Cats can be trained to walk on a leash

Believe it or not you can train your cat regardless of age. It is best to start as young as possible but an older cat can learn new things. Our feature pet this week is an eight week old kitten now named Boots. He is at the perfect age to start leash training. Begin with brief training periods, from one to five minutes is plenty at this age. Always end on a positive note, with treats or play. Make the training session positive and fun. For harness training start out with putting the harness on the kitten (or cat) and just have them wear it until they get used to it. Remove it only after the cat or kitten has stopped noticing it on them. Do this four of five times a day. Once the pet is used to the harness add a leash but do not put tension on the leash. Depending on the cat this can take one to twenty sessions before you can apply a little pressure to the leash. Have the cat walk on the harness and leash with as little pressure as possible in the beginning. Gradually increase your control, gently, until your pet is walking comfortably. As long as training sessions are done in a positive and calm manner they are quite successful. If you find yourself or your pet becoming frustrated, stop the session. But make sure you do something pleasing for the pet at the end of the session such as a treat or attention. The idea when training cats and kittens is to make it rewarding and have them want to do what you are asking them to do.