Benefits of walking your Ragdoll on a leash
- Mental stimulation: The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors provide valuable enrichment that can reduce boredom and prevent destructive behavior.
- Physical exercise: Outdoor time helps keep your Ragdoll cat active and healthy, combating obesity and keeping their body in shape.
- Strengthens your bond: Leash walks are a unique bonding experience that builds trust between you and your Ragdoll feline friend.
- Safe exploration: A harness and leash let your Ragdoll safely explore new environments while protecting them from outdoor dangers like cars, other animals, and getting lost.
What you'll need
- A cat-specific harness: Choose a soft, adjustable, and well-fitting harness or walking jacket. Ragdolls like all cats can be escape artists, so a secure fit is crucial.
- A non-retractable leash: A lightweight, non-retractable leash gives you more control and is safer for your Ragdoll kitten or cat.
- High-value treats: Use your Ragdoll’s favorite treats to create a positive association with the training process.
Step-by-step leash training for your Ragdoll
Step 1: Introduce the harness (Indoors)
- Place the harness near your Ragdoll’s food or favorite sleeping spot so they can get used to its presence.
- Once they seem comfortable, put the harness on for just a few minutes before a meal or with a special treat.
- If your Ragdoll “flops” and refuses to move, don’t worry—this is a normal cat reaction. Keep the sessions short and positive. Slowly increase the time they wear it, rewarding calm behavior.
Step 2: Add the leash (Indoors)
- After your Ragdoll kitten or cat is comfortable in the harness, attach the leash and let them drag it around the house under close supervision.
- This helps them get used to the weight and feeling of the leash. Never leave a Ragdoll kitten or cat unattended with a harness and leash on.
Step 3: Practice walking (Indoors)
- Hold the leash loosely and follow your Ragdoll as they walk around inside. Don’t try to pull or lead them.
- Use treats to encourage them to follow you. When they take a few steps in your direction, offer praise and a reward. It’s important to take things at your Ragdoll’s pace.
Step 4: Go outdoors for the first time
- Choose a quiet, safe, and enclosed area, such as a fenced yard or patio, for your cat’s first trip outside.
- Keep the first few sessions very short—just 5 to 10 minutes is enough.
- Let your Ragdoll explore on their terms. Don’t tug or drag them. Simply follow along and let them sniff and investigate.
- If they seem scared, bring them back inside and try again another day. The goal is a positive experience.
What if my Ragdoll still doesn't like it?
- If your cat consistently shows signs of fear—like flattened ears, a swishing tail, or bolting—it may be best to respect their preference.
- Instead, focus on indoor enrichment through toys, cat trees, and window perches to keep them happy and engaged.
What your first time may be like
The Pressler family of Benton, Arkansas took Wiseacres Cosmos out on a leash for this first time and here is what happened…
“Every time we take our dog outside, our little man thinks he is supposed to go, too. He waits at the door when Blake goes to the door, probably because he seems to think he, too, is a dog. So we bought a little harness and leash for him to take him outside in our little backyard area and the results were comical. Blake even captured an “action shot” of him trying to catch a bug.”
He didn’t seem to mind the leash.
His first day on a leash and he is trying to catch bugs! Wiseacres Cosmos is a blue bicolor Ragdoll kitten happily with the Pressler family of Benton, Arkansas.
Trying to catch a bug! Wiseacres Cosmos is a blue bicolor Ragdoll kitten happily with the Pressler family of Benton, Arkansas.
Comos investigates the camera. Wiseacres Cosmos is a blue bicolor Ragdoll kitten happily with the Pressler family of Benton, Arkansas.
The Best Leashes for Ragdolls
When it comes to buying a leash for your Ragdoll cat or 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 Ragdoll 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!
Your future leash walker awaits at Wiseacres Ragdolls!
For over 20 years, we have specialized in raising healthy, beautiful, remarkably friendly and smart Ragdoll kittens. As a TICA Outstanding Cattery, we adhere to the highest standards of care and are committed to placing a limited number of gorgeous Ragdoll kittens in loving homes each year. Located outside Booneville, Arkansas, we are proud to offer Ragdoll kittens for sale that are a true joy to their families.
