Harness Training A Cat: An Eight-Step Guide

Why harness training a cat is important ..? We always want to keep our cats safe and secure, and we also want to walk and explore the world with them. It is hard to carry the cat all the time when you go outside. Often, it becomes troublesome. So harness training for the cat becomes crucial at such moments. It also lets you and your cat wander off and create memories together. In this article, we will share 8 easy steps to properly harness and train your cat: 

Step 1: Choosing the Right Harness

To keep your cat secure, the first thing to purchase is a harness that suits your cat well. I was recently introduced to many types available on the market, but I realized that a harness that is in the form of a vest was most appropriate for my cat. It provided a snug fit without being too restrictive. When choosing the collar, be sure to measure your cat’s chest and neck as required. 

Step 2: Getting Your Cat Used to the Harness

Cats do not like changes in their routine. A few cats may also get scared by seeing the harness. So before trying to harness train your cat, introduce the harness to the cat and let the cat make itself familiar with it. I positioned the harness in Choco’s preferred area of lying down for a few days. In this manner, she could smell it and examine it in her own way and at her own discretion. I also offered her some treats every time she paid attention to the harness in order to make it a positive stimulus.

Step 3: Putting the Harness On

It is not easy when applying the harness for the first time to your cat. Be patient! Choco was also acting frantically and trying to understand what was going on. To help her understand that there is no reason for him to struggle, I used a favorite toy to distract her while I put the harness on. Another option is to attempt to put on the harness prior to feeding the cat, so that when the cat does so, the cat will recognize that he or she will be well rewarded. Begin with short sessions of a few minutes and slowly increase the duration as the cat warms up to the idea.

Step 4: Adjusting the fit

Adjusting the fit of the harness in the cat’s body is the most important. There should be a little space, or the width of two fingers, between your cat and the harness. I had to make slight corrections to Choco’s harness a couple of times to achieve the correct positioning. Pay as much attention to the fitting of the harness as possible, because if the cat does not feel comfortable wearing it, you will not be able to train it to wear it. 

Step 5: Walking indoors

You need to get the cat used to wearing the harness before starting to wander with it outside. Outside, we do not know how the cat will react to the harness. That is why let the cat wander around the house with the harness on. I took Choco into the living area and let him wander over the floor at his own will. Make sure to provide a lot of treats and rewards after you take off the harness from the cat’s body.

Step 6: Training with leash

After you find that the cat is comfortable with the harness, start using the leash with the harness, but make sure there is no tension associated with it. Cats are picky, so they may feel like the leash is an obstacle. Let them wander and learn at their own speed. After you feel like the cat is fine with the leash, start taking control of the leash and slowly begin to put tension on the leash. Make sure to harness and leash train the cat inside the house before you start wandering with your cat outside. 

Step 7: Venturing Outdoors

If your cat enjoys going for walks inside your home, then it is about time to go outside. It is advisable to begin in a calm, sectioned space, such as your backyard. The first time that Choco went out, he was a little afraid, but when he saw the world around him, he could not contain his curiosity. I remained by his side, trying to comfort him and give him his favorite food. Bear in mind that this is a major milestone, so do not rush the cat and let it adjust to the responsibility.

Step 8: Exploring New Environments

Once your cat is comfortable in a specific environment, it is then possible to think of expanding the areas he or she may wander around. Choco and I began walking near the park, and as days went by, we expanded to less crowded trails. Remember the importance of observing the signs your cat gives off, and make sure to pick your cat up if you feel that they are uncomfortable. Every cat is unique; therefore, work at the tempo you are comfortable with and that which your cat is receptive to. 

We hope you can travel a long way and create many memories with your cat in this wonderful and amazing world!!