How to Train Your Cat: Use a Cat Harness
Everyone knows about training dogs to use a dog harness to make them safer when out and about.
So did you know that cats also need training? There are many benefits to owning a harness-trained cat.
Our cats may spend a lot of time indoors alone while we’re away at work or school. Without much stimulation, your kitten may become bored easily. At this time, taking your cat to play outdoors is a good way of entertainment. Cats can play in a wider world, and you can also unlock more play places with your cat.
Training a cat may sound like a daunting task to many pet owners, but with the right methods and tools, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your feline friend. An effective way to train your cat to safely explore the outdoors is to use a cat harness. While cats are known for their independent nature, harness training gives them the opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventures under your supervision and control.
5 steps to harness training your cat
Find the right strap
The first step in letting your cat walk on a leash is to find a comfortable and well-fitting harness for them. Many people may choose a small dog harness for their cat at this step, but we do not agree with this. A small dog’s harness may not fit them well, and they are more likely to get out of the harness if they feel uncomfortable, or even come to hate the harness later on. Then this will be a very failed step, and your subsequent work will be even more troublesome.
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Introduce safety belts
Place the harness near your cat’s sleeping area or incorporate it into playtime, gradually introducing the harness around your cat. Let your cat sniff and check the harness at his own pace. If your cat shows interest in the carrier, you can give certain rewards and praise, such as small snacks. This behavior can make the cat not resist or even like the carrier.
After your cat has established a bond with the carrier, you can gently put it on for a short period of time, making sure it fits snugly but not tight. Monitor your cat’s behavior to make sure they are not distressed or uncomfortable. If they resist during wearing, don’t force them. Put the carrier down and repeat the previous step until they are willing to wear the carrier. When wearing them, take them off immediately if they cause uncomfortable behavior.
Indoor exercises
Once your cat can walk around the house normally in a cat harness, you can add a leash to the harness. Practice walking your cat indoors on a leash before venturing outside to help them get used to the feeling of being restrained. They may be a little reluctant at first, and you can use treats and toys to encourage your cat to walk with you.
Enjoy time outdoors
Once your cat no longer resists walking comfortably indoors on a leash, you can slowly take them outside. You can take your time to let them adapt. At first, only move around your house, and then gradually move to nearby parks and so on. You can successfully train your cat to use a cat harness and enjoy the great outdoors together.
Patience
It is normal for the process of training a cat to take some time, because it is a new experience for your cat, and different cats’ personalities have different effects on training. It may be that your cat adapts to the carrier quickly, or it may take a long time for your cat to adapt. Don’t get frustrated, take your time, and always prioritize your cat’s comfort and health throughout the training process, harness training for a few minutes at a time. Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior. Distract them with their favorite toy and stop once they start to feel stressed.