Accustoming a cat to a harness for walking

Cats, like dogs, need walks in the fresh air. If you think that ventilation in the apartment is enough for her, then you are mistaken. After all, walks for an animal are very beneficial for its health, because it is an opportunity for it to move more and find various useful medicinal herbs during the warm season. And how much pleasure they get from satisfying their curiosity.

But to do this, you need to accustom your pet to walking on a harness - her nerves will be calmer, since she won’t run away, won’t hide, or get hit by a car. And not only for walking a cat you may need a harness, but also when visiting a veterinarian, when traveling in public transport, etc. Although such walks with a purr will require effort and patience, especially if your cat has already become an adult.

How to prepare for walks?

First, you need to purchase a harness and leash from a cat store. The good thing about a harness is that the animal cannot jump out of it. It must be selected according to size, which is not at all difficult: 2 fingers should easily fit between the harness and the cat’s body. The leash is attached to a special ring for it, located on the harness. A collar with a beautiful medallion or bow, a tag with the cat’s name and the owner’s address (just in case) can also be used, but not for walking, so as not to damage the animal’s fragile neck.

Now introduce the cat to the harness. To do this, place the object so that she can sniff it. Then leave the harness near the places where the animal is used to sleeping or spends its time more often. After a couple of days for 5-10 minutes. try putting on the accessory (without a leash for now), caressing and calming your pet (she will probably struggle). Then periodically put on the harness before feeding, favorite activities, and games. This will help distract the cat from the unpleasant process of dressing with attractive consequences, which is very important. Encouragement is another important key to success in training a cat to wear a harness. Use your animal’s favorite treat and don’t skimp on kind words.

As soon as the cat gets used to the dressing procedure and stops paying attention to the harness and begins to calmly move around the apartment in it, try fastening the leash, and, keeping it loose, follow your pet. Do not pull the leash, trying to force the cat to follow you - it is useless.

First walk with a cat outside

If your efforts to accustom your pet to a harness and leash at home have been successful, go out with her for a walk. Choose a quiet, peaceful place for this, where there is no traffic from passers-by, animals or vehicles. Here you can bring a cat in a harness and leash in your arms. While stroking it, lower it to the ground and let it adapt to the unknown terrain. And as soon as she starts moving, follow her at a short distance, not letting the leash pull. Under no circumstances should the cat feel fear - protect her from negative emotions, otherwise this walk may be her last.

It is advisable to start accustoming your animal to a harness from the age of 2-3 months.

A prerequisite for walking on the street is that the animal must be vaccinated.

If the cat gets very nervous when putting on the harness or becomes very aggressive, it is better to refrain in this case and do not walk it.

While walking, remember that this is not a dog, it will not follow you.