A Cat on a leash. Is it possible?
By Jeltroy
@Jeltroy (107)
United States
September 7, 2011 3:44am CST
One of the most fascinating experiences in my life happened when I was young. I saw the neighbor lady across the street from where I lived walking her two cats on a leash. I was so curious that I followed her, without letting her know, so I thought. She would stop every so often to let her cats investigate their surroundings and sometimes do their business. I would duck behind a bush or a light pole, like that would really hide me. But at 11 years old, I didn't care. I was having too much fun. Imagine, cats walking on a leash!
When she returned and settled in her rocker on her front porch, she called me over to sit next to her. Her cats, Tabby and Bert, were lying calmly by her feet. I asked her how it was possible for a cat to walk on a leash. She said that it took a lot of patience, from the owner and the cat. Then I asked her why she wanted to walk her cats on a leash. She simply replied "Freedom". "But how can animals be free when they're on a leash?" I asked. She explained that rather than keep her cats locked up in the house all day, they can now enjoy the outside, safely, without the threat of being hit by a car or running away.
I asked if she would teach me how to walk my cat on a leash. She said she would, but then I heard my mom calling me. I wish I could have stayed longer. I wish I had shown more interest in the neighbor lady across the street and her amazing cats, but my 11 year old life got in the way. She passed away a few weeks later.
I think about her sometimes and her amazing cats. But I especially think about how I missed a chance to learn from her.
How many of you have amazing cat stories to tell?
2 people like this
6 responses
@cowgirl03051979 (918)
• United States
8 Sep 11
it is possable to teach a cat to walk on a leash however not every cat can do this the cat must be very friendly because compared to dogs (dogs goal in life is to please the human) cats are indepentant and their goal in life is to please theirselves. so an antisocial indepentant cat will most likely not be leash trainable. a good way to train a cat to do anything is using a jar of turkey baby food. (regular turkey human baby food) this is cheap costing only about 50 cents depending on the size of the jar. cats love the taste and it is very healthy and not fattening for cats.
@Jeltroy (107)
• United States
8 Sep 11
I agree. Cats can be very tempermental. And some kind of inducement is a great idea. But I think it takes more than just tempting the cat with baby food or treats. You should get them use to the collar or harness and leash. Try putting on the harness only and let the cat walk around the house for a couple of days with it on. Let them get use to the feel of it. Then maybe attach the leash and let it drag along with them for a while. But keep an eye on the cat so the leash won't get tangled on anything. Then maybe with a few treats, he'll let you pick up the collar and you can start leading him around the house.
I think the hardest part will be when you first take him outside. Remember, there will be new sights and sounds that your kitty won't be use to. Maybe stand with him just outside the door, with the door open, and let him get use to his new environment. Let him take the lead. If he wants to venture further, just follow along with leash in hand. By keeping the door open, he knows he can always run back inside for safety, if he wants to. (Remember to let go of the leash if he runs back inside). I think if you do this slowly and consistantly, you just might be the first on your block to walk your kitty on a leash. You'll be the talk of the neighborhood.
@MomofLucas (50)
• United States
7 Sep 11
I could never get my cats to walk on a leash. I can't even get them to keep a collar on. When I lived in a townhouse with a small fences in backyard I would let them outside so that they could have some freedom, but now that I've moved to a place with on fence I'm scared that if they get outside they will be gone.
@Jeltroy (107)
• United States
7 Sep 11
Writing my little story last night got me to remember more about my encounter with the lady (sorry, can't remember her name. But I do remember she was French). Anyway, I remember seeing a harness on the cats. They were cloth, probably made for a small dog. Got me to thinking that that would probably be a good way to train cats to use a leash. It's kinda hard to slip out of a harness. Also, try using a light weight cloth leash. Maybe I'll give it try myself.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
5 Jun 12
Yes, it really is possible to teach a cat to walk on a leash. I myself taught my last cat how to do just that. I got him used to it when he was a kitten and took him everywhere with me. So he was used to riding in the car as well. As soon as my husband and I got in, he'd go to his spot which just happened to be my husband's shoulders. LOL It was definitely a sight to see. 
@knicnax (2233)
• Philippines
7 Sep 11
wow! I tried walking my cat on a leash but it was tough. Aki kept pulling away and wriggling out of the leash! (smart girl!).
Too bad you didn't learn from her but you can try right? I'll try walking my cat and see what happens
@astroversion (210)
• Philippines
7 Sep 11
Yes its possible, depending on the breed and temperament of the cat. I just saw a show on Animal planet titled "Must love cats". They featured a certain breed: Bombay. Experts said that this breed can be put on a leash and even featured an owner with his cat on the leash. I find it amazing because I never thought cats could handle a leash because of their nature.
@haopee (493)
• Philippines
7 Sep 11
This is adorable Jeltroy!
I've actually heard of cats being on a leash. Rather than freeing them to walk around without anyone to see if they are safe, wouldn't it be nice to be able to supervise them and enjoy what they're doing ourselves?
I think the lady was right about the freedom. She seem to know how to meet her cats halfway- meaning she allows them to go on walks but at the same time she doesn't allow them to roam around in the neighborhood. Even I would definitely enjoy talking to her.
Well, at least you've learned something new and in another person's view. That's a lifetime story worth telling.
