Training your cat to uses a leash is possible but it does have limitations. Cats are not as naturally comfortable on a leash as a dog would be. Leash training is a method of safely restraining your cat, whilst allowing him to explore the neighborhood. Because cats have delicate necks, unlike dogs, a cat leash should be in the form of a halter which has one strap around the neck and another around the body. A good cat harness has a metal ring on the cats back so you can attach the leash there. Alternatively, you might like to try a "cat walking jacket" which is designed more like a jacket and is harder for the cat to squirm out of. When training your cat the leash should only be a few feet long so you can pick your cat up if he panics or if there is danger.
The first thing to do is to train your cat to accept the harness. Put the harness on the floor near the cat and let him sniff and paw it. Next, put the harness on and let the cat walk around with it and get used to it. You should leave a two finger gap at the stomach and neck, for the cat's comfort. It might take an hour for your cat to get used to the harness or it might take days. Every cat is different.
When your cat seems comfortable with the harness, you can attach the leash. Let the cat walk around, dragging the leash behind him. Keep an eye on him so he doesn't get entangled. Next, pick up the leash and pull your cat gently forward. If he accepts this, give him a cat treat. This should be done indoors and this exercise should be repeated for a few days. Training your cat to uses a leash should never be rushed and some cats take much longer than others to accept Cat leash training.
Once your cat is comfortable with the leash indoors, you can try it outdoors. If your cat struggles or panics, you have to remain patient and you might need to practice more indoors. Walk your cat around your backyard where there will be no unfamiliar distractions. This will put him more at ease with the harness and leash and make your cat leash training easier.
If your cat is happy outdoors, good places for walking include well-maintained parks and secluded, quiet areas. Walk him in the early morning or at dusk when there aren't so many people around. Take him for very short walks to start with and reward him with some cat treats and plenty of petting after each one. Stay away from busy roads and streets where there might be dogs or crowds of people. Cats don't tend to walk with you like dogs do. They prefer to run a bit, walk a bit, stop and sniff the air for a while. Don't drag the cat along if he doesn't want to come. Be patient with him and accept he's a cat and isn't going to walk by your side comfortably all the time like a dog would. If you do this right, your cat will associate his harness and leash with stimulus, exploration and adventure.
If you follow these cat leash training tips correctly, it will provide fun and exercise for the two of you, as well as a valuable bonding experience.