How to Make Your Adventure Cat Happy in a Harness

Daydream of taking your cat with you on hikes? Don’t worry if your cat becomes a limp noodle when you attach a harness to them. You and your adventure cat can still have hope!

How to Choose the Best Harness For Your Cat

You’ll need to find the perfect cat harness and leash first. Finding the right fit for your cat can be difficult because they are known to escape artists. We can make this process easier for you and help prevent future disappearances a la Houdini.

Three styles of cat harnesses

There are three main types of cat harnesses, each with pros and cons. You need to know the differences between a cat jacket and a vest before you add them to your shopping cart.

H harnesses: These harnesses for cats are made of thin straps, like a collar, but they wrap around the chest. They suit hot climates and can be layered with clothing during cold weather. However, they are easy to get out of. This style is easier to wear for newbie cats because it’s lightweight.

Cat harnesses in vest style: Cat harnesses in vest style have wide, padded belts that wrap the cat’s shoulders and chest. These harnesses can be worn over the head or as a step-in style that clips over the shoulders. Breathability is essential, as thickly padded harnesses may cause your cat to overheat in the sun. Cat vest harnesses offer a comfortable, versatile option.

Jacket cat harnesses: The cat harness, known as a cat holster or kitty jacket, is the fullest-coverage harness style. It covers your cat just like a jacket or shirt. This coverage provides the best fit, and most harnesses have several adjustment points using velcro. Perfect for your wiggly feline. However, this can make it difficult to adjust for cats with sensitive skin or those who dislike the sound of velcro. In hot weather, the full-coverage design can make them stifling.

Find the right fit

It can be difficult to find a harness that your cat likes. However, you can do a few things to ensure the problem is not your cat.

Measure your cat. Wrapping tape around a cat can be difficult, but it’s worth the effort! You will find the perfect fit by matching your cat’s dimensions to the product description.

You can customize your fit by using multiple adjustment points.

Your cat appreciates easy-to-wear harnesses. Many cats prefer to wear a harness they can use rather than one that goes over their heads.

Make sure all clips, latches, and clasps are securely fastened.

Choose reflective materials and bells for your cat’s safety.

Purchase a harness designed for cats. Some companies repackage harnesses designed for small dogs to fit cats. Some companies will repackage small dog harnesses for cats (sneaky! Choose brands that are transparent about the design of their cat harnesses.

How to train your cat to use a harness

Seeing your cat go numb when you put on the harness for the first time is funny. It doesn’t matter if your cat is a drama queen or if they take to their harness immediately; you should use positive reinforcement to make them feel comfortable. How to start.

Start by putting on the harness indoors. Then, you can give your cat some tasty treats or play their favorite games. It’s important to distract them from the strange thing they have on their body so that they can focus on what they enjoy. Begin with shorter sessions to get your cat used to the process.

Add a light leash. Now is the perfect time to teach your cat boundaries. Your relationship has evolved from a figurative attachment to a real one.

Start venturing outdoors! Bring along a comfortable cat carrier so that they can retreat safely. Start with a small enclosed area, such as a backyard fence. Then expand the space once they are comfortable.

Introduce new places little by little. You can start with your backyard and then move on to the park if your cat is ready. You can get your cat to follow you on your favorite trails with patience. Bring a pack or carrier with you to your outdoor adventures so that your cat has a place where it can hide.

Keep an eye on your cat’s body language to ensure that it is happy. It’s great for cats to explore the outdoors, but not all cats want to climb Everest. That’s fine! Understanding your cat’s boundaries is key to a healthy relationship. Thankfully, cats are much better at this than most people.