Across the world many of us own cats because they are fluffy, judgmental, cute and completely bonkers. Some owners choose to keep their cats outdoors, but increasingly, this is less of a common choice. Outdoor cats can be prone to all kinds of risks like disease carrying ticks, traffic accidents, theft, predator attacks and even attacks by people. Even worse, the local wildlife is definitely at risk from your cats presence, with 230 million native animals killed by cats in Australia alone every single year.
To avoid all of those problems, many cat owners choose to keep their beloved feline friend as an indoor cat only, but that doesn’t mean your cat never gets to go outside again. With a great cat harness and the best cat leash, you can exercise your cat outdoors safely. He gets to stretch his legs, see the sights and go on an adventure, then come home with you safely afterwards. It really is a win win.
Top Picks
[amazon box=”B07VSYLWRH,B07W7BN584,B000OGRDK0,B00HRQGQRG,B01AERHMT0,B078SLM45M,B07M8PTB7Y,B07GNCXKPJ” template=”table”]
When it comes to keeping your cat safe, there’s a lot riding on the cat leash you use. It needs to be strong, comfortable for you to use, and long enough to ensure the cat can explore, but is easily encouraged back to you when they need to be.
To help you get the best cat leash for your precious fur baby, we’ve rounded up the best products, answered common cat leash questions and rounded up the best cat leash buyer tips just for you. Let’s take a look:
How To Choose The Best Cat Leash
To help you select the very best cat leash for your cat, here are some handy buying tips to consider before you splash the cash on a new product:
Every Material Has Its Benefits
With leashes, no material is better than another, but each has individual benefits that might appeal to you. Here are the most common leash materials you’ll see:
Nylon – Nylon comes in a variety of colors, styles and patterns and tends to be the most cost effective lead type. They can be the best dog leashes for puppies and a good choice for cats, as neither pull. With larger animals though, pulling can cause you to get a sore hand over time.
Chain – Chain is a durable choice for a leash but they can be too heavy for a cat, and they can also be tricky to untangle. Very thin chains protected with a plastic wrap can be a good durable option.
Leather – Leather leads can be heavy for a cat, although there are lightweight versions available. Leather can be extremely durable, strong and long-lasting.
It’s All About The Clip
Although the least material is important, the most important part of it is actually the clip. The clip is the most important part because it’s the part that can fail and let your cat escape. When shopping for leashes, do check the safety aspects of the clip to ensure it is going to be as secure as possible when you attach it to your cat harness.
Do Color & Style Matter?
Color and style can matter if you love to reflect your cats personality in the accessories they use. Luckily, there are lots of options to choose from to help you get the perfect color for kitty. It’s also worth thinking about reflective leashes or bright leashes just to boost that safety element of the product.
Length Depends On Kitty
You can get extra-long leashes, short leashes and retractable leashes all giving you a lot of choice when it comes to how far your cat can go on their walks. If you know your cat will only ever be next to you when walking it is still a good idea to get a leash with a little extra room for movement. This stops the cat harness slipping or jolting if they jump up something or move away from something quickly.
If you know your cat will have quite a lot of leash to explore, a retractable leash can be handy as it stops there being lots of slack, and enables you to gather leash quickly if you need to.
Dog Leashes & Cat Leashes
The best dog leash for a dog, might actually work well for a cat too. Leashes can work for both types of animals, so don’t let it put you off if a leash is listed as a dog leash. Do, however, stay mindful that some dog leashes can be too big and heavy for a cat, so try and avoid leashes for bigger dog breeds to avoid weighing your cat down.
The Best Cat Leashes Currently Available
To help you get an idea of the very best cat leashes currently available to buy, we’ve rounded up the top products and their pros and cons:
Rabbitgoo Small Pet Leash
The Perfect Training Leash For Cats
The Rabbitgoo small pet least comes with two lightweight polyester leashes of 59 inches long, complete with a 39 degree swivel clip made from zinc alloy. The leashes are quite short and thin, making them perfect for cats who walk in their own backyard, or who are in harness and leash training. A confident cat who isn’t liable to flee may also be able to safely use these leashes.
Owners will love that the leashes come in two different colors to ‘suit the mood’ of the day, and the cats individual style.
Why We Like It:
- Two leashes in two different colors
- Lightweight
- Rust-proof swivel clip
- Durable polyester material
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite short, so may not suit all types of cat
- May not suit larger cat breeds
CHERPET Reflective Cat Leash
Extra Long Leash For Adventurous Cats
The CHERPET reflective cat leash offers the perfect opportunity for cats to have plenty of adventure, 26 feet of it in fact. Despite the leash being so long, it remains lightweight and durable as not to weigh your cat down and cause them a dragging feeling. For added security, the leash has a 360 swivel clasp on each end of the line to allow temporary tethering and harness grip.
Owners will love that the leash has reflective stitching for extra safety on early morning, and late evening walks.
Why We Like It:
- 26 feet long
- Reflective stitching
- 360 degree swivel clip both ends
- Strong and durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Determined cats might chew through it
- May be liable to tangling
PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
Durable Cat Leash Available In Multiple Sizes To Suit Your Kitty’s Walking Style
The PetSafe nylon dog leash is also suitable for cats and offers a durable, strong tether for your cat. It is available in a selection of lengths and widths to suit the size of your kitty and his walking style.
Customers who want to feel their cat is safe during a walk will love that the 360 degree swivel clip on the product adds extra safety, ensuring your cats leash is securely fastened to his harness.
Why We Like It:
- Available in different sizes
- Durable
- 360 degree swivel clip
- Clip is lightweight, which is great for kitties
What We Don’t Like:
- Colors shown may differ from colors received
- May not be durable through washing in a washing machine
Blueberry Pet Leash
All The Colors In The World To Suit Your Cats Style
If you love to make sure your cat walks with style, then you’ll really like the Blueberry pet leash, which comes in over 30 different colors. From sunshine yellow for the happiest cats, to light pink for the most feminine of felines. There’s a color for every cat, making walking time not only fun, but stylish too.
The Blueberry pet leash isn’t only about style. It comes in multiple sizes, is made with strong nylon and a sturdy clasp. As if that wasn’t enough, the product is also machine washable.
Why We Like It:
- Machine washable
- Over 30 colours available
- Durable clasp
- Available in multiple sizes
What We Don’t Like:
- Not much grip with the leash material
- Could be chewed by very determined cats
Dutchy Brand Leash for Puppies and Small Dogs
Perfect For Stronger, Larger Cats
If you have a larger cat, or a cat that is strong on their leash, you might want to consider the Dutch Brand leash. The product is a double-layer of nylon and is designed to withstand all kinds of chewing and damage. The product is also 6 feet long which is ideal for secure training, particularly during those early sessions when kitties can be prone to bolting.
Owners will love that the handle is padded, for a more comfortable leash hold. For extra safety, the product also has reflective stitching for more responsible evening walks.
Why We Like It:
- Extremely durable and strong
- Comfortable handle
- Lightweight swivel clip
- Available in a range of colors
What We Don’t Like:
- Reflective element is not highly effective
- Handle padding isn’t breathable
TUG 360 Tangle-Free Heavy Duty Retractable Dog Leash
Ultimate Adventure Flexibility And Control When Walking Your Cat
If you would like optimum control and flexibility when you walk your kitty, the TUG 360 is a good choice. It has a 16-foot retractable tape leash which is controlled with a lock you operate with your thumb. For even more control, there are different sizes and colors to choose from so you can tailor your cats walking experience to their specific needs.
Owners will love how easy the product is to use, with full thumb control, retraction opening from any angle, and an anti-slip grip, contributing to a more relaxed walking experience with your cat.
Why We Like It:
- Leash retraction opening from any angle
- Easy thumb control
- Comfortable to hold
- Available in multiple sizes
What We Don’t Like:
- Not chew-proof
- Thinner leash can twist and be difficult to retract
Fida Retractable Dog Leash
Budget-Friendly Retractable Cat Leash For Optimum Control
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly cat leash that gives you plenty of control over your kitty during walks, the Fida could be a good option. It features a comfortable soft handle, reflective nylon leash of 10 feet (XS size), 360-degree retraction with thumb control and a durable swivel hook.
Owners will appreciate the vast amount of leash features available at a good budget-friendly price.
Why We Like It:
- Budget-friendly
- Available in different sizes
- 360-degree retraction
- Anti-slip handle
What We Don’t Like:
- Handle could be quite heavy for some users
- Not chew-proof
OFPUPPY Long Cat Leash for Yard
Extra-Durable Extra-Long Cat Leash For Adventure Kitters
OFPUPPY have created an incredibly durable, braided nylon leash that is suitable for the most epic of adventures. If you plan to take your cat on hikes, or walk them all weather, this could be the leash for you.
Owners will love that there are three different length choices, with the longest being 26 feet long. There’s also a 360-degree swivel clip on each end that helps your cat move with ease, with minimum chance of entanglement.
Why We Like It:
- Incredible durable nylon
- Comes in three lengths
- 360-degree swivel clips on each end
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- Fibers can catch on rough surfaces
- Longer lines can still be prone to tangling
FAQ
In case you are still feeling a little unsure which kitty leash is best for you, we’ve answered the most common cat leash questions for you:
Can you attach a cat leash to a cat collar?
You should have your cat wear a cat collar when they are out of the house, for safety reasons. However, you should not attach a cat leash to their collar. This will not be secure, and it could hurt the cat. Instead, buy a good quality harness for the cat, and attach the leash to the harness.
How do you train a cat to walk on a leash?
There are multiple videos giving you step by step tips on training your kitty to walk on a leash. Here’s a really great starter video to checkout.
Can I tether my cat in the garden and leave her for a while?
It is really unsafe to leave your cat unattended on their leash in the yard. She could get tangled, she could be attacked by another cat or predator without being able to get away. She could also pull herself loose. You should always keep an eye on your kitty when she has a harness and leash on.
What’s the best cat leash so my cat can’t escape?
A cat leash can’t stop your cat from escaping, although it can help you maintain control over them when you walk together. A good cat harness is a key to ensuring your cat is unable to escape when you walk her.
Your Cat Can Walk Securely & Safely With The Best Cat Leash
By choosing the very best cat leash for your cat, you can ensure they are able to explore and exercise with you outdoors, avoiding the common risks associated with them roaming freely. Soon enough you’ll both be enjoying making incredible memories together in nature, increasing your bond as kitty and owner further.