Cat Harness: Taking Your House Cat for a Walk?

The cat harness can be a way to give your cat some exercise, perhaps even to go for a walk if unsecured access seems too dangerous for you. But you won’t be doing every cat a favor. In principle, such a walk with the cat should be carefully considered: it is possible, but not always advisable.

A cat harness is uncomfortable for most cats – getting used to the feeling of a foreign body is much more difficult for cats than for dogs. It is important not to force your kitty to do anything and to be patient if you decide to try the controversial cat harness. This article will answer cat lovers’ frequent questions about the accessory and point you to where you can get the True Love harness.

Does the Cat Harness Really Bring Freedom?

Cats are not dogs, and that’s why you’ll never behave like a well-trained dog on a leash. While he trots obediently at his owner’s side, your velvet paw explores what he wants. They run after it—and not the other way around. Cats’ reactions are unpredictable, especially on busy roads. Other sudden noises can also have valuable effects.

If an off-leash dog charges at your cat, it could finally be too much for your cat. In a panic, the cat could wriggle out of the harness or get tangled up and injured. The countless new impressions in the great outdoors are often too many for cozy house cats without any freedom. Therefore, such walking should be done with extreme caution.

If you still want to try it

If you still think your cat can handle a little off-leash time, there are a few important things to remember. One is that you should always choose a cat harness with a chest and back strap like the True Love outdoor pet harness. With a simple collar, the risk of strangulation is too great. When purchasing a cat harness, it should meet the following requirements:

  • Cat harness must fit tightly on the stomach and chest, be stable and adjusted to the size and weight of your cat
  • It must be secure, i.e., it must not have buckles or sharp and hard plastic or metal parts that pose a risk of injury
  • The material should be soft and comfortable (fabric is better than leather, for example)
  • The material should not rustle, as this can irritate your cat
  • Reflective, mirror-like, luminous or glittering elements should be avoided

Getting Your Cat Used to a Cat Harness: Patience Is Required

Basics:

  1. Get your cat used to its new body as slowly as possible and take its first steps on a leash in your own four walls.
  2. When you finally go outside, start by using fenced front yards or backyards directly in front of your home.
  3. At first, keep the leash short to keep your cat close to you.

With a little time and practice, you can give your pet more freedom with a longer leash.

Tips on How To Get Your Cat Used to a Cat Harness

Before you put the cat harness on, you should get your kitty used to the “foreign thing.” Place it near the scratching post or your cat’s favorite spot and let him sniff it. Only put the harness on when your cat is balanced, and follow the advice below.

First, avoid using the leash inside the apartment; instead, just put the harness on your cat. Combine putting it on with praise and perhaps also a treat. Put the harness on in a calm, relaxed atmosphere, and be patient—don’t force anything. It’s best to kneel behind your kitty so that it is between yours. Crouching on your legs, hold the cat by the breastbone, and then put the harness on in a relaxed manner.

Don’t be alarmed if your cat stumbles more than he walks the first few steps—the unfamiliar weight takes a lot of getting used to. As soon as your cat wears the harness, steer her immediately with a game. She will then forget it more quickly and get used to moving normally with the harness. Once your cat has gotten used to the harness, you can put the leash on and make the first attempts in the harness.

Conclusion

When it’s still in the early stages of usage, ensure you familiarize the cat with the leash and harness in your apartment before you finally go outside. This will build its confidence in using and getting acquainted with the tool. Suppose you’re looking for an escape-proof cat harness like the True Love harness; check out Whisker Wonder store.