Walking your cat on a leash may seem like a fun idea, but it often ends in frustration for both pet and owner. If you’re wondering whether leash training your furry friend is worth pursuing, read on to learn why cats on leashes are generally not recommended.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Leash training cats can be unsafe and stressful for them. Their instincts make them poorly suited for walking on leashes compared to dogs. There are better ways to enrich your cat’s life safely.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explain the key reasons why cats and leashes don’t mix well. We’ll cover cats’ natural instincts, safety concerns, training challenges, and better alternatives for providing your cat enrichment.
Cats Have Different Instincts Than Dogs
Cats and dogs may seem similar as domesticated pets, but their instincts and behaviors are quite different in key ways that make walking a cat on a leash problematic. Understanding some of these key differences can help cat owners see why letting cats wander freely outdoors is not only dangerous for the cat, but unlikely to be an enjoyable experience for either the cat or its owner.
Strong Prey Drive
Unlike dogs that were bred over thousands of years primarily for companionship and work, cats have retained more of their predatory instincts as hunters. According to pet experts, nearly 50% of cats will stalk and hunt prey when allowed to roam freely, even those that are well-fed.
This strong drive means cats are easily distracted and stimulated by even small movements they detect in their surroundings, making leashed walks extremely start-and-stop.
Need to Roam and Patrol Territory
Domestic cats still have the urge to roam and patrol a territory up to 30 acres in size. Trying to limit a cat’s wandering to the scope of a leash walk goes against these deep-seated instincts. Forcing a cat to only patrol a small area marked out by its owner can frustrate the cat and lead to anxiety or problematic behaviors.
According to pet behavior research from ASPCA, these natural roaming instincts explain why up to 60% of pet cats allowed to roam outdoors will attempt to escape or wander beyond their owner’s property.
Startle Reflex
Cats are hardwired to react instantly to sudden noises, movements, or perceived threats in their vicinity. Experts point out that the startle reflex is much more sensitive in cats than most other domesticated animals.
Loud noises, unfamiliar objects, people, or animals can trigger a cat to instantly bolt, leap, or lash out. This is why even cats trained to walk calmly on a leash will likely panic when encountering everyday sights and sounds outside.
Once startled, they can aggressively pull on the leash trying to flee or even slip out of their harness or collar.
Considering these ingrained cat behaviors and instincts, it’s not hard to see why walking a cat on a leash rarely goes smoothly. Dogs can be trained to walk calmly near their owners and understand the limits of a leash.
But for cats, those same leashes confine their ability to patrol, hunt, flee threats, and satisfy their senses as nature intended cats to do. Given the opportunity, most cats will resist and rebel against leashes rather than peacefully take a stroll.
Walking Cats Can Be Unsafe
Risk of Escaping
Cats on leashes are at risk of escaping for several reasons. First, cats are natural hunters with quick reflexes. If they see something interesting like a bird or a mouse, they may bolt without warning and slip out of their collar or harness (ASPCA).
Second, some cats panic when on a leash and try to wiggle free in their state of fear. Lastly, misfitted collars and harnesses can allow a cat to back out and make a run for it.
Vulnerability to Threats
When on a leash, cats are unable to escape threats the way they would normally. For example, an aggressive unleashed dog could attack a leashed cat before the owner has time to pick them up. Cats may also encounter territorial cats outside that they cannot run away from or properly defend themselves against while leashed.
Even cars driving by too close can startle a tethered kitty. Simply put, limiting a cat’s mobility puts them in harm’s way.
Possibility of Accidents
Leashed cats face increased risks of accidents and injuries. Cats walking on a leash may get tangled on objects like bushes or fencing. A spooked cat can also dart into traffic, dragging their owner behind them.
Additionally, leashes give cats more opportunities to climb trees and other dangerous heights where they risk hanging themselves accidentally (Preventive Vet). While rare, leash-related injuries and deaths can and do occur.
For the safety of both owner and cat, indoor only or enclosed outdoor access is best.
Leash Training Is Challenging for Cats
When it comes to leash training, cats are very different from dogs. While most dogs take naturally to walking on a leash with some practice, cats tend to resist and struggle with the process. Leash training requires immense patience and persistence, as cats are independent animals not naturally inclined to walk calmly on a leash.
Training Requires Patience and Consistency
Leash training a cat takes time, consistency and lots of positive reinforcement. It’s important to associate the leash and collar with rewards through treats and praise. Start slow with just having your cat wear a comfortable harness and collar indoors without a leash attached.
As your cat gets accustomed to this, attach a leash periodically while supervising them inside. Work up gradually to leading your cat around indoor areas, then take them outside once they demonstrate calmness on the leash.
This gradual acclimation process could take weeks or months depending on the cat. It’s crucial not to rush or force your cat during leash training, as this causes stress and resistance. Allow them to set the pace and keep sessions brief and rewarding.
With immense patience and consistency, some cats can adapt to walking calmly outdoors on a leash.
Cats Resist Collars and Leashes
Most cats are not introduced to collars at an early age like dogs, so associating any collar or leash with discomfort is common. Cats may resist, rub against or bite collars and leashes in an effort to remove them.
Their flexible bodies and lack of obedience training also make it easier for cats to back out of collars or twist themselves up in leashes compared to dogs.
- According to the ASPCA[1], as little as 10% of cats are estimated to take well to walking on a leash even with extensive training.
- One study found that over half of cats presented with some type of problem behavior when wearing a collar, from shaking their head to self-mutilation attempts to remove it[2].
These instincts make leash training unnatural and highly challenging for the average cat.
Stressful for Many Cats
Forcing collars, leashes or outdoor walks on a cat can be physically and mentally stressful for them. Signs of stress exhibited during leash training may include:
Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs |
Heavy or rapid breathing | Hiding or running away |
Trembling | Aggression like hissing or biting |
Dilated pupils | Meowing, crying or whining |
While some individual cats may take well to leash training, most either tolerate it or are highly stressed by collars, leashes and being outdoors. Forcing an unwilling cat into leash walking usually results more harm than good.
The safest and least stressful option for most cat owners is to enrich their indoor environment with vertical space, activities and access to views outdoors. This allows them to experience mental stimulation and entertainment without the risks or discomfort of collars and leashes.
Better Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Life
Cat Trees and Vertical Space
Providing cat trees, wall-mounted cat shelves, and other vertical spaces allows cats to satisfy their instinct to climb and perch up high. This is tremendously enriching for cats both mentally and physically.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), vertical space offers cats “environmental enrichment by appealing to their natural instincts to perch and climb” (AAFP). Multiple levels of climbing spaces give cats the ability to escape or hide if needed.
In addition, cat trees with built-in scratching posts encourage healthy scratching behavior instead of damage to household furnishings.
Interactive Toys
We all know cats love to play, bat, and pounce! Providing a variety of interactive toys activates a cat’s natural hunting instincts for enriching mental and physical stimulation. Great options include wand toys, battery-operated toys that move randomly to mimic prey animals, treat-dispensing puzzle toys, and basic play sessions with owners using fetch toys like balls or springs.
According to certified animal behavior consultant Mikkel Becker, “Regular interactive play sessions give cats an outlet for their energy and offers them mental and physical stimulation” (Cornell). Be sure to rotate toys to prevent boredom.
Puzzle Feeders
Rather than gulping food from a bowl, puzzle feeders provide an entertaining challenge for cats to work for their food. These feeders tap into feline curiosity and problem-solving skills. There are many styles available, from treat-release balls and wobbling towers to food puzzles with sliding doors or shapes to manipulate.
Certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger states, “Puzzle feeders are useful because they…activate your cat’s brain, stave off boredom, and prevent weight gain that comes from free-feeding.” (The Spruce Pets). Start with easy puzzles and gradually increase the level as your cat learns.
Enjoy the show!
Conclusion
While walking a cat on a leash may sound like a fun idea in theory, in practice it often creates unnecessary stress and risks for cats. Their natural instincts make them poorly suited for leashed walks compared to dogs.
With patience and creativity, there are safer and more enriching ways to provide outdoor time and mental stimulation for your feline friend right at home. So consider alternatives to leash walking that will nurture your cat’s natural behaviors and instincts.