Mary Allen
Walks on a leash are no longer just reserved for dogs. If you want to walk your pet, all you need is good equipment – and a lot of patience.
On a summer’s day in 2015, the New York subways stood still for a short time, and 83 trains were delayed. The reason: Cat George walked back home from the vet with his owner, broke his leash for fear of an approaching train, and fled onto the tracks. Police halted train traffic until the terrified four-legged friend, snuggled on Officer Brian Kenny’s shoulders, was carried out of the dangerous shaft.
The story, which made headlines across America and made the little black cat overnight famous, not only inspires sympathy for the New York City Police Department but also illustrates two important lessons when it comes to cats and walking them on a leash. First, avoid subway shafts when traveling with a cat. Second: Invest in a solidly made, perfectly fitting harness or a so-called walking jacket.
The latter originally come from the USA, where cats are walked far more frequently on a leash than in this country. They are considered to be particularly escape-proof and distribute the pressure evenly if the cat pulls on the leash. Flexible leashes are well suited for smaller dogs, as they give the cat a certain amount of freedom. Collars are taboo. For one thing, cats like to slip out of the tapes. On the other hand, there is a risk of strangulation.
But you should only think about the equipment if you are sure that you have the time and desire to go for regular walks yourself – even in winter. Because the cat likes the excursions, it will almost certainly insist that they take place. And, if that doesn’t happen, express your frustration cat-like with constant meowing, scratching at the door, or uncleanliness. You should also avoid the walk project if the cat is anxious, ill, has not been vaccinated, or is very old, reacts stressed to changes, and is reluctant to be carried in your arms or in the transport basket.
In general, young kittens are even more open to new adventures. Some breeds such as Savannahs or Siamese are considered to be particularly well suited, also because of their high urge to move, their great self-confidence, and the close relationship they can develop with the owner. “In character, Savannahs are a mix of cat and dog. They are very people-oriented, intelligent, curious, active and they learn quickly – characteristics that make them more predestined for a walk on the leash than other cat breeds,” says Corina Müller-Rohr, Savannah breeder from Rudolfingen ZH.
Outside in the Transport Basket
She herself lets her breeding animals out into the fresh air in large outdoor enclosures, also because she absolutely wants to prevent one of the unneutered cats from escaping and breeding uncontrollably. “But several of our kittens go for walks with the new owners. Especially if the animals are used to it from an early age, they can enjoy nature, the sun, and the foreign smells on the leash and walk a few steps.»
In order for this to succeed, the cat must first be accustomed to its harness and then to the leash in many short training sequences. This works with patience, praise, and treats. Catch games can distract from the unfamiliar wearing comfort. With dishes, the cat should always be supervised in the apartment so that it doesn’t get caught anywhere. The first attempts at walking on a leash also take place in your own four walls. Only when this works without problems does it go out into the wide world, which should be your own garden or a quiet park area without too many dogs, especially at the beginning – so as not to stress cats and humans unnecessarily.
Even if the excursion destination is right outside the door, Anita Kelsey, behavioral therapist and author of specialist books from London, recommends always carrying the cat outside in the transport basket – the harness and leash are already attached. «This point is very important. Because if you let her go through the front door, she’ll try to escape every time you open the door later on,” says Kelsey, who herself walks her two cats every day. In addition, a transport basket is also useful when you are out and about: if the cat is startled, it becomes a place of refuge.
As a rule, the cat leads. Anyone who decides to carry the cat in their arms should put a thick towel on their shoulder – even the dearest cat can stretch out its claws in a panic. Dogs should be avoided, just like train stations and main roads, and cats should be picked up once too many times. Climbing trees is fun but dangerous because the line can get tangled in the branches. Just like outdoor cats, an indoor cat with a leash should be dewormed and treated for ticks and other vermin.
The Pace is Set by the Cat
“The cat should be allowed out of the carrier at its own pace,” says Kelsey. Motivating with treats and feather feathers is allowed. Outside, the cat can then explore the new, exciting world and determine the pace and direction as far as possible. The owner pays attention to their safety and that neither the harness nor the leash gets caught anywhere. In the beginning, 15 minutes is enough. From time to time you can admire cats on YouTube that almost walk on foot and even accompany their owners on hikes in the mountains and through the city center.
In general, however, if you dream of kilometer-long, purposeful walks, it is better to get a dog and not a cat. “That’s why I don’t walk my two cats at the same time — it’s just too likely they’ll want to walk in different directions,” says Kelsey. “As a rule, it’s more the case that it’s not the human who leads the cat, but the cat the human.”