Is Your Cat Trained For A Harness And Leash?

Should you train your cat to wear a harness and walk with a lease and how do you do it? Yes, it is a good idea for a number of reasons.

You may travel with your cat/ pet and it is very important that they have their ID on them. A moment of fear can cause a cat to bolt and they are already in a strange environment, when you travel with them. Even if it is only to the vet.

You might see them do it, but they will seldom respond to a voice command to return to you when they are frighten. If your attention is diverted, the ID they wear is the only hope you have of getting them back. They can sometimes make an escape from a cat carrier.

Wearing a harness and lease can also afford an indoor only cat the chance to go outside in a controlled and safe way. Even if it is only to the patio. You can sit out on the patio or balcony and your cat can join you. There are so many things to stimulate the cats senses, from smelling the air to enjoying the birds in your garden, by pretending to be a hunter. If you live in a quiet neighborhood you might get the cat to go for a walk. It depends on the cat and their comfort level.

We used harnesses with leashes when we lived on a 42 feet sailboat for 10 years. We felt it was necessary when we first moved aboard. I made the harnesses of bright neon orange fabric, so if they were to fall overboard we could use a boat hook and save them. I am happy to tell you, that it never occurred.

We also needed the cats harnessed and leashed when we came into docks for control. They quickly learned that if they were patient that I would take them for a walk, once the boat was secured. We also spent many pleasant hours in the cockpit with their company, when we were docked.

One cat was Mr. Adventure and always ready for a new one. He wanted to stop and sniff everything, just like a dog. The second cat had a high fear factor. I would have to carry him in my arms until we turned around to return, then he was ready to walk quickly back.

Both were rescued and the fearful one had been throw out of a car window, taken to the animal shelter, and neutered before getting a good new home. After the death of Mr. Adventure at age 17, the fearful one would walk home without the leash in our very quiet neighborhood. We live on a cul-de-sac street with almost no traffic. We would make sure the way was safe, before putting him down.

To start with measure your cat in the proper places for a harness. Around the base of the neck and just behind the front legs. Take the measurements and a tape measure with you. Then make or purchase a good quality harness that is soft and fits well. The brighter the color the easier it is to spot, if the cat is hiding. A frighten cat can get out of a loose one and one too tight will restrict its being able to move freely. So, you might have some have some trial and errors to get one just right.

I liked being able to make my own and have made several over the years. It is very simple sewing and the D rings and hooks are available for purchase or you might recycle from an old gym bag or purse.

If you do not want to make your own then you can purchase high quality cat harnesses and leashes at any store that sells cat supplies

The key to successful training is do it slowly, about 5 minutes at a time each day. Gradually increasing the time the harness is worn. Let the cat get use to wearing it around the house.

At first the cat will not want to move around. After it has accepted wearing the harness, then add the leash and encourage the cat to walk to get something it wants like a food treat or toy. A lot of praise and good kitty also helps in the acceptance of the wearing. The cat has to understand that there is a reward in store for its cooperation.

We have found that moving after our boating years and traveling made the harness/leash training invaluable:however; a cat is not a dog and it never will want to behave as one.