As creatures of behavior, cats dislike change. One thing so simple as transferring their litter field may cause them to get anxious and begin performing 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 possibly can’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 method to give your cat extra freedom to discover the surface world.
However earlier than the adventures can begin, it’s worthwhile to make investments time in serving to your cat get used to sporting one. Maintain studying for 10 straightforward tricks to do exactly 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 turn out to be acquainted with it over a number of days. This helps remodel the harness from a international object to a well-known and non-threatening merchandise of their surroundings.
For instance, in case your cat loves sleeping in a particular nook or has a favourite toy, place the harness close to these places. 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. At any time when they method or examine the harness, supply them treats and verbal reward.
Progressively enhance the extent of interplay with the harness, corresponding 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 gained’t be lengthy earlier than they assume harness = superior.
3. Follow 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. Bear 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, corresponding to for greater than a few seconds, then proceed to observe placing on the harness.
4. Follow Placing on the Harness
For this half, select a quiet spot to maintain your cat relaxed and cozy. That is precisely the mindset you need, so 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, constantly 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. Maintain Classes Quick
Keep away from overwhelming your cat with prolonged harness coaching periods. Start with only a few minutes per day, and progressively enhance the period as they turn out to be extra comfortable with the harness.
At all times finish coaching periods 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 objective 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 observe periods all through the day. Keep on this stage for a couple of week.
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8. Follow 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 exterior by beginning in a quiet, enclosed outside house, corresponding 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 pleasing.
10. Progressively Improve Publicity
Over time, slowly introduce your cat to busier outside environments. Keep near them and maintain preliminary outings quick. Be affected person and attentive to their wants, monitoring their physique language and reactions. If they appear scared or burdened, return inside and check out 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 onerous work! Let your cat dictate the tempo, and respect their limits.
Easy methods to Decide the Proper Harness for Your Cat
Don’t have a harness but, or your present one doesn’t match effectively? Comply with these steps to select the right one.
1. Measure Your Cat
An ill-fitting harness isn’t simply uncomfortable in your cat. It may also be harmful as a result of if it’s too free, they can escape the harness. If it’s too tight, it may well irritate their pores and skin and even trigger accidents.
Don’t belief your finest guess right here! Get a tape measure for accuracy! Gently wrap it round your cat’s neck and chest, then observe down the measurements. Make sure you measure snugly however not too tightly. In case your cat is afraid of the measuring tape, attempt utilizing a mushy ribbon, after which measure the ribbon.
2. Decide the Harness Sort
There are several types of harnesses you should purchase: vest, H-style, and figure-eight. Your alternative will rely upon what you intend to do along with your cat.
As an illustration, in case your cat is an escape artist, an H-style harness with a figure-eight design will forestall 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 help and luxury.
3. Suppose In regards to the Materials
The harness materials will impression your cat’s consolation and security. For example, 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 vibrant colours that can make your cat extra seen to drivers and pedestrians, particularly at evening.
A harness with a sturdy D-ring or buckle will forestall 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 calm down exterior. It may possibly actually broaden your cat’s world.
Earlier than you begin coaching them, nevertheless, watch out about selecting their harness. You need it to be cozy, safe, and full of security options. Don’t neglect to purchase tons of cat treats when you’re searching for their harness. You’re going to want it!
Featured Picture Credit score: Laura Sanchez Ubanell, Shutterstock
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