Harness for a cat: types, subtleties of choice and rules of training

Cats are considered to be playful animals that love long walks in nature. Most of the owners of these "fuzzies" live in apartments. To prevent pets from escaping, they restrict their access to independent access to the street. In order for the cat to have the opportunity to walk, in this case, they use special leashes that can be purchased at any pet store.

A harness or as it is often called a "cat leash" is a device designed to hold a pet while walking on the street. A cat leash looks exactly the same as a dog leash, the only thing is that it is not fixed on the neck, but between the shoulder blades of the animal. Harnesses are used when the cat needs to be taken outside the house. It can be not only a walk in the fresh air, but also a trip to a summer cottage, a visit to a veterinary clinic or exhibitions.

Thanks to this design, it becomes much easier to walk the cat, as it is held and constantly under control. This is especially important when the animal finds itself in an unfamiliar environment and begins to panic from fear and climb to a height, after which it is extremely difficult to get the pet from a tree or other place. In addition, in such situations, cats can simply run away, hiding in a quiet shelter and then not be found.

The same applies to trips to the country, where free walking is allowed only a few days after the pet gets used to the new environment. To speed up this process, the owners need to walk the cat on a leash every day, gradually introducing him to the surrounding area. The main advantages of cat harnesses include:

• the possibility of a comfortable and safe walk with the animal on the street, which will provide both the pet and its owner with positive emotions and good health;
• having control over the cat, he will not be able to run away and climb a tree;
• the ability to adjust the distance between the animal and its owner;
• investment of trips to the dacha, exhibitions and to the veterinary clinic.

As for the shortcomings, they also exist.

• Cats at the sight of harnesses can panic, break free and become nervous. Animals try to free themselves from the leash in any way and often harm themselves.
• The leash and harness must be securely fixed, otherwise the pet will easily free itself and run away. Then it will be difficult to find it.
• Models made from cheap fabrics and low-quality materials tear quickly. Harnesses from well-known brands serve for a long time, but are expensive.
• It is not recommended to use these devices for kittens under 5 months of age. Their body is not yet adapted to private going out and they can easily "pick up" any infection.

In addition, experts advise giving up walking on a leash in the following situations:

• if the animal does not have the necessary vaccinations;
• after a previous illness or surgery;
• during estrus.

Before you decide to buy a cat harness with a leash, it is also important to take into account the fact that many pets have difficulty adapting to unfamiliar conditions, so some of them are contraindicated in such walks... They will not be of any benefit, and stressful situations will negatively affect the animal's immune system and cause cardiac pathologies.

Harnesses are usually sold with a leash. They consist of two collars, one of which is fixed on the cat's neck, and the other on the belly. Therefore, when choosing a particular model, it is very important to pay attention to the parameters of the animal and buy that harness that would not be too small or large. The leash is attached to the harness with a special ring. Its maximum length can reach 2.5 m, there are also models with a length of 4 meters.

Today on sale you can find a huge assortment of cat harnesses, which differ in the material of manufacture. Most often, this accessory is presented from thick fabric and tarpaulin, but best of all when the harness is made of leather. In addition, products may differ in color and decor options; models decorated with stripes and rhinestones are very popular. To participate in exhibitions, pet owners, as a rule, purchase original harnesses. For ordinary walks, you can give preference to cheaper options.

The most common types of harnesses include the following.

• Harnesses-overalls... They are considered versatile because they allow you to additionally protect the cat from cold and pollution. On the back of the accessory there is a ring with which you can attach a leash. Thanks to the chic selection of colors and designs, the harness-overalls are easily matched to every taste.

• Vest-shaped harnesses. Such models are equipped with fasteners to which you can quickly attach a leash. They are reliable in operation, but not suitable for summer, as the pet will be hot in them. In addition, many experts believe that such vests restrict a cat's freedom of movement.

• Collar leash. It is ideal for docile and calm cats. To make your pet feel comfortable in it, you need to choose the right size. The harness should not dangle freely around the neck or squeeze it.Accessories of this type in the form of a figure eight are very popular. The products consist of two loops fastened together, one of which is put on the pet's neck, and the second on the front paws on the body.

The junction of the loops falls on the back (between the shoulder blades), a ring for connecting the leash is fixed to it. The hinges have a convenient adjustment, which is carried out with the help of special fasteners. This allows you to customize the size of the harness for the specific dimensions of the cat.

Also found on sale and V collar leashes... They are similar to regular harnesses, the only thing is that the straps are connected to each other under the chest.

Choosing a walking harness for a cat should be guided not only by personal preferences, but also take into account that the accessory is comfortable and safe for the animal. If you pick up a product that is of poor quality or does not correspond to the dimensions of the pet, then it can quickly break. Therefore, when choosing a vest or harness, you need to pay attention to the following indicators.

• Dimensions of the cat. You should take measurements from the animal in advance. Usually the chest circumference is measured (behind the front legs).

• Material. The harnesses should be made of dense, but not coarse material. In addition, the accessory should be easy to clean. Nylon products are considered a good choice, they do not rub the cat's body and fit snugly. Nylon harnesses allow you to securely fix the animal and are suitable for both too active and young pets. For older cats, you can buy accessories made of cotton, since they are not very active during walks. For "pussies" who have delicate skin, harnesses with a fleece or felt lining are suitable.

• Leash dimensions. It is best to purchase a leash up to 15 mm wide and at least 2 meters long. It should unfasten easily. Usually all these parameters are indicated on the product packaging.

In the event that the time of purchase falls on the spring or summer, then it is best to give preference to harnesses from straps. Models in the form of vests made of sheer mesh fabric are also well suited. In them cats will be comfortable and cool. For winter, you need to purchase jumpsuit models, it will not only protect the walk, but also protect the pet from the cold.

After the cat's harness is purchased, the most important thing remains - to assemble it correctly and put it on the cat.

A harness with a leash is assembled according to the instructions in the instructions that are attached to the product. Putting on a harness on a cat should be done in stages, adhering to the following recommendations.

• First of all, the product must be placed next to the pet. He will smell it, examine it carefully and make sure that the unfamiliar thing will not harm him. It's good if your pet plays with the harness for a while.

• Then the "fluffy" must be taken in your arms, calmed, stroked and kindly talked to him, after which you can start putting on the product. First, you should throw one of the loops around your neck (with a carabiner up), and gently push the cat's legs into the second loop. In the event that a model with a clasp is purchased, the pet's paws must be pushed into the loops one by one, the strap under the belly should be adjusted and the clasp should be fastened to the back.

• The process ends by attaching the leash to the ring, after which you can safely go for a walk.

Choosing and purchasing a cat harness is considered only the first step to walking together. The main obstacle to this can be the accustoming of the cat to the leash, which is very difficult and not so fast. The gradual adaptation of the animal to the "innovation" will help speed up this process. To do this, you need to do everything so that the pet perceives this as a game and does not get nervous. It will be good if you start accustoming the cat to the harness from an early age, then less effort and time will be spent, and the animal will not get stress.

If the owners do not have experience in teaching a cat to a leash, then experts recommend adhering to the following recommendations.

• For the first few days, you just need to put the harness with a leash next to the animal, this will allow the cat to get acquainted with the subject and get used to it. In addition, the product will be saturated with the smell of a pet and will not seem dangerous to him.

• Then you can start putting the harness on the cat. Moreover, if he breaks free and gets nervous, then he should be distracted with a toy, a delicacy, or simply stroked. This procedure needs to be repeated every day, setting aside a little time for it. As soon as the cat gets used to the harness painlessly, you can attach a leash to it.

• It is best to start walking on a leash at home. The pet cannot be pulled in different directions. The owners need to be patient and give the cat time to get used to the new feeling. If you constantly pull on the leash, the pet will simply lie on the floor and will not want to move.

• When the walks around the house have been successful, you can go outside with the cat. First, they choose a deserted place to which the cat needs to be delivered in a basket or carrier. After the owner with the cat has come to the place of the walk, they open the carrier and wait until the pet gets out of it on its own. The beloved will choose a place for his walks, the owner just needs to follow him.

• Since various situations can occur on the street, it is recommended to wear a pendant on the cat's collar containing information about the owner's contact information and the animal's address. If it is lost, the search will be faster.

• You cannot go for a walk with kittens less than 6 months old. Babies still have weakened immunity; on the street they can quickly become infected. The same goes for older cats that have never seen a leash in their life. It is worth giving up walking with an animal that has a postpartum or postoperative period. It is not recommended to take pets with a cowardly and aggressive character to the street.

• As soon as the walk in deserted places has passed, you can gradually go with your pet to the squares and parks. At first, you need to hold it in your hands, then gently lower it to the ground and observe the behavior. If your cat behaves in a scared and wary manner, do not worry, this is normal. It takes time for the pet to get used to the new area.

• You cannot force the animal to walk during walks, the owner should only follow. You should come to terms with the fact that it is not the owner, but the pet that walks him. Over time, the situation will change for the better, and walks in the fresh air will turn into a real pleasure.

In the next video, you can learn how to properly dress and train your cat to use a harness.