CAT ON A LEASH
After 17 years in business, I've pretty much heard everything when it comes to people and their pets, but it is interesting how defensive, selfdeprecating or embarrassed people can be when describing a need they think you will think is over the top. Such was the case with a recent customer who wanted to take his cat for a walk; like we had never heard of this before.

It's true that walking a dog on a leash is an essential skill, since now in most locations, it is the law. Walking a cat on a leash seems counter intuitive, and it definitely falls into the optional tasks department, however, it can be done. If you are a cat owner who is willing to try teaching this skill, it makes good sense for a couple of reasons. With a harness and leash, you can let your cat experience life outside, only with restricted and supervised access, and, if you are traveling with your cat, a harness and leash is also a good alternative to a using crate.

Two factors can influence your ability to succeed. The first is your cat's personality. If you have a confident and adventurous cat that likes to try new things, you will probably have good chance at success. If your cat is shy and timid, then he might have difficulty accepting the strange new wearing apparel and might be fearful or unwilling to try outdoor experience.

The other important consideration is how you teach him. Cats are sensitive, and if the first experiences with the harness and leash are upsetting or are too forceful, then you will likely have trouble with future encounters.

Although cats respond and behave differently from dogs, the basic principles of behavioral training apply. Have the proper equipment, use patience and positive reinforcement. Treats and the clicker will work with cats just as it does for dogs, horses and zoo animals

As you start the training process, also work on getting your cat to respond to your voice by calling at feeding and play times. Develop a positive association with praise or click and treat for coming when called and do it over, and over, and over again.

The equipment needed for walking is simple, just a harness and leash. Harnesses come in several different styles, so there is a range of choice to pick out the right one for your cat. Walking with a leash attached to a collar is not recommended. Acollar can be dangerous; your cat can easily break away or have too much stress on its neck.

Whichever style harness you choose, it should fit snugly without being too tight. The important thing is that the cat cannot step out or back out of the harness. The leash attaches to a D-ring on the top. I suggest a lightweight 6-foot leash to accommodate unexpected pounces, but kitty can't get too far away to get quickly scooped up if necessary.

Now you need to introduce this strange, new apparel to your cat. The technique is the same regardless of the age or experience of your cat. Put everything into a heap on the floor so kitty can sniff, touch and become familiar with the look and smell of the new gear. Act nonchalant. Once your cat has decided this is OK, move on to the next step, which is putting the harness on the cat.

Always associate the harness with a positive experience. Pet kitty and talk sweetly as you put the harness on. Offer treats. Leave the harness on for 10 minutes at a time, two or three times a day. When this seems comfortable, attach the leash. The weight of the buckle and drag on the harness will feel strange at first, but call kitty to you and treat if he comes. Then, with the leash in your hand, move a few steps forward, gently tug on the leash and encourage kitty to follow. If he does, reward with a treat, praise or click.

Your cat might balk at this step, but remain patient. When the cat finally stands up and walks with you, praise and treat. When the cat consistently follows you, and responds to your tugs on the leash, then you are ready to tackle the great outdoors.

Taking a walk with a cat is different than a brisk walk with your favorite canine. Cats are curious and sensitive to their environments; they want to stop and sniff or follow a bug. Choose a spot for your walk that is relaxing, away from street traffic or highways and with a minimum of other animals present. Since cats are territorial, it's best to start out with short jaunts in the area around your own home, so kitty imprints on its immediate territory, then gradually increase the distance you explore or walk. If your cat becomes fearful, pick him up and head home.

Leash training your cat is not for everyone, but if you work at it in a positive, fun way, you and your cat

can add an extra dimension to your relationship. I

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of the Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America. Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and three cats. At the shop are cats Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Millie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.