As creatures of behavior, cats dislike change. One thing so simple as shifting their litter field could cause them to get anxious and begin appearing out. Now think about how having to put on a harness feels, not to mention being pushed to stroll whereas connected to a leash. Most cats would freak out or on the very least, refuse to maneuver.
This doesn’t imply you possibly can’t prepare a cat to stroll on a harness, although, since you definitely can, and it’s price a strive! Harness coaching is a superb strategy to give your cat extra freedom to discover the skin world.
However earlier than the adventures can begin, it is advisable to make investments time in serving to your cat get used to sporting one. Hold studying for 10 simple tricks to just do that!
Our 10 Ideas for Getting Your Cat Used to a Harness
1. Introduce the Harness Slowly
We imply slowly. Begin by inserting the harness close to their favourite sleeping or play space, permitting them to discover and grow to be accustomed to it over just a few days. This helps remodel the harness from a overseas object to a well-recognized and non-threatening merchandise of their atmosphere.
For instance, in case your cat loves sleeping in a particular nook or has a favourite toy, place the harness close to these areas. Over time, you would possibly discover your cat sniffing and even enjoying with the harness, which signifies their curiosity and rising acceptance.
2. Reward and Reward Them
Constructive reinforcement is vital when serving to your cat affiliate the harness with good issues. Each time they strategy or examine the harness, supply them treats and verbal reward.
Step by step improve the extent of interplay with the harness, akin to touching it to your cat’s physique or draping it over their again. Bathe them with consideration and yummy morsels each single time. It received’t be lengthy earlier than they suppose harness = superior.
3. Observe Touching the Cat’s Physique With the Harness
As soon as your cat is desensitized to the harness’s presence, use it to the touch totally different areas of their physique, beginning with the face, paws, and sides. Keep in mind to pair the touching with a yummy deal with. Take your time! Don’t rush to placed on the harness till your cat is completely snug with you touching them with it. Subsequent, work on rising the period of time that you simply contact totally different areas of their physique, akin to for greater than a few seconds, then proceed to apply placing on the harness.
4. Observe Placing on the Harness
For this half, select a quiet spot to maintain your cat relaxed and comfy. That is precisely the mindset you need, so that they don’t combat the harness as you’re placing it on.
Sit with them and allow them to sniff the harness once more. Then slowly put the harness on, repeatedly praising and providing treats all through the method. Take away the harness after just a few seconds and repeat this train over a number of days to construct optimistic associations with the harness.
5. Hold Periods Quick
Keep away from overwhelming your cat with prolonged harness coaching classes. Start with just some minutes per day, and step by step improve the period as they grow to be extra comfortable with the harness.
All the time finish coaching classes on a optimistic be aware, whether or not it’s with a deal with, pets, or a play session, to keep up your cat’s curiosity and motivation.
6. Let Them Put on the Harness Indoors
As soon as your cat tolerates the harness, have them wear it around the house for short periods.
Encourage your cat to have interaction in regular actions like enjoying, consuming, and sleeping with the harness on to additional strengthen optimistic associations. The aim is to render the harness “invisible,” a standard a part of their routine.
7. Connect the Leash
When your cat is snug sporting the harness indoors, begin attaching the leash. Keep away from pulling or tugging—allow them to discover and transfer round with the leash dragging behind them. This helps them get used to the additional weight and size of the leash.
Solely placed on the leash for a couple of minutes at a time, with a number of apply classes all through the day. Keep on this stage for a few week.
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8. Observe Mild Leash Management
As soon as your cat is snug sporting each the harness and the leash, you possibly can start guiding them round the home. Maintain the leash gently, avoiding any dragging or forcing them in any course.
As an alternative, use toys or treats to encourage your cat to maneuver with you, serving to them perceive the idea of following your lead.
9. Transition to the Outside
Start taking your cat outdoors by beginning in a quiet, enclosed outside house, akin to a yard or balcony. Maintain the leash, and let your cat discover at their very own tempo, providing treats and reward to make the expertise pleasurable.
10. Step by step Enhance Publicity
Over time, slowly introduce your cat to busier outside environments. Keep near them and preserve preliminary outings brief. Be affected person and attentive to their wants, monitoring their physique language and reactions. If they appear scared or harassed, return inside and check out once more one other day.
Once more, don’t force them to stay on the leash longer than they like. Doing so can undo all of your onerous work! Let your cat dictate the tempo, and respect their limits.
Decide the Proper Harness for Your Cat
Don’t have a harness but, or your present one doesn’t match nicely? Observe these steps to select the proper one.
1. Measure Your Cat
An ill-fitting harness isn’t just uncomfortable to your cat. It can be harmful as a result of if it’s too unfastened, they are able to escape the harness. If it’s too tight, it may irritate their pores and skin and even trigger accidents.
Don’t belief your greatest guess right here! Get a tape measure for accuracy! Gently wrap it round your cat’s neck and chest, then be aware down the measurements. Make sure to measure snugly however not too tightly. In case your cat is afraid of the measuring tape, strive utilizing a smooth ribbon, after which measure the ribbon.
2. Decide the Harness Kind
There are different types of harnesses you can buy: vest, H-style, and figure-eight. Your selection will depend upon what you intend to do along with your cat.
As an example, in case your cat is an escape artist, an H-style harness with a figure-eight design will stop them from slipping out. If you happen to’re planning to take your cat for lengthy walks or a hike, a vest harness with a padded chest plate can present additional help and luxury.
3. Assume Concerning the Materials
The harness materials will affect your cat’s consolation and security. For example, nylon and mesh are gentle and breathable, however leather-based is extra sturdy.
4. Look For Security Options
The extra security options your cat’s harness has, the higher. Search for issues like reflective materials or vivid colours that can make your cat extra seen to drivers and pedestrians, particularly at night time.
A harness with a sturdy D-ring or buckle will stop your cat from breaking free or escaping whereas on walks. Velcro straps will make it simpler to take it on and off your cat, particularly if yours is fussy.
Conclusion
Getting your cat used to wearing a harness takes persistence and work, however the outcomes are so price it! Think about having the ability to take your buddy on hikes, on a stroll alongside the neighborhood, or to the nook cafe so that you two can loosen up outdoors. It may actually broaden your cat’s world.
Earlier than you begin coaching them, nevertheless, watch out about picking their harness. You need it to be cozy, safe, and filled with security options. Don’t overlook to buy tons of cat treats whilst you’re purchasing for their harness. You’re going to wish it!
Featured Picture Credit score: Laura Sanchez Ubanell, Shutterstock