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Whether you have an outdoor-curious kitten or a full-blown adventure cat who enjoys the sunshine, fresh air, and nature, harnesses are a great way of allowing them to safely experience the world and also for you to create a stronger bond with your cat. At the same time, introducing your tiny fluff to a harness is no cakewalk. The earlier stages can be simple, but you must ensure your cat’s complete comfort while having great control over the leash.
As such, we have listed some of the easiest methods below to ensure both factors are met while getting the right harness for your cat. You can also use the information below to pick the best material for the cat harness and assess its benefits.
5 Easy Methods To Your Cat’s Comfortability and Enhanced Control On the Harness
Learn to gently put the cat harness on your pet through the methods below so they are comfortable in it without feeling confined.
Familiarise with the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Every cat’s harness comes with specific instructions from the manufacturer. These instructions can tell you the best way to adjust and maintain the harness on your cat. Read these instructions and watch videos from the manufacturers if necessary before putting the harness on your cat. Be prepared with all the information to understand how to tighten the cat harness to secure it and make your pet comfortable.
Introduce Your Cat to the Harness
Let your cat first investigate its harness before you try putting it on them. Leave it out for them to sniff and paw at while supervising them. Do this for a few days in the beginning. That way, once you eventually put the cat harness on your pet, they will be familiar with it and comfortable. It is crucial to give them the time to adjust to the idea of a harness since it will be easier for them to adjust over time.
Put the Harness on Your Cat Indoors First
Once your pet has sniffed and looked through the cat harness, you can put it on them indoors. Begin with making them wear the harness for a few seconds a day and then gradually increase the time to minutes. That will boost their confidence, and you can also use positive reinforcement during this time, such as toys and treats, to build your cat’s association with the harness. The more you let them spend time with it, the higher their comfortability will be.
Put the Cat Harness on Outside the House
After a few days of your cats becoming comfortable with the harness indoors, you can take them outside with it. You can use the same technique of positive reinforcement to slowly build up their comfort with being outside for a longer time.
Practice Walking Outdoors in Small Areas
Now, you can take your cat outside with the harness on and make them practise walking around in small spaces. Ensure that this space is entirely secured, such as a fenced backyard. Expand the outdoor range gradually while paying specific attention to your cat’s behaviour and body language to detect discomfort.
The Right Fit for a Cat Harness
It’s necessary to get the right harness for your cat that fits them properly without causing any discomfort. Getting the perfect cat harness depends on your pet’s body shape, size, security, and comfort needs. So start with measuring your cat’s chest size, neck size, and length. Pay more attention to their chest since the harness will provide the most support there. Some harness manufacturers suggest adding a few inches to your cat’s measurements to ensure that the confines are comfortable and not tight. Also, always pick harnesses that are specifically made for cats. Do not pick one meant for dogs since a dog’s harness on a cat can lead to accidents or injuries caused by slipping out of the harness.
Best Types of Cat Harnesses
Selecting the best cat harness for your pet is vital since that will keep them protected and comfortable. So, there are several types of harnesses that you can consider for your cat, including vest styles, H-style, and other types. The vest-style harnesses are the most escape-proof since they go around your pet’s body and make it challenging for them to wriggle out of it. The vests are made using nylon and mesh and are great for distributing the pressure equally across the body and preventing stress on the joints and necks.
You can also use H-style harnesses that wrap around the body but have straps attached to them. The straps are great for many cats, but finding the right fit and preventing the strap from digging into your cat’s skin can be challenging. So, ensure the harness gives enough room for your cat to move comfortably.
You can also get a fabric vest if your pet has sensitive skin. But your priority should still be your cat’s comfort since cats are less likely to escape the more comfortable they are. At the same time, an H-style harness is great if you need lightweight confinement since less is more in this case.
Conclusion
A cat harness lets you keep your pet safe while you explore the environment together. It adds outdoor enrichment to your cat’s life and keeps them secure on road trips. At the same time, the harness must be breathable, adjustable, and escape-proof. You don’t want your pet to get through the harness and chase after anything while outdoors. So, the balance between security and comfortability is necessary since your cat must be protected while also ensuring it can move around as much as possible.
Get a cat harness since it is a great tool that gives your pet enough mental stimulation and lets them engage in physical activities safely. It also lets you bond with your little fur ball, making them less fearful and more socially confident.
