We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Pets

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Cat Leash?

By K. K. Lowen
Updated: Jun 04, 2024

You may want to consider a number of possibilities before purchasing a cat leash, such as the type of leash for both functionality and cat comfort. Length is also important, and some people want short leashes while other people may prefer leashes that are long and allow a cat to run.

Many cats already wear a collar on a regular basis, which leads some owners to simply attach a leash directly to a cat’s pre-existing collar. Other people may wish to obtain a leash and collar that are separate from a cat’s normal collar. Consider if your cat’s normal collar is strong enough to use with a leash.

A cat harness is a device that not only surrounds the neck of a cat but also fits around the chest, typically behind the front legs. The leash attaches to the harness. Cat harnesses offer a greater amount of security than a leash and collar because the cat is unlikely to escape from it. The cat harness and leash also offer the cat owner a high degree of control over the animal.

Some cat leashes may be of a fixed length that are short or long. Another option is a leash that extends and retracts from a central unit. This may be a good option for people who want to keep a cat on a short leash while occasionally letting a cat roam on a long leash. A retractable leash may be particularly useful if you live in a city or on a busy street.

For many people, one of the most important things about choosing a cat leash is comfort. To find the cat leash that will be best for your pet, it may be a good idea to try a few different leashes because some cats may respond better to certain types of leashes and harnesses than to others. A long-haired cat, for instance, may need a harness that has a rough fabric covering the straps to prevent pulling fur while preventing the animal from escaping.

Some people order custom cat leashes because those available in stores do not seem comfortable enough for their pets. A custom cat leash is specially made or tailored to offer a better fit for a specific cat. The price may be important if you choose a custom cat leash because they generally cost more than a mass produced item.

Price can be important when purchasing any type of leash from a store. To get the best price, it may be a good idea to comparison shop. It is a good idea to check physical stores in your area and also research prices and availability from Internet vendors. Keep in mind that different styles, such as retractable leashes, may cost more than others.

All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Vincenzo — On Apr 14, 2014

@Melonlity -- there is another time where a cat leash can prove useful. Back in the 1980s, a town in my neck of the woods passed a citywide leash law for cats. The reasoning of the city council was that dogs had to be contained to keep from annoying people and damaging property, so the same rule should be in place for cats.

The ordinance proved to be a disaster and was quickly rescinded. Still, for the brief time it was in place, people who had cats that lived outside had to have something to restrict their kitties and we all know a fence won't do much to contain a cat. Leashes were, quite often, the only options available.

By Markerrag — On Apr 14, 2014
@Melonlity -- Yes, there are some people who do walk their cats on leashes. Those hardy souls may be rare, but they do exist. And there are pet stores that have a selection of cat leashes for walking the little critters or about anything else.

Anything else? If you are transporting a cat and don't have a cat carrier, a leash can keep the animal from escaping (just ask anyone who has lost a cat at a vet's office how a leash might have helped).

Regardless, a lot of people find that a lightweight dog leash works just as well as a cat leash. Those are far more common and, in many cases, are almost the same as cat leashes. If you're looking for a variety of designs, then a lightweight dog leash might be a great alternative to a proper one made especially for cats.

By Melonlity — On Apr 13, 2014

Under what circumstances would people need a cat leash? Do people walk their cats? That's not a flippant question -- the notion of a cat leash just seems very odd.

Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/how-do-i-choose-the-best-cat-leash.htm
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.