How to Leash Train a Cat

Step 1: First you need to choose your leash and halter combination.  Putting a leach on a regular collar is not a good idea because your cat can quite easily slip it's head through the opening.  If you get a halter, which can either be specifically fitted for a cat or you can opt to purchase a small dog halter, the cat has a much harder time figuring out it's escape route.

Step 2: Put the halter on your cat and just let him/her wander around the house getting used to the feel of the contraption.  Some cats will just lie down and other will run become restless.  I started Samo at a young age so that she would grow accustomed to it a bit faster but any age should work. It's just a matter of patience.

Step 3: Attach the leash. Do with the least what you did with the halter. Just let the cat get used to the feeling.
It may take several times before your cat treats the leash and halter combination with relative indifference.

Step 4: Begin to hold the leash (we're still inside the house at this point) and let the cat get used to that pressure. Guide your cat in certain directions.  Cats, by nature, are not inclined to do as they are told or to follow but if you patiently guide them they will listen.  Samo has a tendency to follow me around anyway so the leash was just a way to secure her whilst outside.  If I begin to tug on the leash she will simply lie down and purr - a bit of friendly defiance.

Step 5: Once your cat is happy with Step 4 - take your cat outside.  The new noises and smells will likely overwhelm your cat and I would not expect your cat to go very far at first.   But the experience is the important part. 

Step 6: Gently ease your cat into short walks around your yard, block, neighborhood.  Your cat will appreciate the exercise and the new stimulus.  After a few walks you will notice a healthier cat: both physically and mentally.

Have fun!!