Have you ever thought of taking your cat out for a walk? Actually, cats can be taken out for walks, all you need is a cat harness.
Why use a cat harness?
Taking your cat for a walk outdoors can provide mental and physical stimulation, but to avoid your cat going to dangerous places and getting lost, you need a cat harness. A cat harness is more suitable than a collar because cats are very soft and can easily break free from collars, which inevitably strangle the cat’s neck when tightened. Therefore, a cat harness is the most suitable choice. There are also various options for cat harnesses, which one should I choose?
Cat Harnesses
There are three main types of cat carriers
1.H-Shaped Cat Harness
This carrier has three main straps: one around the cat’s neck and one around the waist, with a center strap connecting these two straps located on the cat’s belly. This double loop design makes it difficult for the cat to break free and easy to adjust.
2.Figure of 8 Cat Harnesses
Similar to the H-shaped cat harness, the figure 8 cat harness has two rings. One ring encircles the neck and the other encircles the middle connection of the waist and abdomen. It is comfortable and does not affect the safety.
3.Vest type cat harness
the undershirt type cat harness is the most wrapping one, which can avoid cat skin scratching when outdoors, and can give enough security for cats to move freely.
How to put a cat harness on a cat
Putting a harness on your cat is not easy, especially if your cat is grumpy. That’s why the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends acclimating cats to harnesses when they’re kittens. But if you have an adult cat, don’t worry – it’s never too late to get your cat used to a harness, especially if they’re open to new experiences.
Dressing preparation and steps to take
Your cat will be irritable at first, so plan ahead what steps you can take to make them feel more comfortable.
Follow these steps to dress your cat harness:
- place the cat harness in front of your cat so your cat can examine it. Placing it in a familiar place, such as their favorite napping or feeding spot, can help eliminate their fear of new objects.
When you feel your cat is ready, try putting the harness over its head.
- If the carrier is H-shaped or figure-8, tighten the neck strap, then tighten the waistband and backstrap (if any). If you have an undershirt type cat harness, please put it on the cat’s back, then fasten the neck and waist clips, and make sure you can put two fingers to avoid strangling the cat.
- Practice walking with the harness on at home first. Let them get used to it as part of their natural habitat.
It’s a good idea to have someone help you when you first put the cat harness on. Have a person hold your cat while you try to help him put on the cat harness, but if your cat doesn’t like it and tries to break free or scratch and bite you, it means they are resistant to wearing a cat harness and haven’t gotten used to it yet, so you should give up on putting it on to avoid stressful cat behavior. The last thing you want to do is stress your cat out as this can cause other problems in their life such as peeing outside the litter box.
With the right approach and patience, you can help your cat gradually adapt to a cat harness that will keep them both safe and comfortable while out and about. Remember to always prioritize your cat’s comfort and slowly guide them to accept this new experience and build a relationship of mutual trust. Have a great time out with your cat!
