We will walk the cat across the field together, or how to accustom a cat to a harness


A harness for cats is a very convenient device that is designed to accustom your beloved pet to walks. So if your furry pet is bored within the walls of a cramped apartment, it’s time to go outside. However, this is not as simple as it seems. For some cats, leaving the house is a real stress. In order not to injure your pet’s nervous system, you should accustom him to walks gradually. And you need to start by getting to know the ammunition. How to accustom a cat to a harness, how to make the right choice?

How to train a cat to wear a harness

Does a cat need to go for a walk?

There is an opinion that walking dogs is mandatory, but what about cats? Do they need to go outside from time to time?

Of course, it would be wrong to compare cats with dogs. Apart from the presence of four legs and a tail, animals have nothing else in common - neither character, nor habits, nor taste preferences. What about walks? Of course, if your cat has been sitting at home for several years, then it is likely that the prospect of going outside will not please her, even despite the fact that she spends all day on the windowsill and sighs languidly, watching the bird.

Preventing excess weight for spayed or neutered pets

Many veterinarians say that cats need to go outside to eat grass. It is known that it cleanses their stomach of unnecessary contents and allows them to normalize intestinal motility. In addition, green grass is a good source of vitamins and improves mood. Therefore, this is a strong argument in favor of walking.

Cat on a walk in a harness

He's not alone. Here's another. Everyone knows that every living creature on earth needs oxygen. A cat constantly sitting at home with the windows closed will obviously feel unwell. And this will manifest itself in weakness, reluctance to play and even eat. Therefore, owners who are against walking need to take utmost care to ensure that the pet receives enough oxygen. To do this, you need to regularly ventilate the room and open all the windows wide for half an hour at least several times a day. It's great if your apartment has a balcony. If you take the fluffy out on it at least several times a day, this will eliminate the need for walks.

Another important point: love for warmth. Surely, many owners have noticed that their pets are always near heat sources - a radiator, a stove. And some cats simply love to soak up the sun on the windowsill. And this is not because they need vitamin D, no, unlike humans, they can do just fine without it. They only need warmth, because without it, according to veterinarians, the cat may die.

Furry fidgets on the street may also like tempting rustling leaves, twigs moving quickly under the pressure of the wind, birds, butterflies, midges flying near their noses, and many other things that are attractive to cats.

Cat enjoying nature

However, everything is not so rosy. There are also several arguments that can convince cat owners to take them outside. This is a high probability of injury. This is often caused by motor vehicles. Despite the caution of cats, some of them, due to their timidity, still end up under wheels, receiving serious injuries. The same applies to meeting a dog, which, following its natural instincts, may unexpectedly attack a walking cat nearby.

Poisoning is another reason not to let your cat outside. Cats, by nature, are true hunters. Therefore, she will never refuse the opportunity to feast on a caught rat, mouse, bird or poisonous beetle. It is impossible to exclude the strange love of cats for garbage containers. Next to a tempting piece of meat there may be a chemical reagent that will penetrate the stomach and cause severe symptoms of intoxication in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

Cats are real hunters

No less dangerous are poisonous plants and exhaust gases, which also cause serious poisoning. All these troubles can be avoided if you accompany your cat on a walk, walk where it is clean, as quiet and safe as possible, and control his actions. And if you put a harness or leash on your pet, then she will definitely not be afraid of any danger.

Durable harness for walking

How to teach a cat to walk in the fresh air?

To prevent walking with your cat from causing unpleasant sensations, you first need to accustom the animal to a leash, following the instructions:


Introducing your cat to a harness will help you avoid stressful situations: just let him smell it and get used to the leash.

  1. For a positive reflex, it is recommended to take the harness out of the closet, show it to the cat and stroke it (give it a treat).
  2. When your pet has calmed down, put on the accessory, but without coercion or violence.
  3. Give the animal time to get used to the clothes. It is better at this moment to distract him with a game or food.
  4. After a couple of minutes, remove the device and hide it in the closet.
  5. When the pet gets used to the equipment, before going outside, walk around the apartment, following the cat.

Now you can train your cat to go for daily walks. It's better to do this early in the morning. Before placing the cat on the ground, you need to give him time to get used to the new environment and smells. When the first fear passes, you can walk your pet every morning for at least 10 minutes. When your pet gets used to it, you can take him out once a week if you wish.

Which cats should not be walked, and who needs it?

The fact that fresh air has never harmed anyone is obvious. The oxygen received during walks saturates the brain and improves the functioning of all internal organs. And there is no need to talk about the benefits of physical activity for domestic couch potatoes. To make your cat's walk as safe as possible, you should follow the following rules:

  • the cat must have all vaccinations;
  • you need to take preventive measures in advance to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and lice;
  • Buy a harness or leash.

Walking is strictly prohibited for such cats.

  1. Kittens up to 5 months old, who, for either physical or psychological reasons, cannot conquer the outside world. In addition, at this age, many vaccinations that are simply necessary for safe walks are contraindicated. It is necessary to organize an exit to the street only after all the necessary injections have been completed.
  2. Pregnant pets.
  3. Weakened, sick cats, or those who have recently suffered from an illness and are not yet strong enough.
  4. Pets are very shy and afraid of noise and bright light.
  5. Overly aggressive cats (especially during heat). When they see another animal, they will always want to fight with it. And you don’t need this at all. The best option in this case is to walk where there are no other animals.
  6. Cats over 5 years old who have not previously gone outside.

Walks will be useful for hyperactive and courageous cats. You will definitely like the diversity of the surrounding world. And they are unlikely to deny themselves the pleasure of repeating this wonderful moment after some time.

If your cat managed to escape through an open window to nibble grass, don’t scold her for it. It’s better to organize joint walks.

Cat eats grass

It will be useful to shake up pets who used to be hyperactive, but have recently become lazy and began to spend most of their time on the couch. Perhaps the lack of oxygen is to blame. Try going out into the fresh air with him. This will help the pet shake itself up and, perhaps, return it to its previous lifestyle.

If your cat has long hair and it’s a hot summer, then an evening walk on the cool, lush grass won’t hurt him. Your pet will feel much better.

Important! Any cat can be trained to walk. The ideal time for this is childhood.

Stage 4. Choose a place and time for a walk

The first walk should be carefully thought out by the owner:

  1. Place . A cat that has never been outside its familiar environment will most likely become frightened and protest. Therefore, you should carefully choose your walking route. There should be no dogs, street cats, or crowds of people nearby. We choose a calm, quiet place, away from the noise of cars. There should be no dense bushes or tall trees nearby. Otherwise, you will have to pull your pet out of the bushes or climb trees after it (read more about how to remove a cat from a tree).
  2. Habituation and familiarization . You need to wait until the cat himself expresses a desire to come down to the ground. Planting it in tall grass will make the cat feel more protected. Stroke the pet, talk, encourage. The cat will sit in one place for a long time. Don't be nervous - he needs time to get comfortable, sniff everything, and calm down. As soon as the cat calms down, he will begin to choose his own route for a walk. If the owner does not like following the pet along the “cat path,” he needs to stop. Do not pull the leash, do not scold the cat and do not get nervous. Sooner or later, the animal will get tired of trying to redirect the person, and it will go in the right direction.
  3. Time . If there are no such quiet places near your home, then you can choose a convenient time - in the morning or in the evening.

A walk should be enjoyable for both the owner and the furry pet.

About ½ of domestic cats do not enjoy walking on a leash.

In this case, you need to come to terms with it. Such a “homebody” may well have enough impressions and fresh air through an open and screened window.

Also watch the video on how to teach a cat to walk on a leash:

How to get a cat accustomed to a harness

Buying a harness and putting it on your cat is only half the battle. This design will not immediately make a positive impression on the pet, but on the contrary, it will alert him. Therefore, you should not immediately attach a harness to his neck and drag him outside, not paying attention to the fact that the cat is dragging along the floor, screaming at the top of his lungs, his eyes bulging, and does not understand why he is being punished.

The most important thing in this matter is gradualism. Start with training at home, and only then try to take your pet outside. The first thing to do is place the structure next to the cat. Let her sniff it properly and touch it (but don’t play!). The cat must make sure that the item is completely safe.

First step to harness

Only after this try to put the harness on the animal. Don't drag the cat, don't drag it around the room. Let him lie down, walk around, run and understand that the strap does not pose any danger. Don't forget to praise, pet your pet, or give him his favorite treat.

Attention! Keep an eye on the animal. He may want to get rid of the harness, or crawl into some gap, get caught and get hurt.

The next day, proceed with more drastic methods. Put on a leash and try walking around the room with your cat. Just don’t drag her, let her take the first step herself. This may take time. It’s okay, you can wait, the street won’t go anywhere, and you’ll still have time to show off your new harness with rhinestones and your beautiful cat.

If your pet refuses to go, don't insist. Place your favorite treat near his nose. Surely he will rush after the prey. If this does not help, pick up the cat, move him 30 cm forward and give him a treat. Repeat the action several times. Feed the animal each time (give it a small piece, otherwise the cat will become completely lazy). If this does not encourage the cat to “communicate” with the leash, try playing with it.

Training a cat to wear a harness at home

Make sure that the cat understands that this thing is the best and safest in the world. When you remove the leash, ignore the cat. Once it's on your pet's neck, do your best to show him how much you love him. Over time, the cat will begin to associate putting on a harness and leash with something very good and kind.

Keep training every day. When your pet can move freely on a leash and in straps around the apartment, it’s time to go outside. If this is not the first time for your pet, then there probably won’t be any difficulties. It’s worse if the cat experiences the outside world for the first time.

Remember! The cat is frightened not by the street itself, but by the noise that is happening around, the bright light, the new environment.

If the fluffy one completely refuses to show his face from the entrance door, don’t be angry. Otherwise, all your work will go down the drain.

Cat's reaction to a walk in a harness

Caress your pet, give it some food, pet it. There should be no screaming, tugging, or kicking. Allow the cat to stay in the entrance for a while with the door open. Let her get used to the current situation.

Then go outside and call your pet. If the cat does not respond to your pleasantries, pick him up and gently hold him close to you. Attempts must be repeated daily. The pet will still, even if it takes a while, get used to the street. Every time you arrive, treat your cat with his favorite treat. When your pet finally deigns to go outside, he may jump into the grass or bush. Don't pull him out, let him sit, look around, sniff everything.

Cat's alertness while walking

After exploring the area, the cat will leave and follow in the direction that is of greatest interest. Do not pull the harness in the other direction. Always follow the cat, encourage it and praise it. If your pet begins to feel uncomfortable or afraid, for example, if a dog appears in the distance, pick him up and move him to a safer place.

Attention! Walk your cat, increasing the walking time by 5-10 minutes every day. Expand your boundaries.

The cat will feel more confident if you put his favorite toy in the grass in which he basks. You can feed the animal. Cats always consider the eating area to be safe.

Video - Accustoming a cat to a harness

Video - How to train a cat to wear a harness?

Rules of conduct for the owner

Almost all animals, accustomed to the cozy atmosphere of their permanent place of residence, perceive open spaces with fear. This is due to a large number of sources of various noise, light and moving objects.

If the cat is afraid to leave the apartment, do not scream or swear. The pet needs time to gain courage on its own for its first acquaintance with the street.

Each owner who accustoms a cat to a harness should adhere to certain rules and recommendations:

  1. Calmness . The worst thing an owner can do is to get angry and forcibly push the cat out of the apartment. Thus, the pet will become even more firmly convinced that the street is a complete danger. Therefore, everything must happen without the use of force.
  2. Support . Cats perceive human speech, intonation and understand how they should behave at the moment. Like all other pets, they willingly make contact and open up to new things if they feel the support of their owner. But, of course, individual character can fully manifest itself if the cat itself is not at all interested in walks.

Also watch the video on how to train a cat to wear a harness:

Useful tips and tricks

To ensure your training is successful, follow these rules.

  1. Never leave your cat on a leash unattended. Any noise or rustle can scare away the animal, and it will climb a tree. Wearing a harness can cause suffocation and injury.
  2. Do not pull the leash or drag the cat. This will cause damage and will forever discourage your pet from interacting with this item.
  3. Unfortunately, there are some cats that will never accept being kept on a leash. As soon as the structure is put on the neck, they fall like a stone to the floor and do not want to get up under any pretext. It is very difficult to fight such animals, and sometimes even impossible.
  4. Keep an eye on the dogs. Some of them can rush at a cat and cause serious injury to it. Therefore, if you notice a dog staring in your direction, pick up your pet, turn away and move to another place.
  5. Sometimes the harness is not the right size for the cat. If this is so, then the pet will not agree to go for a walk under any pretext. A suitable harness will help solve the problem.
  6. Don't loosen your grip on the leash. This will reduce the likelihood of the animal escaping.
  7. Carry a cloth bag or pillowcase with you so you can hide your cat from your dog.

Cat's reaction to a dog

A harness will help protect your cat from dangers such as poisoning, injury, or falling under the wheels of cars. Therefore, such a device should be in every home where there is a walking cat.

Cat, cat and kittens

Walking your cat on a leash is a great way to give your cat some fresh air while keeping her safe. Walking outdoors can help reduce obesity, relieve your cat of boredom, and solve behavior problems that occur in cats that live indoors. The leash is also very convenient during trips to the vet and other necessary trips.

How to train a cat to walk on a leash?

Most cats can be trained to walk on a leash. Kittens naturally accept these new experiences more quickly and easily, but adult cats can be trained with the right amount of patience. Training consists of small steps, and successful completion of each step should be rewarded (encouraged). Start training indoors so your cat is comfortable and comfortable with the leash before going outside.

Buy a leash designed specifically for cats. It is important to use harnesses rather than a collar, which should be secured to the back and between the paws, and not to the neck.

Place the leash near your cat's feeding area or her favorite sleeping place for a few days. She will get used to the sight of him and associate him with a feeling of satisfaction.

Also, let your cat sniff the leash. Give her a treat when she does this. After this, attach the leash harnesses to the cat's back and offer a treat again.

Meanwhile, if your cat doesn't like being held and restrained, there's one more step you need to take before leash training your cat (just skip this step if your cat is okay with you holding her). Place a favorite treat or toy nearby and hold your cat firmly but gently for a few seconds. Praise her gently while you hold her, then show her the treat and release her so she can eat it. Repeat this exercise for several days, always giving the treat after holding the cat, and each time holding it a few seconds longer than the previous time. Try touching your cat's paws and paw pads gently and reward her for being calm when touched.

Next, put the harness on the cat. Give your cat a treat, then remove the harness. Do this until you can easily put the harness on the cat while distracting it with treats. Adjust the harness correctly. You should be able to fit two fingers (not three or four) between the harness and your cat's body. At first, wear the harness for just a couple of minutes, but gradually increase the time and decrease the number of rewards. Repeat this for several days. Your cat should remain relaxed and content; if she is unhappy and irritated, you need to distract the cat with a treat or toy.

Now it's time to attach the leash. Place the cat in a room with fewer things for the leash to get caught on. Put on the harness and attach the leash, but do not hold it, the leash should drag freely behind the cat. Distract your cat with a treat or favorite game. Repeat this step for several days. Always make sure that the leash does not get caught on anything and scare the cat.

When your cat seems calm and relaxed while dragging the leash, try holding it gently (don't pull) as your cat walks around the house. Let her go where she wants and keep the leash and just follow the cat. When she wanders around the house, praise her often and reward her with tasty treats periodically. Follow this step for several days.

Now you can move on to outdoor learning. But first, you should try leading the cat around the house, since during a walk you will need to direct the cat to go in the right direction. Here's how to encourage your cat to walk with you:

Use a gentle, soft voice to encourage your cat to follow you.

Give your cat a treat, and while she eats, move away a little. When he catches up with you, praise him and reward him with another treat. Repeat this over and over again.

Apply gentle but constant pressure on the leash if your cat tries to go in a different direction. Don't pull on the leash. Just wait patiently. When your cat finally takes a few steps towards you, she should be rewarded.

Most cats that have not been outside are nervous and easily startled outside. So start in a quiet, protected place and just sit with your cat on a leash. She will begin to explore the world around her. Just as you did indoors, simply follow your cat as she explores and move on when she is calm and ready to move on.

Additional Tips

Your cat won't constantly ask to go outside if you only walk it at certain times each day. Try setting up a walking routine.

Always wear a harness and leash away from the door and keep a close eye on your cat when outside. Never allow a cat to be outside without a harness and leash, and never allow a cat to be outside without you so he doesn't get into trouble. Make sure that the cat does not jump out into the street when you open the doors. On the street without you, a cat can get hit by a car, in the teeth of dogs or other cats, and also in a trap (when stray dogs and cats are caught on the street). All this threatens the health, if not the life, of your cat.

Never walk your cat when she is meowing and pestering you. Ignore her until she calms down and sits quietly. Then you can reward her good behavior with a walk.

Don't tie your cat's leash to anything outside or leave her, even if you plan to leave for just a minute or two. Your cat may get tangled in the leash and hurt itself, and it may not be able to escape if the dog or other animals attack it. In general, it is best not to leave your cat outside unattended, whether on a leash or not.

How to choose a harness for a cat

If you definitely decide to go for a walk with your cat and accustom her to a leash, then the first thing you need to do is take care of choosing the right design.

Remember! Veterinarians do not recommend walking a furry pet wearing a collar. These structures can injure the animal’s delicate neck. With the help of a harness, the load on the spine is distributed evenly. In addition, the cat is unlikely to break out of this convenient device, but it can calmly escape from the collar, especially if it is very frightened.

The design should not fit the animal’s body too tightly. Place two fingers under the loop. Do they fit in? Perfect! With these parameters, the animal will not feel discomfort and will be able to swallow saliva freely. Therefore, before purchasing ammunition, take care of the necessary measurements - neck and chest circumference. Show them at the pet store and choose a harness that is suitable for your pet.

Perfectly shrunken harness

Many harnesses sold are adjustable, allowing you to adjust the size. Accordingly, the prices for such devices will be higher.

Important! When the animal is in a harness, try not to scold it. Otherwise, she will associate the object with fear and discomfort.

The material used in manufacturing is also important. You should also pay attention to this nuance when purchasing a harness. Typically, for kittens, the design is made from soft and elastic materials that stretch well. These are not suitable for adult cats - only made from nylon and other denser materials.

In addition to the harness, you should definitely purchase a leash. In this case, its length matters. If your pet is shy and always stays close to you, then preference should be given to short, fixed-length leashes.

For more active, inquisitive and hyperactive pets, roulette leashes or stretchable accordion leashes are suitable. The prohibition against purchasing such devices is the small size of the cat. They are not able to pull a long leash with full strength.

Roulette leash

It is important to consider the quality of the harness material. Even with the slightest electrification, a cat may feel discomfort and refuse to walk in a harness forever.

Leash “Stretchable accordion”

When choosing a design, you should focus on the quality of the parts. For the convenience of the cat, it is better not to purchase products that are connected with glue or rivets. A good quality harness should be stitched. Then the risk that the pet will run away is very small. The fasteners should snap well and not come apart when the leash is pulled.

When should you not go outside with your kitten?

But no matter how useful it is to walk a cat on a leash, in some situations veterinarians do not recommend taking the animal out:


If your pet has never been outside in its life, then in old age you should not take it out there.

  • When the kitten has not received a full course of vaccinations. Ideally, veterinarians advise starting walks after the kitten is 5 months old.
  • If the cat is an adult or of old age and has never left the premises before.
  • If your pet is recovering after an illness or is still sick, this can worsen the condition.
  • When a cat is pregnant, she can get an infection.
  • When pets are in heat due to not very appropriate behavior.
  • It is not recommended to walk unsterilized cats without the supervision of the owner.

Types of harnesses

Essentially, a harness is a structure that consists of several straps that cover the cat’s torso in the area of ​​the shoulder blades. It is usually fastened on the back of the cat. This counters the stress placed on the animal's neck. The leash is attached to a ring attached to the harness.

The variety of harnesses for cats is huge. They can be different in size, shape, method of fastening, made of different materials, etc.

Table 1. Types of harnesses for cats.

NameWhat ispros
Figure-of-eight harnessMade in the form of two loops attached behind the front legs and on the neckDoes not allow the cat to break free and escape. The pet can move calmly. His movements are not constrained
V-harnessSimilar to the previous design. The difference is that on the chest area the straps are attached in the form of the letter V The cat won't be able to escape. The design does not put any strain on the animal's neck. Does not hinder movement
H-shaped harnessThe design is also similar to the previous ones. It differs in the shape of the loop. It is represented in the form of the letter H The pet will not run away from the owner. There is no pressure on the pet's neck. The animal can move freely
VestPresented in the form of a jacket, which is worn on the front of the animal’s body. The fastening can be with Velcro or buttons Will not allow the animal to escape from the owner. Protects the cat from pollution. In addition, it provides her with warmth in winter. Does not squeeze your pet's neck. Movements are carried out calmly

Important! Veterinarians recommend purchasing a harness that consists of straps.

The fabric of the harness should not be rough or hard. It is better to choose an elastic material that can stretch. Nylon or cotton is ideal for this. Such harnesses do not cause discomfort to the cat. It is better not to purchase a device made of leather. It is quite hard and heavy, which can be painful and unpleasant for the pet. Width also matters. The belts should be more or less wide. Ideal parameters are 1-1.5 cm.

How to choose a cat harness

The device consists of straps with metal rings, a leash lock and a latch fastening. A cat harness should, firstly, be comfortable for the pet and practical for the owner. And secondly - inexpensive, made of high-quality materials and with reliable fastenings.

The size of the “collar” is determined by the circumference of the chest - just above the center of the body, behind the front legs. Knowing the length of this parameter in centimeters, choosing a harness will not be difficult.

What features of a cat leash are worth paying attention to:

  • the cat harness should be made of practical and durable materials - thick fabric or soft natural leather;
  • with elastic straps no more than 1.5 cm wide, which will ensure a comfortable fit and perfect fixation of the straps;
  • with reflective stitching, and sometimes with patterns, but the harness should not be afraid of washing and cleaning, even daily, and should not lose its appearance and density;
  • A comfortable cat harness fits snugly without squeezing your pet's neck.

Why does a cat absolutely not want to come into contact with a harness?

Pets, even after long training, do not always agree to contact the harness. Perhaps during the training process you did something wrong - you treated the cat roughly when putting it on, or you shouted at the animal when it categorically refused to put its paw into the hole, or you pulled the leash too hard, not allowing your pet to move freely around the apartment. All these actions can forever discourage your pet from not only going for a walk, but even looking at the hated harness.

Cats do not always agree to be in contact with a harness.

What else can provoke a cat’s reluctance to wear it?

  1. As you know, cats, by nature, are true clean people. They spend all day licking their fur until it shines. When something interferes with this, the animal begins to fuss and get nervous. So is the case with the harness. In addition, the cat may be worried about the condition of its coat.
  2. If the cat, after putting on the harness, begins to actively bite it and tries to remove the structure with its hind paws, it may be due to the wrong size. Maybe the straps are constricting her body, rubbing her, restricting her movements. As already mentioned, the distance between the strap and the body of the animal should be 2 cm.
  3. A cat may refuse to wear a harness because it is frightened. If there are various bells, decorations and other “things” that irritate the animal, then it is unlikely that he will want to put on the ammunition next time.

Attention! If every time you go outside, your pet meows as loud as he can, does not want to leave your hands, and when you try to put him on the ground, he climbs over you like a tree, then, unfortunately, your pet is not made for walking. It's best to leave this idea. Surely, your cat is a real homebody and a window sill is the ultimate dream.

Cat's reaction to a walk

Protective equipment and choice of ammunition

In nature, pets face various troubles - infections, rabid animals, blood-sucking insects. Therefore, the cat must be protected from parasites - fleas and ticks. To do this you need to buy protective equipment:

  • collar;
  • drops;
  • antiparasitic shampoos.

You will also need to get all the necessary vaccinations - on the street, your pet may encounter sick animals and become infected with various dangerous infections.

Choice of ammunition. After the cat’s body is ready to resist diseases and blood-sucking insects, it is necessary to buy walking equipment:

  1. Selecting an accessory . A cat needs a harness, not a collar. The cat's neck muscles are not strong enough, and any sudden movement can damage the cervical vertebrae. The harness should be strong, light, and safe. It should be easy to put on and adjust. The size of the harness should be such that 2 fingers can be inserted between it and the pet’s body. Then it will securely fix the animal, but will not press or rub.
  2. The optimal material option . The best material for cat gear is synthetic or cotton fiber. This “harness” is light, washes well and has no odor that might frighten a cat.
  3. The leash to the harness must be fastened securely so that the cat cannot break free and run away. For walking, a leash length of 1.5-2 m or a roulette leash for small breed dogs is sufficient.

Where should you walk so as not to scare the cat?

It is preferable to start from a balcony or loggia. At first, hold the cat in your arms and show him all the delights of nature from above. Let him get used to the sounds of cars, the barking of dogs, the chirping of birds. This is a very useful activity. When you go outside for the first time, these sounds will no longer seem unfamiliar to the kitty.

Cat on the balcony

What are the best places to go for a walk?

  1. The walk should be carried out as far as possible from highways and roads with loudly roaring cars. It is unlikely that in such an environment the cat will want to walk and enjoy nature. Silence is the key to a good walk. And the exhaust gases emanating from vehicles are harmful to the health of the pet (and the owner too).
  2. It is preferable to walk in places where there are no dogs. A huge barking dog can greatly frighten a cat, and there is no need to talk about the possibility of an attack. So be careful. If you see a dog nearby, it is better to quickly pick up the cat, turn away and go to another place.
  3. No need to walk near trash cans. Despite the fact that the cat will be wearing a harness, this cannot always 100% protect him from the opportunity to grab a tasty morsel lying next to the trash heap.
  4. Areas with tall trees should also be on the list of places where cats should not be walked. A frightened pet can escape and climb high, high. And no amount of treats, toys, or kind words will pull him away from there.

The cat climbed a tree

Note to the owner

Those who do not want to always move only along the cat’s path are advised to stop when the path chosen by the cat does not suit the person. Again, don’t pull the leash or swear, but just stop. Sooner or later, the cat will get tired of tugging on the leash and will go in the other direction.

Practice shows that the ratio of cats who love walks and those who categorically do not accept them is approximately 50:50. Someone gets used to the harness and rejoices when they see it, like a dog in anticipation of going outside. And someone panics and loudly demands to return his mustachioed person back to his native land.

You shouldn’t demand too much from a cat: having given you her love, she has already done a lot. Accept it as it is, and don’t try to break it - nothing will come of it anyway, and trust will be destroyed.

And remember: if your pet is outdoors, vaccinations, flea treatment and anthelmintic are required! Let your walks really be healthy!

Popular harness models

The market offers quite a lot of models of harnesses for cats. Having studied the offers of some online stores and analyzed the quality characteristics of various products, we offer our rating of cat harnesses.

Table 2. Comparative characteristics of cat harness models.

NameCharacteristicsDimensionsAdvantagesFlaws
Model from TRIXIEHarness with stripes that reflect light. The set includes a leash, which is attached to the harness with a durable metal carabiner Strap width – 1 cm. Chest circumference – 22×42 cm
  • the likelihood of losing a pet at night and in the evening is very low;
  • provides additional safety for the cat;
  • suitable for exhibitions;
  • the pet's skin does not rub.
Flashing stripes can frighten an animal
Model from ReflectoCat S RogzMade from polyester. The set includes a leash, the length of which is 1 m 80 cm. The fasteners are made of acetate plastic. They are very strong. When opened, the animal's fur does not come off and is not damaged. The carabiner connecting the leash to the harness opens with significant tension. This allows you to unfasten it when the animal climbs a high fence and tree. The product is bright, beautiful, the set includes bells Strap width – 1.1 cm. Size – S
  • depending on the height, degree of activity and weight of the animal, it is possible to regulate the degree of ease of opening the lock;
  • the carbine is reliable;
  • There is a possibility of an opening control system.
  • the animal may be afraid of ringing bells;
  • high price (1400 rub.)
Model from DEZZIE, created for kittensNylon based material. The set includes a leash 1 meter 20 cm long The width of the straps is 0.8 cm. The chest circumference is 21x34 cm.
  • beautiful, bright;
  • the kitten's skin does not rub;
  • does not tear out or injure the baby’s fur;
  • durable, metal carabiner;
  • low price (400 rub.);
  • different colors;
  • stepless adjustment.
Model Hunter Smart from StripsMade from nylon. The kit includes a leash 120 cm long. The dimensions are adjusted using plastic sliders on the slots Strap width – 0.8 cm. Chest circumference – 22×46 cm, neck circumference – 22×33 cm
  • suitable for cats and small dogs;
  • reliable fixation;
  • sizes are adjustable;
  • different colors;
  • Average price - 855 rubles.
Narrow straps
Trixie model for kittens and small catsMade of artificial leather. The set includes a leash 1.2 m long Strap width 0.8 cm. Bust circumference – 22×32 cm, neck circumference – 22×28 cm
  • reliable;
  • the load is evenly distributed on the kitten’s shoulders and chest;
  • ability to adjust sizes;
  • does not rub the skin, does not spoil the coat;
  • convenient plastic fasteners;
  • different colors;
  • not expensive (300 rubles);
  • phosphorescent coating.
You will have to buy a new harness when the animal grows up

The basic rule for walking furry pets is that the cat is not the owner. The cat must walk the owner. Therefore, do not pull the leash or drag the animal in the opposite direction. If this place is dangerous, just pick him up and take him to another place. You should not prohibit your pet from exploring the territory.

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