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How to Train a Cat on a Harness?

It may seem impossible to harness train a cat, but with some love and dedication, your kitty will be ready for an outside excursion in no time. Every cat is unique; while some get used to the notion of a leash and harness pretty quickly and are eager for outside adventures, some cats just aren't the right personalities for it. You know your cat best and can watch for indications for signs of excitement or discomfort, whether you're planning a fantastic outdoor vacation or just want to show your cat the backyard.

If your cat is shy and rather be at home, maybe they are not the right cat for adventures, but if your cat is curious and loves to explore, this could be a fun activity for the both of you! Cats require play, exercise, and stimulation, and taking them on safe walks is a fantastic way to meet those needs. It goes without saying that leash training your cat is not always simple. For this reason, we've created a short guide that details how to train your cat to walk on a leash and put on a cat harness.

What is Required to Leash Train a Cat?

It doesn't take much to train a cat to use a leash. A well fitted harness (or cat walking jacket) and a retractable leash, or a shorter leash, are required. To keep your cat nearby while the training is going on, we advise starting with a shorter leash and working your way up to one that provides them a bit more freedom.

Although collars are useful for keeping your cat's identification information close at hand, you should never tie the leash directly to the collar. If they pull on the leash or it catches on something while they're walking, it could present a choking risk. Given that cats typically have smaller necks than dogs, if you're going to buy your cat a collar, make sure it has a breakaway, adjustable buckle.

(Image by @Gingiandluna)

Steps for Harness Training:

1. The First Step in Cat Harness Training is to Always Start with a Calm Kitty

Wait until your cat is happy, quiet, and relaxed before you first introduce them to their cat harness. Instead of playing and racing around, they ought to be curled up and purring. When you first introduce them, don't put the harness on them right away.

2. Allow Them to Get Familiar with the Harness Without Putting it on Them

Giving your cat some goodies can help them create positive associations with this new alien thing when you bring out the harness and simply place it on the ground close to them. If your cat has previously had a bad experience with a harness, it may take a few days for them to warm up to it until they realize that just because the harness is out does not imply that they will immediately be wearing it. Allowing them to acclimate to the harness at their own pace by simply leaving it out for them to approach on their own will help them get rid of this negative association with it. When they get close to it, praise them right away with treats. If they don't appear interested, try putting some treats on top of the object.

Stay in this stage until you can take up and set down the harness without them knowing. If you really want your cat to get used to the harness, this procedure typically takes a few days, not hours.

(Image by @Gingiandluna)

3. Let Your Cat See the Harness

You can accomplish this by displaying it to them, allowing them to smell it, and testing each of its features close to them but outside of their presence. Before putting the harness directly on them, this will help them become accustomed to its sounds, scents, and feels. Give them a treat if they approach the harness without being asked to do so in order to maintain the positive associations.

Never put your new harness on your cat without giving them time to become used to it, even if this process may be laborious and protracted depending on how quickly your cat becomes accustomed to their new harness. That will simply discourage your cat from wearing it and lengthen the overall process. The key here is patience! It's time to proceed to the following step if your cat has a positive association with the harness and has approached or interacted with it without hesitation.

(Image by @Gingiandluna)

4. Before Taking Your Cat Outside, Put the Harness on Them Inside so They Can Become Used to it

Don't buckle the harness shut once you've put it on your cat. This might be done right before a meal, when they will be preoccupied with their food and more likely to form favorable associations with the harness. After a short period, you can fasten the harness and adjust the straps to make sure it suits your cat if they appear content and comfortable throughout this process. Although it shouldn't dig into your cat's flanks, it should fit snugly. Praise and their preferred treat should be given right away to your cat.

Your cat might attempt to wriggle free of the harness or plop over. They are only reacting to a strange, novel object being on their body, so don't be alarmed. It's entirely normal. Continue to caress and reward your cat with treats (or whatever they respond to best). Remove the harness if they appear to be extremely uncomfortable, then try again the following day.

(Image by @Gingiandluna)

5. Each Day, Allow Your Cat to Wear the Cat Harness for a Little Bit Longer

Engage your cat in some of their favorite everyday activities to make them feel more at ease while wearing the harness, such as feeding them and playing with their favorite toys. Slowly, they will grow accustomed to the sensation. Allow them to remain in this stage for a short period as they go about their regular cat business in the house while wearing it. You wish to include the harness into daily activities!

Do not hurriedly attach the leash, clip your cat into their cat bag, or lead them outside while wearing a leash. Everything that comes next will be simpler if you give your cat more time to get used to wearing their harness inside on their own.

An excellent method to assist your cat get comfortable to their harness is to play with them while they're wearing it!

6. Once They are Comfortable, It’s Time to Take Them Outside!

Once they are completely comfortable and happy to wear their harness it is almost time! By this point you should have already notice if they are able to get out of their harness or not. If they have gotten out of their harness, you will need to consider a different harness so they will not get out of it and run away when you’re outdoors. If they have not tried to get out of their harness, then you are set and ready for an adventure.

Always keep caution when going outdoors as you do not know how they will react to loud sounds, other animals, or anything unpredictable outdoors. Keep a close eye on your cat at all times and have fun!

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Harnesses

Harnesses

We personally use the Rabbitgoo harness, as you can see we rock many colors, but if you have a favorite harness you would suggest, send it to us for a chance to be featured on our app under Feedback!