A cat won’t walk on a leash, right? Actually, they will! If you’re keen to walk your Maine Coon on a leash, read on!
Most cats are trainable, and Maine Coons are especially open to being trained. They are famous for having a “dog-like” personality. This concept of walking your cat on a leash is a relatively new one, but increasing in popularity. It allows your cat to enjoy the great outdoors yet be safe from harm.
With their intelligence and dog-like personalities, Maine Coon cats are perfect for training to walk on a leash.
Training any cat to walk on a leash takes patience and planning. Following a few steps, you can successfully train your Maine Coon to go out into the world with you.
Both you and your Maine Coon will reap the benefits that come along with leash training.
Many cats love to experience the outdoors, but the environment is only sometimes safe to explore. Walking on a leash provides your curious and playful feline with an outdoor adventure.
AND You get to spend more time bonding with your adorable Maine Coon. What’s not to love?
Why Teach Your Maine Coon to Walk on a Leash?
Stimulation
There are many benefits to teaching your Maine Coon to walk on a leash. Maine Coon cats, especially, are active and can get bored quickly. The outdoors provides your cat with much-needed stimulation.
Release Some Energy
Your Maine Coon can burn off more energy on walks and perhaps exert less energy being destructive indoors, zooming from room to room in her middle-of-the-night escapades.
Health
Exercise is vital for your Maine Coon’s health. Not only does it improve her mental health by reducing the likelihood of anxiety and depression, but exercise also reduces the chances of your cat developing conditions like arthritis and obesity.
Danger-Free Enrichment
Outdoor activity is an excellent way for your indoor Maine Coon to stay active and get exposure to the exciting and enriching outdoor world without the dangers she would encounter outside on her own.
Is a Maine Coon Easy to Train?
Yes, Maine Coon cats are easy to train compared to other cat breeds, and they are typically much more playful and social.
Due to the Maine Coon’s fun and friendly personality, your fluffball will likely enjoy walking on a leash, meeting new friends, seeing new places, and smelling different scents.
Maine Coons also enjoy lots of attention, so training can be a fun time for them and a bonding time for you both. And, of course, your cat is going to love the snacks that go along with training!
At What Age Should You Begin Leash Training?
Start Young
It is best to start training your Maine Coon while she is still young. Kittens are easier to convince because they aren’t set in their ways.
Still, even older Maine Coons are relatively easy to train. Watching your cat’s reaction is the best way to gauge if your older Maine Coon likes or hates the harness and leash.
Don’t Force It
You never want to force an indoor cat to go outside if scared or uncomfortable. Some cats always prefer to be indoors, and that’s perfectly fine.
Otherwise, if you think your Maine Coon may enjoy outdoor time, don’t let her age stand in your way.
Essential Items To Start Leash Training
Some items will make your ultimate goal of leash training your Maine Coon much easier to achieve:
- Clicker – preferably with a target stick to get your cat’s attention
- Treats – Maine Coons are very treat-motivated.
- Leash – A nylon leash is best because it’s lightweight. A bungee style will allow your Maine Coon cat to venture farther away.
- Backpack/Cat Carrier – to transport your cat to a safe location to walk around and to provide your cat a safe place to return to if a situation is dangerous or uncomfortable
- Harness – either an “H” or lead-type harness for smaller cats or a vest-style harness, also called a cat holster, for larger cats
Never Attach A Leash To A Cat Collar!
This is extremely dangerous. You must attach the leash to a cat harness.
Things to consider when buying a harness:
- It is more difficult to get out of the vest-style harness, and that type can make your cat too hot in the summer. Buy one with a breathable fabric.
- An adjustable harness will help ensure a perfect fit.
- Consider buying a harness without velcro if you can find one, as your Maine Coon’s long fur could get caught in it and cause discomfort.
- Reflective material is a wise option to make your cat easier to see.
- Ensure the harness fits your Maine Coon properly. You should be able to fit two fingers under your cat’s harness. If you can fit over two fingers, your cat can escape it. If it’s too tight, it will make it difficult for her to breathe or even strangle her.
Make Sure You Measure Your Maine Coon Before Buying A Harness
It is essential to measure your Maine Coon before purchasing a harness.
The best method is to use a tape measure and measure the circumference of her body directly behind her front legs. A smaller Maine Coon will range from 11-14 inches, while a full-grown one can be 20 inches or more!
Steps to Train Your Maine Coon to Walk on a Leash
1. Start With The Clicker
To start your Maine Coon training, you want her to learn to associate the sound of the clicker with a treat.
Starting with a small trick, like learning to sit, is helpful. When you notice your Maine Coon sit down, click the clicker and give her a tasty treat. Eventually, your feline will understand the connection between the action (the sitting) and the reward (the treat).
Once she understands, you should stop giving the treat when she sits on her own. Instead, only give her a treat when you use the clicker to command her to sit.
2. Get Your Maine Coon Comfortable Around The Harness
Put the harness next to your cat. Give your Maine Coon treats whenever she smells the harness or plays with it.
3. Introduce Your Maine Coon To Wearing A Harness.
Next, you want to put the harness on your Maine Coon. Distract her with treats, and try to put the harness on her.
If she resists, try again when she is sleeping and less likely to fight or run. You won’t want to force her into it because a negative experience will make her avoid it altogether.
Once you get the harness on your Maine Coon, see how she reacts. Your cat will probably not like it initially, so don’t be alarmed. She may fall over at first and then wobble around, unsteady on her feet, which are normal responses for cats.
Only keep her in it for 5 -10 minutes the first time.
Add another 5-10 minutes daily to the time she’s in the harness, working up to an hour over the next 10 days to 2 weeks.
Eventually, she will be at ease in the harness, comfortable enough to sleep in it.
4. Attach The Leash To Your Maine Coon’s Harness.
Hooking the leash onto the harness is the next step. You won’t want to hold the other end yet. Let your Maine Coon cat walk around with it attached so she can get accustomed to the weight and feel of it.
The next step is holding the other end of the leash but not guiding your cat. If your Maine Coon comes to you, give her a treat. You can use the target stick when you notice that she is okay with you holding the leash.
Stand at one end of a room, and hold the target stick out in front of her to get her attention. You will want to start walking when she starts to follow it. Walk the length of the room.
When you get to the other side, click the clicker and give her a treat. Repeat the same steps, returning to the other side, holding the target stick in front of her. Practice this until she is comfortable with it.
5. Trying Going Outside!
Make sure your feline friend doesn’t walk out of the house on her own, even while leashed. Either carry her out or have her in a backpack or carrier. This simple but important detail will prevent her from bolting outside whenever someone opens the door.
A few short trials close to home are best at first. This way, you can gauge how your cat will react. It will be noticeable if your Maine Coon is enjoying herself. If she is fearful, you will want more short sessions until she becomes comfortable.
Once she is walking around, eating grass, and sniffing things, it will be evident that she is ready for a walk in public. Those walks should be short at first, too. Walk slowly and allow her to follow you.
She will be more confident the more times you go for walks, and you will be able to increase the duration of the walks.
Unlike walking a dog who leads the way, walking a Maine Coon requires you to lead and your feline friend to follow at her own pace.
A backpack is a great tool that allows you to transport your Maine Coon cat from your house to a safe location to walk around on a leash. It also gives her a safe hiding place if she is scared or nervous. If a dog barks at her, she may enjoy having a small, enclosed area to feel safe again.
Conclusion
Let training your Maine Coon be an enjoyable experience for you and your feline friend.
Make training fun for her. Positive reinforcement is the key. She will think it is a game and love the attention you lavish on her, not to mention all the tasty snacks!
Frequently Asked Questions: Can You Walk a Maine Coon on a Leash
Can I walk my Maine Coon cat on a leash?
Yes, Maine Coon cats are trainable and open to being walked on a leash. They are known for their dog-like personalities, making them suitable for leash training.
Why should I teach my Maine Coon to walk on a leash?
Walking your Maine Coon on a leash provides stimulation, helps release energy, promotes health, and offers danger-free enrichment. It’s a great way to bond with your cat and allow them to explore the outdoors safely.
Is a Maine Coon easy to train for leash walking?
Yes, Maine Coons are relatively easy to train compared to other cat breeds. Their playful and social nature makes the training process enjoyable for both the cat and the owner.
At what age should I begin leash training my Maine Coon?
It’s best to start training while the cat is still young, as kittens are more adaptable. However, older Maine Coons can also be trained, and age should not be a barrier.
What essential items do I need for leash training?
You’ll need a clicker, treats, a lightweight nylon leash, a backpack or cat carrier, and a proper harness. Never attach a leash to a cat collar, as it’s extremely dangerous.
How do I measure my Maine Coon for a harness?
Measure the circumference of the cat’s body directly behind the front legs. A smaller Maine Coon will range from 11-14 inches, while a full-grown one can be 20 inches or more.
What are the steps to train my Maine Coon to walk on a leash?
The training process involves starting with a clicker, getting the cat comfortable around the harness, introducing the harness, attaching the leash, and finally trying to go outside. Patience and positive reinforcement are key.
What should I consider when buying a harness?
Look for a vest-style harness that is difficult to escape from, made of breathable fabric, adjustable, without Velcro (to avoid catching fur), and possibly with reflective material. Ensure a proper fit.
How does walking a Maine Coon differ from walking a dog?
Unlike walking a dog where the dog leads the way, walking a Maine Coon requires you to lead, and the cat follows at its own pace. A backpack can be a great tool for transporting and providing a safe space for the cat.
Can all Maine Coons be trained to walk on a leash?
While many Maine Coons will enjoy leash walking, it’s essential to watch your cat’s reaction and never force an indoor cat to go outside if scared or uncomfortable. Some cats may always prefer to be indoors.