A cat, not unlike a dog, does not need walks. But when the weather turns sunny and warm, many cat lovers feel a pang of remorse that their pet is living the life of a recluse, somewhere far away from grass and fresh air.
Walks add variety to a cat’s daily life. Veterinarians believe that it is boredom that can lead to many behavioural changes in a cat, such as tearing up furniture or licking its fur excessively. They like to be introduced to new things, so for a domestic cat, a walk outdoors is an opportunity to push the boundaries of their world.
But remember, before going for walks with your cat, it’s a good idea to get your pet vaccinated. Vaccinations will reliably protect your pet against common diseases.
It is easiest to accustom a young animal to walks when it is able to see the game. However, adult cats and kittens can also be trained to walk on a lead if they are given warmth by their owner, consistency and sensitivity to your pet’s mood.
To allow your kitten to run around in the fresh grass at will and not risk losing its feet in the nearest cellar doorway, it is best to lead it with a special brace for cats.
Ammmunize
Before you start training your kitten to go for walks, you should buy special braces and a leash. A collar is not necessary for such walks: cats, unlike dogs, have neck muscles that are weak enough to cause strain or even serious injury to the cat. The brace is made up of two joints instead of a collar, which are attached to the neck and abdomen of the animal. The ring for the leash is located between the cat’s shoulders. There are also braces consisting of a single strap, which is placed in a figure of eight.
They are also very comfortable for walks. It is easy to find the right size – two fingers should fit easily between the brace and the cat’s body. Braces for cats are usually mademade from lightweight materials such as nylon or cotton. Leather, however soft, can be uncomfortable and heavy for a cat. A leash made of nylon or cotton is also more comfortable. It should be 2-2.5 metres. Roulette leashes, which are designed for small dogs, can also be used.
Instruction
However, it is sometimes very difficult to accustom even the simplest domestic cat to a weightless synthetic leash, as some of them react too painfully to being restrained. But, in spite of everything, teaching a cat to walk on a leash is not an exercise for anyone. It will be useful when going to the vet, on transport and in other similar situations.
Getting your cat used to a harness or leash starts at home. The first thing to do is to introduce an unfamiliar object – let the cat sniff the brace. This object can be left near her resting place for a few days.
At first, only the brace is placed on the animal, without a leash. The reaction can range from complete indifference toand desperate attempts to get out of this harness. If the cat is too anxious, it should be distracted with something to pet it, play with it, or put something tasty at the other end of the room. The first lesson should be short and it is important to remove the harness not when the cat starts to show displeasure, but on the contrary, when the cat has relaxed.
The braces should be removed from time to time during the first lessons to get the cat used to moving freely with them. If the cat is left alone in the house, the ammunition is removed. To help her get used to the braces and feel comfortable, put them on before feeding or during play – she will associate the presence of a foreign object on her body with something pleasant, and the process of eating or playing will distract her from the unusual feelings that she may have felt at first.
Even the slightest success should be rewarded with a treat and praise. However, scolding and punishing the cat is not to be done.
Once the cat is free to walk around with a brace, a leash can be attached to the cat and try to find your way around the rooms.The owner should not drag the cat with him – he should follow him. Once the pupil is used to walking on a lead, you can try to call him where you need him to go. Do not pull or stretch the leash under any circumstances, as the cat will lie on the ground as soon as it feels the tension. You need to gently invite him to follow you, with a treat or an interesting toy.
Walks
After your cat has got used to the lead, you can take her for her first walk. It is a good idea to have other members of the household with you, as this will give the tail-walker more confidence.
A secluded spot in a park is best for your cat’s first walk, where it will not be frightened by dogs or large crowds of people. A noisy city street or dense bushes, where the leash can get tangled, are not suitable for this purpose. The pet should be carried to the place to be walked in a crate, a bag or on your arm, but always with a harness and a leash on.
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