Most people who have owned, or been owned by, a highly independent cat, would never even conceive of the idea of putting a harness, or leash (leash!!) on their kitty and taking her for a walk. The mere thought is bound to produce some deep rumbling chuckles within the cat owner. Their cat on a leash, being told where to go? Sounds unbelievable, but read on, your kitty may be about to discover a whole new exciting world!

Even considering the nature of the cat, many cat owners are happily walking their very happy cats on a harness, walking jacket or leash. It may sound impossible, but it can be done with some patience, (OK, maybe a LOT of patience) and your cat can get a whole new life, safely enjoying the outdoors and getting much needed exercise at the same time.

Training your cat to the leash is best done in small steps. First, allow the cat to get familiar with the leash by placing somewhere it can be sniffed and evaluated. Then, in baby steps, put the leash or walking jacket on your cat.

The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.

Remember, this is all new to your cat and can be quite frightening. Taking it slow will pay off.

When looking to buy a leash, the best options for a cat is a harness, or even better, more safe, and much more acceptable by cats, is a walking jacket. The harness or walking jacket will give kitty more comfort, and you more control.

You might want to practice on the lead at home a few times, although most cats will not like this at all. Don't let this deter you from trying it outside, because for some cats the fact that they are outside is enough to make them tolerate the leash or lead. The cat might get so wrapped up in exploring the great outdoors that it doesn't really notice the lead very much anymore, and this is the ideal situation.

If, after you have been taking very slowly, and your cat still, after you have progressed to actually going outside, still is scared after a few tries, then maybe this is not for your kitty.

You can keep trying, but there are just some cats who won't adjust to something like this. If, on the other hand, you notice that your cat seems just a little more at ease every time you go out with the leash or lead, then keep trying.

You may be surprised that before long your cat will absolutely adore her outside adventures ans will get all excited any time you go anywhere near her leash... just like a ,,, er,,,dog :)

Cat lover Virginia Sutherland writes about all aspects of cat care. Check her articles about Highly Palatable Cat Food and Irresistible Cat Food Or visit www.luvmycritters.com