HOW TO MAKE YOUR CAT WALK ON A LEASH

Can a cat be walked on a leash? Ok, stop laughing. Cat's are smart, just see here for proof. (Ok dogs, be quiet.)  Actually, with a little care and patience leashing a cat can be done.

When did you last see a cat on a leash? Rolling your eyes? It’s understandable because most cats refuse this kind of “treatment”. You can't just slap a leash on them and expect them to cooperate. If you try to yank them around, like some people yank their dogs, then you're going to have some problems.

So why bother with a leash anyway? Maybe just to look different. Maybe to let your kitty experience the outdoors without your worrying about her getting lost, hit by a car, or other problems. Also, if you can leash train your cat you can walk around with the same sort of superior air that your cat is so good at displaying. (In ancient Egypt cats were the next best thing to Gods, and they've never forgotten that!)

Anyway, this is exactly why patience is the first crucial factor. It is obvious that the cat will not take the suggestion or a leash without some kind of argument, unless you present it correctly.

Buy a collar for the cat and try to get her used to it. Make sure that it is loose enough to let her breathe and tight enough that it won't easily rub off. Let her just wear it around the house at first. It may take a few days for her to get used to the new collar. The same thing needs to be done with the leash. at first get her used to it, a few minutes at a time. You don't even have to go anywhere, you just want her to realize that it isn't a threat.

After a few days, encourage her by walking short distances on the leash, tempting her with a toy or some food. Then get out of the house for short walks. Increase distance one day at a time. Pick quiet places and, over time, make sure she gets used to the outside street noise. Also, be careful of dogs. In our neighborhood there are plenty of people walking their dogs and some of those will react to the cat. If your neighborhood is more cat friendly then go for it.

Eventually you can try to get her to walk with you on longer walks, or maybe even when you go shopping. (Then you'll really be superior!) 

In time you can make her accept routes with intense traffic, but it is important for her to feel safe and to understand that she can rely on you. And if she wants to run around a little, make sure the collar isn’t too rigid.
 
You can even place a bell on her collar to find her easier in case she escapes or hides behind a bush. It will stop her from hunting, which you may prefer anyway, but you'll be able to find your cat even if she runs away or escapes from the leash. (You might also ask your vet about ID chips or GPS collars.)