Can you walk a cat? Think cats are meant to stay indoors all the time? Think again! With a little effort and understanding, your feline friend can learn to love exploring the outdoors safely on a harness and leash. 

Yes, it's possible! Your cat strolling alongside you on adventures, sniffing new smells, and maybe even chasing a butterfly or two.  Pretty cool, right?

But here's the thing: not all cats are down for this. Some might be too chill, others too timid, and that's okay! It's all about respecting your cat's personality. If they're showing signs that they truly hate it, don't force the issue – your bond with your cat matters more.

But, if you think you have a potential adventure cat on your hands then we’ll lay out the best advice for harness training your cat.

How To Harness Train Your Cat: The Steps

Step Zero: The Cat Harness

Before we even start on how to train a cat on a harness and leash we need to make sure you get the right kit. You can't just use a tiny dog harness for your cat. Those can be dangerous! Cats need a specially designed harness made for their unique feline bodies. These might be figure-eight-shaped or full holster, but they are different to most small dog harnesses.

This type of harness fits comfortably and avoids putting pressure on your cat’s neck, which is super important.

Step One: How To Put a Harness on a Cat

Cats are naturally cautious around new things. So, we're going to take the how to put a cat harness on step slow. Instead of shoving the harness in their face, casually lay it on the floor near their favorite hangout spots.

Sprinkle tasty cat treats around it and let your cat check it out whenever they want. 

This creates something called "positive association"– your cat starts to think, "Hmm, that weird-looking thing leads to snacks!".

Do this for several days or even a week, allowing your cat to get used to the harness before we even try putting it on.

Step Two: Pick The Right Moment

Alright, it's time for the try-on session. Pick a moment when your cat's feeling relaxed – after a yummy meal or a good round of chasing a feather cat toy is always a good bet. Gently slip the cat walking harness onto your cat and unleash a waterfall of praise!  "Good kitty!" and yummy treats will go a long way. 

Start with super short sessions – maybe two or three minutes at first. Over the next few days, gradually make those sessions a little longer.

Step Three: Harness = Pawsome

The goal is for your cat to barely even notice they're wearing the harness. To get there, we'll incorporate it into their daily life. Pop the kitty harness on during their regular meal times – breakfast, dinner, and even snack time.  

Throw on the harness during playtime sessions too! This way, they'll start seeing the harness as a signal that good things are about to happen.

Step Four: Introduce the Cat Leash

Now it's time to add the leash into the mix! Start leash training a cat indoors where it's comfortable and familiar. Attach the kitty leash to the harness and just let your cat drag it around while they explore. Don't tug on the leash or try to guide them. 

Just follow along and make sure they don't get tangled in anything. Keep those treat rewards handy too!  Once they're comfortable walking with the leash trailing behind them for a few minutes, we're ready to take this adventure outside!

Step Five: First Outdoors Adventure

For your cat's first cat harness training outdoor adventure, choose a calm and quiet place. Your backyard or garden is a good starting point, or maybe a peaceful corner of a nearby park. Remember, the world is a huge and exciting place for a cat used to the indoors! 

Let your cat guide you – don't pull on the leash. Your job is to patiently observe and encourage. Your cat might seem frozen in place at first, and that's totally okay! Let them take their time, sniff every new smell, and soak up the sights at their own speed. 

Begin walking your cat on a leash with super short walks –  just a few minutes is enough at first – then gradually increase the time as your kitty becomes more comfortable.

Safety! Of course, if at any time your cat becomes scared or disturbed, especially if another animal such as a dog comes too close, then you must immediately gather them up into your arms. Reassure them and put them somewhere safe out of harm's way.

It's a good idea to have invested in a cat backpack to have on hand. In fact, cat backpack training is very similar in approach to harness training a cat and it makes sense to do both at the same time. Get your cat accustomed to both the leash and the backpack so they are ready for adventure.

Harness Training a Cat: Troubleshooting: 

My cat plays statue the second the harness goes on: Harness training a cat takes patience! Break your sessions into super short chunks right before mealtime –  hunger can be a great motivator.

Harness Training Cat Tips

Always supervise your harnessed cat outdoors.  Even with training, unexpected things can happen!  Cats can be surprisingly good escape artists, so keep a close eye. If you’re worried they will wriggle out of the harness, go for a holster type such as the one we love from Kitty Holster.

Microchips for cats and ID tags are a must!  This is your safety net if your cat gets startled and slips away.  Make sure your contact info on that chip is up-to-date!

Take cat leash training slow and steady.  Each cat progresses at their own pace. Some might master harness training in a couple of weeks, others might need a bit longer. There's no rush!

Keep it positive!  The whole point of this is to have fun with your furry friend and open up new experiences for them. Treats, praise, and patience are the best tools you have.

Harness Training Your Cat: Level Up!

Now that you have the basics of how to leash train your cat down, here are a few extra tips to help your cat become a true harness-walking pro:

Harness Training FAQs

My cat is older. Can they still learn to walk on a harness?

Absolutely!  While kittens might adapt faster, older cats can learn to enjoy harness walks. Just be prepared to take it extra slow and be patient with a senior kitty as they adjust to something new.

How do I know if my cat's harness fits properly?

A well-fitting harness should be snug but not tight. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the harness and your cat's body. If it's too loose, they could wriggle free, and if it's too tight, it'll be uncomfortable.

My cat flops over and refuses to move when I put the harness on. Help!

This is a classic dramatic cat move! Don't worry, it doesn't necessarily mean your cat hates the harness. Keep those training sessions super short, try lots of treats and distractions, and don't force your cat to move. Remember, patience is key!

My cat seems scared during outdoor walks. What can I do?

Take it slow! Start with short walks in quiet areas and gradually increase the time and distractions as your cat grows in confidence. If your cat seems overwhelmed, go back to practicing indoors for a while before trying outdoor adventures again.

Harness Train Your Cat: Final Thoughts

Harness training isn't a solution for every cat. Some cats may simply be too shy or content with their indoor lives, and that's perfectly okay! It takes a cat with the right mix of curiosity and courage along with a dedicated owner willing to be patient and understanding. 

But if your cat seems more interested in the world beyond the window and you're ready to put in the time and effort, harness training can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It's a chance to provide your cat with safe and stimulating outdoor adventures and witness them gain confidence with each walk.  

Whether it's chasing birds, sniffing flowers, or just lazing around (as ever)  in the sun, there's something special about adventuring side-by-side with your feline friend.

Check out our video on harness training your cat.

If you want to check out what are the best harnesses and leashes for your cat, check out the link below...

Best Cat Harness and Leash – 15 Top Rated Harnesses for Cats (2024)