21 Cat Breeds You Can Walk On A Leash
You might have thought leash walking was exclusively for dogs, but did you know that cats can be taught to walk on a leash, too?
Training your cats to walk on a leash can be beneficial for them in several ways. First, it allows them to explore the great outdoors, especially if your furball is naturally inquisitive and adventurous. Second, walking on a leash will give them the exercise they need to stay fit and prevent boredom. And lastly, leash walking will help your feline friend socialize and get used to other people and pets. This has the added benefit of making your regular vet visits less troublesome.
If you are looking for a furry companion to enjoy a great outdoor walk with you, then you might be wondering about what cat breeds can be walked on a leash.
We have made a list of 21 cat breeds that we believe are suited to your afternoon walks in the park. Check them out below, and see if your chosen cat breed is one of them:
1. Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are thought to be among the most playful and friendly breeds you can have, which makes them a great companion for your outdoor adventures. Hailed as one of the world’s oldest cat breeds, Abyssinians are also intelligent cats and love exploring their environment.
Make sure, though, that your kitty is leash-trained before taking her out for a walk, or you might have trouble keeping her under control. Your leash should be durable and comfortable, too, so that your walks can be fun for both you and your furry friend.
2. American bobtail
If you are looking for an intelligent and well-behaved cat, you might want to consider an American bobtail.
Due to their affectionate personalities and friendliness to strangers, American bobtails are often dubbed the perfect therapy cat. These kitties are sometimes brought into nursing homes and hospitals, where they bring a smile to everyone. Because they are incredibly smart, they can be easily trained to perform a few tricks and walk on a leash.
However, American bobtails are not as energetic as some other cat breeds, so you might need to be a little bit creative in persuading your kitty to go for a walk with you.
3. Bengal
Everybody loves a Bengal cat, thanks to its stunning coat pattern that resembles a mini leopard. But did you know that these kitties are also extremely intelligent and energetic?
Bengals have an athletic physique and intelligence that helps them to jump, climb, and explore their domain. To burn their pent-up energy and keep them healthy, Bengals need to be stimulated and engaged in activities daily. These traits make them one of the best breeds to train on a leash.
Just a precaution, though, before taking your Bengal for a walk. As mentioned, Bengal cats tend to be very active and inquisitive, so your cat will likely lead the way and you will have to follow. Avoid pulling the leash if your cat wants to go in the opposite direction or you might end up choking it. Tugging can also make your Bengal feel uncomfortable and react negatively. For your kitty’s comfort, choose a cat harness with good chest coverage.
4. Siamese
Aside from being smart and naturally curious, Siamese cats make perfect candidates for leash training due to their inherent desire to explore their surroundings. Many cat lovers are also fascinated by the breed’s dog-like demeanor that makes them a really fun companion to have in the home.
Their endless curiosity and active nature might make it difficult to keep them under control, so make sure you invest in a secure, good-quality harness to make your adventures easy and safe.
5. Turkish Van
Looking for an adventurous and energetic furry pal that will enjoy leisure walks with you? Then you are sure to love the Turkish Van cat. Not only are they affectionate and adorable; they are also talented swimmers. If you live near a beach or love spending time in the pool, then a Turkish Van can also be your purr-fect swim buddy!
Turkish Vans are well-known for their independent streak, so you might find the cat taking control of your walks most of the time. Just make sure that your leash is safe and secure. You can also bring toys outdoors to engage your furry friend and have fun together.
6. British shorthair
British shorthairs are one of the cutest due to their round, chubby faces and thick, dense fur. Having them along on your afternoon walks will captivate every pet owner you meet, thanks to their charm and friendly demeanor.
On top of their docile nature, British shorthairs can be easily taught to adapt to a leash. Your only challenge is how to motivate your kitty to enjoy long walks with you, as they are notorious for their laziness.
7. Savannah
Savannah cats are a cross between a domestic cat and a wild African serval. They are extremely energetic and intelligent, just like their wild cousins, and tend to enjoy a lot of activities like jumping, climbing, running, and walking. Savannahs also love exploring the great outdoors and will happily walk with you on a leash.
But, like other high-energy breeds, Savannahs can be very demanding and controlling, so be patient if your pet starts taking over your walks! With proper training, your regular walks can be the perfect exercise to keep them fit and release some pent-up energy.
8. Korats
In Thailand, Korats represent luck and prosperity. These kitties love attention and enjoy following their humans around, making them easily trainable on a leash. Unlike the high-energy breeds, they are more likely to stay by your side and follow you everywhere on your walk.
The only issue about taking your Korat on a walk is that they can be scared of strangers. So, if you plan to take your kitty on regular afternoon walks with you, make sure to socialize them at an early age.
9. Maine coon
Muscular and massive, Maine coons are almost comparable to the size of a beagle, Boston terrier, spaniel, or other smaller dog breeds. These kitties are also well-liked for their dog-like demeanors, making them great candidates for leash training.
Maine coons were originally bred as working cats for barns, to keep the rodent population under control. As such, they naturally have the intelligence and sturdy build required for such purposes. Hence, it is likely that a Maine coon will enjoy having walks and exploring the outdoors with you.
Despite their adaptability and giant size, however, Maine coons can be a bit apprehensive about approaching strangers. Just like any cat breed, socialization is important if you want your feline companion to be friendly to everyone.
10. Bombay
A cross between a Burmese and a black American shorthair, Bombay cats are stranger-friendly and can quickly be leash-trained.
Bombays are bred specifically to resemble black panthers, so picture a black, satiny coat and copper-colored eyes. Despite their slightly intimidating looks, these gorgeous kitties are highly sociable and people-driven. Hence, walking on a cool afternoon in the park will definitely be a fun exercise for your Bombay cat.
One thing to keep in mind is that this breed is notorious for its low energy and laziness. Thus, regular afternoon walks might be a hard sell, especially if they are not in the mood!
11. Norwegian forest cat
Athletic and friendly, the Norwegian forest cat has an inquisitive nature and loves exploring the outdoors. This makes your regular afternoon walks a great activity to enjoy with your cat. Their coats are also thick, which means good insulation against frigid outdoor temperatures.
Despite their playfulness and curiosity, Norwegian forest cats are independent and prone to laziness. While they can manage a short walk around your neighborhood, these kitties are not always easy to convince if they do not feel like going outdoors.
12. American shorthair
American shorthairs are highly adaptable and trainable cats. They are also easy-going and will do almost anything just to please their human owners, even if it means going for short walks on a leash.
Unlike the other cat breeds mentioned in our list, you might find an American Shorthair less athletic. Hence, long walks will not be suitable for this breed. We also recommend leash-training your cat at a young age, as not all adult cats, regardless of the breed, will adapt quickly to a leash.
13. Ocicats
Active and highly-social cats, ocicats are a mix of Siamese, Abyssinian, and American shorthair breeds. Ocicats enjoy interacting not only with their human owners, but also with other pets. In fact, these kitties will not be happy being the only pet, and are best paired with other friendly cat breeds.
Their social and playful nature makes them ideal for leash training. Just be careful, though, as these felines can be difficult to manage on a walk due to their high energy levels.
14. Somali cat
Somali cats are like the long-haired version of Abyssinians. Their long, luscious coats help keep them warm while walking in cold outdoor temperatures, and they have a muscular physique that is perfectly suited to an active lifestyle.
Somalis are also athletic and fun to be with. They love jumping, climbing, and even learning a few tricks – in fact, they never seem to run out of energy! As such, these cats can be trained to walk on a leash and would happily accompany you when you want to unwind in nature.
15. Manx cat
Manx cats might have a tailless rear end, but these kitties are so much more than that. While many cat lovers find their taillessness an adorable trait, manx cats are also well-loved for their dog-like personalities. These cats tend to bond strongly with their humans. Just like a puppy, they will follow you, watch you, and respond whenever you call their name.
Being tail-free does not stop a manx from jumping with grace and ease, just like a regular cat with a full-length tail. They are also very playful and energetic, and would therefore happily walk on a leash and enjoy bonding with you outdoors.
16. Siberian
Siberian cats, as the name suggests, are native to Siberia, one of the coldest regions in Russia. These cats are triple-coated, which enables them to survive in long, harsh winters. Aside from their thick and lustrous coats, this ancient Russian breed is also well-loved for their affectionate and playful characters.
Siberians are fearless, adventurous, energetic cats that enjoy human companionship. So, if you live in areas with colder climates and are looking for a walking buddy, these kitties will gladly accompany you.
17. Burmese
Naturally curious, docile, but also energetic, a Burmese cat is a breeze to leash-train. That said, we highly recommend training them young, as adult cats are less energetic and can be a bit more challenging to train.
Burmese cats are fiercely loyal and love following their owners everywhere – even on a short walk to the park. Just make sure your Burmese wears a harness for better comfort and safety.
18. Ragdoll
One of the friendliest cats, and one of the easiest to train on a leash, is a Ragdoll. As we all know, these cats are not only beautiful, but also very dog-like in their loyalty and companionship with their humans. If you succeed in leash training them, you will have a feline friend that will never leave your side on your outdoor walks.
But, just like other breeds, lots of love and patience are key to having your Ragdoll learn to love the leash.
19. American curl
Known for their curled-back ears and wedge-shaped faces, American curls earn a spot in our list due to their adaptability. However, they can be a bit shy around strangers, so make sure they are socialized well before taking them out for a walk.
These cats can also easily make friends with young kids, puppies, and other cats. If you have a large family looking for a furry companion, the American curl might just be the purr-fect one!
20. Pixiebob
Easy-going and playful, pixiebobs are large house cats that can quickly adapt to walking on a leash. They love spending time with their owners and are willing to learn a few tricks to impress their favorite people, like playing fetch and riding on a cat stroller.
Because these cats are so calm and friendly, walking them around your neighborhood is unlikely to cause any trouble. Unlike most cats, a pixiebob is not shy and will be less likely to run away from strangers and other pets they might encounter along the way.
21. Domestic house cat
Domestic house cats are not a standardized or recognized breed of cat, but we believe they deserve a spot on our list because of their playfulness, adaptability, and friendliness. Whatever their ancestral lineage, if you put the effort into training these crossbreed felines, they can be successfully leash-trained, just like their purebred peers.
But of course, these cats also have a better chance of learning to walk on a leash if they are trained at a young age. Adult cats, like most other cat breeds, can be a bit stubborn, lazy, and very independent, making it more challenging to leash-train them.
Conclusion
This article provides a list of common cat breeds that you can walk on a leash. If you plan on taking your feline friend for a walk, though, just make sure they are well-socialized and secured with a safety harness.
High-energy and adventurous cat breeds, like Savannahs and Bengals, can be very demanding and will likely lead the walk, so make sure not to tug at them too hard to avoid causing injury.
Docile and shy cats, on the other hand, might run away or become anxious when approached by a stranger. Hence, training is a must to ensure your walks to the park are peaceful and enjoyable for both you and your feline.