There are many different types of pets that you can take on walks, but what about Ragdoll kittens? In particular, can I take my Ragdoll kitten on a walk with a leash?
Kittens and cats are naturally pretty independent animals and don’t require much attention from their owners. So why would they want to go for a walk? It turns out that there are several reasons!
Ragdoll kittens are predominately indoor cats. Therefore your Ragdoll may enjoy the increased mental stimulation and physical activity that comes from walking and staying active. They may also enjoy the opportunity to explore new environments and meet other people and animals in the world. Spending time outdoors can be very beneficial for all cats by providing them with vitamin D and access to natural sunlight. If they are indoors a lot, your Ragdoll cat will definitely enjoy a good walk since no one likes being pent up inside forever.
Though Ragdoll kittens and cats are very independent felines, many Ragdoll kitten and cat owners have successfully taught them to walk outdoors on a harness and leash, just as you would take a dog for a walk. Ragdoll cats are a breed of kitties that seems to adapt well to walking on a harness and leash. You just need to have patience and put the effort in to train them and the early you start the easier it is to take to it.
Tips to Train your Ragdoll Kitten to Walk on a harness and leash: Start Early
If you plan on leash training your Ragdoll kitten, get them used to wearing a harness from being a kitten, don’t wait until they are grown up. Put the harness on them when they are in the home but do not attach a leash to it. If a kitten is not used to wearing a harness you may find that they will flop at first and even roll around to try and get out of it. If they find it disconcerting then just leave it on them for short periods of time and gradually build the time spent in the harness up. You’ll soon start to see that they don’t even notice they have it on once they have been allowed to get used to it. If your cat is already accustomed to wearing a collar you may find that they will adapt to wearing a harness straight away. Never leave your kitten or cat in a harness unattended.
Take it slowly
Once your Ragdoll kitten has accepted wearing the harness and appears comfortable then you can attach the leash to it. Keep the leash slack and do not try to walk or drag your kitten. Let them be in control. If your kitten seems uneasy distract them before offering up their favorite treats.
Most kittens won’t like practicing on the lead. But if you try it outside, they might get so wrapped up in exploring that they forget about the leash or harness altogether.
Taking Your Kitten Outside On A Leash
When you first take your Ragdoll kitten outside on a leash they may get scared. Especially if this is your Ragdoll kitten’s first time outdoors. Start by visiting some quieter, less busy places where there are interesting smells to sniff around in the hopes of making it more comfortable for your Ragdoll kitten. The initial few times should be short and quiet with plenty of treats to make these new experiences exciting- not frightening! Follow your Ragdoll kitten around wherever they want to go. Do not tug, pull, or drag your Ragdoll kitten by the leash!
Remember that taking it slow will reward you massively as this is all new for your Ragdoll kitten and can be quite scary. When you bring them back indoors give them a special treat for walking on the leash.
What If My Ragdoll Kitten Doesn't Like Going For Walks?
When you are trying to get your Ragdoll kitten to accept the leash or lead, be persistent. It should become obvious after a few tries whether they’ll ever develop an acceptance of it. If your cat is just as agitated and upset about the fourth or fifth venture outdoors with the lead, then it may never adjust to this situation. You can keep trying but there are some Ragdoll kittens who won’t change their attitude toward something like this- if so, don’t push them! On the other hand, if you notice that your Ragdoll kitten seems just a little more at ease every time you go out with the harness on, then keep going.
You may find that eventually your Ragdoll kitten actually enjoys going outside, and gets really excited at the prospect of heading out. Many Ragdoll kitten owners that have successfully trained their kitten and report their kitten runs to them in anticipation of going on a walk as soon as they see their harness and leash out ready. Walking your Ragdoll kitten is a great way to bond with your feline friend and allow them to safely explore the outdoors. However, don’t expect your Ragdoll kitten to follow you exactly like a dog would on a leash. They may get there but don’t count on it!
The Best Harnesses for Ragdoll Kittens
When it comes to buying a leash for your Ragdoll kitten, the best options are a harness or walking jacket. It is important to get a well-fitting harness that your Ragdoll kitten cannot escape out of. A scared kitten will very likely run away from you and potentially come into harm’s way. Once a kitten or cat escapes it’s very difficult to catch him or her again, as cats are agile and able to get through small spaces easily, not to mention their jumping abilities.
Shop carefully, try one on in a pet store or read Amazon reviews online to find the harness that works best for your Ragdoll kitten!
Wiseacres Ragdoll Kittens is a small boutique breeder and a TICA Outstanding Cattery of Ragdoll kittens for sale located outside Booneville, Arkansas. For over 20 years we have a breeder of Ragdoll kittens that are outstandingly beautiful, friendly and healthy. We only raise a small number of Ragdoll kitten litters per year with a limited number of Ragdoll kittens for sale.
