Most cats love being outside so they can get some fresh air and practice their natural hunting instincts, but any responsible cat owner knows that the safest place for their cat is indoors.
If you’re looking to introduce your indoor cat to the wonderful outdoors, you should know that it’s possible to train your cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash. If done correctly, harness and leash training gives your cat the opportunity to explore the outdoors in a safe and controlled environment. This isn’t necessarily something that comes naturally to our feline friends, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be taught.
Read on for 10 easy steps to harness training your cat and get one step closer to giving your cat all the outdoor fun it desires.
10 steps to harnessing your cat
1. Set realistic goals
In an ideal world, all cats would accept a harness quickly and easily. However, as a cat owner, you know that cats do what they want, when they want. Some cats will get used to a harness and lead right away, while others may take much longer. You know your pet best, so always pay attention to their body language for signs of anxiety or discomfort.
2. Choose the right harness
Before you can start training, you need to buy a harness that fits your cat’s size – not all harnesses are the same, or even the same size, so you really need to measure them to ensure a good fit.
Be sure to read the measuring instructions provided by the harness manufacturer carefully, as not all manufacturers use the same sizing system. You will need a soft tape measure. Most harness size charts call for your cat’s neck diameter and chest circumference, but exact measurements can vary.
Make sure the tape is tight against the skin for a snug fit — the harness should fit snugly, but not so tight that it hurts your dog.
Cats can easily escape from a loose harness, so make sure the harness fits properly before taking your cat outside for the first time.
3. Implement a reward system
Cats are often very food-conscious so having the right treats on hand during training can make a big difference – choose a high-value reward that your cat will only receive during harness training, helping them form positive (and tasty) associations with training.
4. Let your child try out the harness
The idea of taking your cat on an adventure may be exciting, but before you can put a harness on your cat, you need to get him used to it first.
Place the harness on the floor and let your cat explore it whenever it likes. Every time your cat approaches the harness, give them a treat to encourage positive association with the harness. When they cutely nuzzle it, place a treat on the harness to entice them to explore further.
Let your dog sniff the harness and run its paws over it, so that it gets used to the smell and feel of the harness.
This process can be lengthy and you may be tempted to skip it, but it is an essential part of harness training. Trying to put your pet in a harness right away without giving them time to try it on will make training much more difficult. Forcing your pet into a harness can be frightening for your pet and may make them reluctant to wear a harness again.
5. Getting used to the harness
You should also become familiar with cat harnesses, especially before you try to put one on your cat for the first time – the last thing you want to do is force your cat into a harness when you’re not sure it will even work.
Familiarize yourself with how to put it on and where all the parts are. Try adjusting the buckles and clips a few times to get a feel for how they work, so you can feel confident making the right adjustments when you put it on your cat.
Harnesses come in many different styles, so you’ll need to read the manufacturer’s instructions to choose one that fits your cat perfectly.
6. Wear it around the house
Once you’re comfortable with the harness and your cat is used to its smell and feel, it’s time to try it on.
Do not fasten the buckle when putting it on for the first time. The tightness of the harness can be quite scary for your cat at first, so let your cat get used to the feeling of it being worn loosely on its body first.
Give your dog some time to get used to being out of the harness, then tighten it and adjust the straps to fit it properly — all the while providing positive encouragement and plenty of healthy distractions.
You want a snug fit, but not so tight that it cuts into your cat’s skin — you should be able to fit a finger or two between the harness and your cat’s skin.
7. Keep sessions short
The first few times you put the harness on your cat, only keep it on for 1-2 minutes at a time. As training progresses, you can allow the harness to be on for longer periods of time. At this stage, reinforce this process with plenty of the high-value treats mentioned above.
8. Wear a harness during mealtimes and playtime
Another great way to encourage your cat to form positive associations with the harness is to have them wear it for a few minutes while eating or playing. By incorporating the harness into their daily activities, your cat will get used to it faster and may even enjoy it.
You may need to let him sit on the stage for a while and spend the day wearing the harness around the house – don’t rush him on the lead – the more time he has to get used to the harness, the easier it will be to suggest the idea of exploring outdoors.
9. Refer a lead
Once your cat has gotten used to the harness, you can begin leash training by walking it around the house on a leash first, but avoid taking it outside.
10. Back off at the first sign of stress
Watch your cat closely during harness training and be sure to pick up on any signs that she is becoming overwhelmed or stressed – overstimulating your cat can make her fearful of not only the harness but also you.
Signs that you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed include:
- Defensive Actions
- be scared
- Tilt your ears back
- Curved back
- Speak out loud
lastly
Training your cat to wear a harness can sound like a complicated and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be. The steps outlined above should provide you with the framework you need to get your cat used to wearing a harness. Once your cat is comfortable with the feel of the harness, you can move on to the next step of putting her on a lead and keeping her safe as you explore the outdoors together.
Featured image credit: Abis Photos, Shutterstock
