Planning to buy a cat harness? Then, you probably would have come across a few hurdles getting your cat comfortable with it. Harness training doesn’t always come naturally for cats, and that can leave you feeling frustrated or unsure of where to start.
Cats are naturally independent creatures, and a harness may feel like an unfamiliar gear to them at first. Moreover, anything around their neck or body can feel like a threat to them. Always remember that a harness is not a natural part of a cat’s environment, so allow them some time to adjust to the sensation and the idea of walking on a leash.
Wondering how you can make this process easier? Read on to learn some practical methods to make the cat harness training process easier for both you and your feline friend.
Steps to Train Your Cat to Love Their Harness
A cat harness is ideally supposed to be an accessory that lets you and your pet have fun while being safe, not something that stresses your cat. Once your kitty is used to it, you can go out for adventures with peace of mind. Here are a few helpful steps you can follow:
Step 1: Let Your Cat Explore the Harness
When you buy a cat harness, in the initial days, let your cat explore the harness on their own terms. Place the harness near your cat’s favourite resting spot or food bowl to create positive associations. Let your cat sniff and bat at the harness, and just see how they react.
If you observe that the cat is showing some curiosity or interest, it means they are slowly becoming familiar with it. Never force the harness onto your cat when you first buy it, as they may instantly reject it out of fear and anxiety.
Step 2: Gradual Introduction to Wearing the Harness
Once you see that your cat is getting somewhat comfortable with the cat harness near them, you can try putting it on. But wait, do not go straight away to fasten the harness completely at this point. Just drape it over your cat’s back and let them wear it like this for a few minutes, then take it off. The idea is to let your cat gradually adjust to the feeling without overwhelming them.
You might need to repeat this step a few times. Stay calm and relaxed throughout the process. If you seem stressed, your cat will likely pick up on that energy.
Step 3: Rewarding Positive Behaviour
Now if your cat is getting used to the harness just loosely tucked around their body, use rewards to reinforce their familiarity with the cat harness. You can give them treats, more playtime, or some gentle petting every time they allow you to put the harness on, even if it is for short periods. Positive reinforcement like these will make your cat more likely to tolerate the harness in the future.
If you notice that your cat does not like the cat harness and always sneaks out of it, don’t push them too hard. Go back a step and give them a little more time before trying again. Forcing the process would only lead them to develop a negative association with the cat harness.
Step 4: Attach the Cat Harness for Short Sessions Indoors
Is your cat now quite comfortable wearing the harness for longer periods? Congratulations, but it does not end here. Now you need to add the leash. Attach the leash and let your cat walk around indoors and move at its own pace. At this point, just keep the leash loose.
If you see your cat struggling and trying to shake the leash off, there is nothing to worry. This is a natural part of the process. Continue treating them with rewards for good behaviour and allow them more time to adjust.
Step 5: Take It Slow Outside
Pet owners know it well that outdoor environments can be very stimulating and unpredictable. When you take your cat out with their harness tagged along, it is important to move at your cat’s pace. You can start by taking them to a quiet outdoor area, like a small garden or even a balcony. Keep the leash short and make sure the area is secure.
It is possible that your kitty may be a little hesitant at first. Some cats might want to dart back inside, while others may be curious and eager to explore.
Step 6: Keep Outdoor Sessions Short
In the beginning, keep outdoor training sessions short. Just a few minutes of outdoor time can be enough to give your cat a refreshing experience with the cat harness. As they get more comfortable, you can increase the duration a bit and go to other outdoor places.
Always supervise your cat during these walks to make sure they are safe. Over time, your cat will begin to recognise that outdoor adventures are fun and rewarding.
Step 7: Consistency is Key
The most important part of training your cat to love their harness is consistency. Every cat is different, so some may take longer to adjust than others. Just stick with the process and keep the training sessions consistent but short. The more often you practice, the more likely your cat will become comfortable wearing the cat harness.
Conclusion
It is not at all easy to train your cat to love their harness, and it may take lots of time and effort from you and your cat, but the payoff is worth it. Not only will you be able to take your cat outdoors with you with complete peace of mind, but it will also be an opportunity for you and your cat to bond stronger as you navigate the harness training process together. With a good quality cat harness, plenty of patience, and a step-by-step approach, as we have described above, you will soon find that your cat enjoys wearing its harness. Remember, every cat is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If one method doesn’t work, try another. The key is to keep things positive, calm, and consistent.
