Kittens can go walkies too

With more and more kittens being confined to city houses and high rise flats, kitten walking is becoming increasingly popular

Many owners worry about letting their kitten out into the wide world with all its dangers but realise that a life of confinement isn’t perfect and that he still needs exercise. The answer is to train him to walk with a lead and a harness so that he can enjoy the great outdoors in perfect safety.

One step at a time

Start with the harness and, once he’s accepted this, introduce the lead. The trick of getting him used to both is to offer plenty of rewards. Kittens are particularly wary of things they cannot see, so a long object trailing behind him may be particularly worrying. Let him wander around until he’s used to it, under your watchful eye and in a place where he’s not going to get tangled up. And all the time give him plenty of praise and tasty treats.

Once he’s perfectly happy, it is time to venture forth. Attach the harness and lead, cradle him in your arms and walk outside. If it’s his first time out, he may well be apprehensive, so speak to him calmly and make a fuss of him. Take him back inside after a minute or two and give him another treat. Repeat this until he’s really at ease with the outside environment and then try lowering him to the ground. Kneel down beside him and speak gently. Don't try and walk your kitten, let him take the lead. His innate curiosity will tell him where to go. If you allow him to command the pace, it won’t be long before you’re enjoying your daily walks together.