How to Walk Your Savannah Cat on a Leash

Photo by Aussie Gold

Some have called the Savannah Cat a “dog in a cat’s body” while observing how these animals move and interact. Savannahs are not your ordinary, everyday couch potato-type of cat. These frisky felines love to move, groove, and be around people. It’s in their nature.

As such, many of the things that dogs like Savannah Cats like, too. These furballs love to play fetch, follow their owners around the house, go on walks, and even play in water. Yes! A Savannah may play in the bath – something a regular house cat would never dream of.

How to Walk Your Savannah Cat on a Leash

If you want to take your Savannah Cat on a walk, there are a few things you need to know. First, it’s important to remember that Savannahs are still cats. While they have many dog-like characteristics, they are not quite as “trainable” or versatile as dogs. These felines are highly intelligent and can certainly be trained to follow basic commands, but you won’t be able to train a Savannah Cat like you would a Golden Retriever.

Photo by Nick

When walking your Savannah Cat on a leash is of concern, your furry friend is certainly capable of being leash trained. Nearly every Savannah I’ve met has had the ability to go on walks on a leash. Not only can these furballs go on walks, but they typically love the idea of going outside to explore and prance around.

As you begin leash training your Savannah, it’s important to note the differences between walking cats and dogs. Dogs often have big, thick necks that can sustain a lot of force from a leash. Savannah Cats do not. Using a dog leash on your furry friend is not going to end well.

Instead, you’ll want to invest in a walking jacket or a special kind of harness created only for Savannah Cats. There are a number of great options available and will ensure your cat can safely walk outside.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• OxGord Dog Collar Harness Cat Pet Safe
• Cat Jeans Jacket Harness Vest with Matching Lead Leash Set
• PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash
• L&LH Pet Cat Lead Leash Halter Harness

Don’t Forget!

Photo by World of Tim

If you’re committed to training your Savannah Cat to go on walks with a leash, make sure to pay attention to:

• Start Slowly: Savannah Cats are still cats. While they are big, athletic, and social – they are felines. This means they can be skittish. As such, you’ll want to start the walks slowly. First, just practice putting the harness on and off. Offer rewards and love. Next, put the leash on and take a walk around the house. Once your cat is comfortable around the house, you can go outside.

• Never Outdoors Alone: These felines are athletic animals. A Savannah Cat can jump up to eight feet high, and it can run up to 35 miles per hour. Not only that – these pets are incredibly curious. The combination of these three things means a Savannah can never be left alone or off a leash outdoors.

One of the coolest things about Savannah Cats is they love to go on walks with their owners. Use the guide above to properly train your furry friend to enjoy the great outdoors with you.