Cats are more open to learning new things when rewards are at stake. Don’t worry if it takes days or even weeks to move on from step one; sometimes, going back one or two steps to relearn something that got fuzzy is essential.

Familiarize your cat with their harness

Help your cat feel comfortable around their harness before putting it on them. To do this, place the harness on the floor and allow your cat to explore it at their own pace. Reward them with treats or praise as they approach it and interact with it, like sniffing it.

Next, pet your cat, placing the harness against their fur rather than your hand. If the harness makes any sounds (like a snap or Velcro), make the noise and immediately reward your cat with a treat or praise. Repeat this process until your cat shows no negative reaction to the sounds or touch of the harness.

Finally, it’s time to put the harness on your cat, but we’re not going outside just yet! Start with short periods of your cat wearing the harness indoors, gradually increasing the duration.

Pro tip: Don’t be surprised if your cat freezes or flops over at first. Use a positive tone to show them it’s not scary and encourage them to approach you with a tasty treat. Keep encouraging your cat to do fun things while wearing their harness, like play or eat a meal.

Connect the leash to the harness

Repeat the above steps using the leash, including desensitizing your cat to the sight, sounds, and feel. Once your cat shows no negative reactions, attach the leash to their harness while staying indoors. As with introductions to their harness, keep sessions short at first, building up to more time and more fun activities.

Pro tip: Encourage your cats to explore while wearing the harness and leash for this step. For example, let them into a room they’re not normally allowed in (a closed-off portion of our basement). Alternatively, keep your cat in a familiar space and scatter treats for them to find, encouraging them to walk around the house wearing their leash and harness.

Purchase a cat-friendly backpack

For your cat’s backpack, follow the same steps you used for the harness and leash. By leaving the backpack out at all times, your cat might find that it’s a safe, cozy place to nap. Encourage them to jump into their backpack with the help of clicker training and/or treats.

Have all that down? If so, it’s time to pick up the backpack with your cat inside and walk around the house.

Pro tip: If you plan to drive to walking spots with your cat, now is a good time to desensitize them to the car and car rides:

• Walk to the car: Carry your cat in their backpack to the car.
• Sit in the stationary car:Place your cat in a parked car, secured in their backpack. Turn on the engine for short periods, gradually increasing the duration.
• Go for a short drive: Once comfortable with the parked car, take your cat for short drives in their backpack.

Take leash-training outdoors

All that work you and your cat have done indoors is about to pay off! For your first walk with your cat outside, avoid busy parks, streets with traffic, or wide-open spaces that might feel overwhelming. Your balcony, porch, or a quiet corner of your backyard are all great first-walk choices.

Keep the first few walks brief and positive. Dr. Turano says once your cat feels safe outside, you can gradually increase the walking distance. Importantly, let your cat decide the pace and direction of exploration. This might mean not going very far, but it will help them feel in control, which cats love.

Pro tip: Discourage door dashing by teaching your cat to sit at a designated spot before clipping on the leash. Rather than allowing your cat to walk over the threshold of the door themselves, pick your cat up and set them outside or place them in their backpack to take them outside.

Do Some Cats Like Leash Training More Than Others?

Cats of all ages can learn how to walk on a leash and harness, but Dr. Turano says their success depends on their personality and your approach. Some cat breeds are known for being more outgoing, curious, or water-loving than others, which may make them more accepting of leash training

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