As creatures of behavior, cats dislike change. One thing so simple as shifting their litter field may 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 hooked up to a leash. Most cats would freak out or on the very least, refuse to maneuver.
This doesn’t imply you may’t prepare a cat to stroll on a harness, although, since you definitely can, and it’s price a attempt! Harness coaching is a superb approach to give your cat extra freedom to discover the surface world.
However earlier than the adventures can begin, you want to make investments time in serving to your cat get used to sporting one. Hold studying for 10 straightforward tricks to just do that!
Our 10 Suggestions for Getting Your Cat Used to a Harness
1. Introduce the Harness Slowly
We imply slowly. Begin by putting the harness close to their favourite sleeping or play space, permitting them to discover and change into aware of it over a number of days. This helps rework the harness from a overseas object to a well-known and non-threatening merchandise of their setting.
For instance, in case your cat loves sleeping in a selected nook or has a favourite toy, place the harness close to these areas. Over time, you may discover your cat sniffing and even taking part in with the harness, which signifies their curiosity and rising acceptance.
2. Reward and Reward Them
Constructive reinforcement is essential when serving to your cat affiliate the harness with good issues. Each time they method or examine the harness, provide them treats and verbal reward.
Regularly improve the extent of interplay with the harness, equivalent 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 assume 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 completely 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 growing the period of time that you just contact completely different areas of their physique, equivalent to for greater than a few seconds, then proceed to follow 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, in order that they don’t battle 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 a number of seconds and repeat this train over a number of days to construct constructive associations with the harness.
5. Hold Classes Quick
Keep away from overwhelming your cat with prolonged harness coaching classes. Start with only a few minutes per day, and regularly improve the length as they change into extra relaxed with the harness.
All the time finish coaching classes on a constructive observe, whether or not it’s with a deal with, pets, or a play session, to take care of your cat’s curiosity and motivation.
6. Let Them Put on the Harness Indoors
As soon as your cat tolerates the harness, have them put on it round the home for brief intervals.
Encourage your cat to have interaction in regular actions like taking part in, consuming, and sleeping with the harness on to additional strengthen constructive 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 follow classes all through the day. Keep on this stage for a couple of week.
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8. Observe Light Leash Management
As soon as your cat is snug sporting each the harness and the leash, you may start guiding them round the home. Maintain the leash gently, avoiding any dragging or forcing them in any path.
As a substitute, 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 Outdoor
Start taking your cat outdoors by beginning in a quiet, enclosed outside house, equivalent 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 satisfying.
10. Regularly Improve Publicity
Over time, slowly introduce your cat to busier outside environments. Keep near them and preserve preliminary outings quick. Be affected person and attentive to their wants, monitoring their physique language and reactions. If they appear scared or pressured, return inside and take a look at once more one other day.
Once more, don’t drive them to remain on the leash longer than they like. Doing so can undo all of your laborious work! Let your cat dictate the tempo, and respect their limits.
The way to Choose the Proper Harness for Your Cat
Don’t have a harness but, or your present one doesn’t match effectively? Observe these steps to select the right one.
1. Measure Your Cat
An ill-fitting harness isn’t simply uncomfortable in your cat. It can be harmful as a result of if it’s too unfastened, they can escape the harness. If it’s too tight, it might 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 observe down the measurements. You should definitely measure snugly however not too tightly. In case your cat is afraid of the measuring tape, attempt utilizing a delicate ribbon, after which measure the ribbon.
2. Choose the Harness Sort
There are various kinds of harnesses you should purchase: vest, H-style, and figure-eight. Your alternative will depend upon what you propose to do together 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. For those who’re planning to take your cat for lengthy walks or a hike, a vest harness with a padded chest plate can present additional assist and luxury.
3. Suppose Concerning the Materials
The harness materials will influence your cat’s consolation and security. For instance, nylon and mesh are mild 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 shiny colours that may 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 sporting 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 chill out outdoors. It may possibly actually develop your cat’s world.
Earlier than you begin coaching them, nevertheless, watch out about choosing their harness. You need it to be comfortable, safe, and filled with security options. Don’t neglect to purchase tons of cat treats whilst you’re purchasing for their harness. You’re going to want it!
Featured Picture Credit score: Laura Sanchez Ubanell, Shutterstock
