat for a walk on the street or in the park.

Leash yes only if ...

In some situations the leash could be useful and help the cat to get to know the environment around the house without risking that it escapes! Some cats, in fact, have a particular propensity to explore the outside and you can see in them a particular desire to jump out and have a nice adventure! However, not all gardens are well insulated, with nets or high walls, and jumping over the fence could end up being a tragedy.

This desire can be particularly strong in cats that have grown up outdoors or in cats that have not been neutered. In these cases, then you could try to get them used to the leash to introduce them to the outdoor areas adjacent to their home, let them smell nature and play with plants and insects. But beware of plants that are poisonous to cats.

Since the cat would come into contact with an unclean environment where other animals live, one must be sure that he has all the up-to-date vaccinations. The use of flea and tick repellents is also recommended.

Finally, it is best to avoid taking out cats that have grown up indoors and have no intention of going out. If they are so happy why bother them? If we want them to move a little, there are so many ways to entertain a cat and make him play!

What kind of cat leash

Absolutely avoid neck leashes. They are not suitable and are dangerous. Both because the cat could escape by managing to get its head out of the collar. Both because he could choke. It is best to use a type harness harness, specific for cats.

How to accustom them in a respectful way

Cats do not like constraints and we know that they are very free and unwilling to train. However, you can try to familiarize the cat on a leash with the game. We know that these little furry ones love to play catch the threads. Then you could start like this and then give some small prizes. Later, when the cat has already left its scents on the leash, you can try to have it wear it at home. When we see that the cat is calm then he can take himself to the garden. Once back, it will be good to give him something good to eat to reward him and stimulate a positive association with the event.

How to behave once out

It is important to remember that the cat, unlike the dog, does not follow the owner. Once outside, you have to indulge him and allow him to smell and explore the environment. No you have to yank or pull him to make him walk where we want, because he won't like it, he could get hurt or fall.

If we have to walk to reach a place, it is best to pick him up and let him go only when we are sure he has the peace of mind to move as he pleases.

The first few exits should be short, to avoid strong stress. So once home, reward and relax!

Finally, if it is true that the cat may have the need or the curiosity to go to the garden, rather than the leash, the ideal would be to equip the yard with a suitable fence. In this case it should be more than two meters high and with roofs protruding inwards to prevent it from jumping over the fence. In this way he can wander around safely without the risk of getting lost.

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