{"id":666422,"date":"2024-11-12T13:12:06","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T18:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=666422"},"modified":"2024-11-12T13:12:06","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T18:12:06","slug":"how-do-i-get-my-cat-used-to-a-harness-updated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/lifestyle\/how-do-i-get-my-cat-used-to-a-harness-updated\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Get My Cat Used to a Harness? 10 Vet-Approved Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nTips for Getting Your Cat Used to a Harness<\/a>
\nHow to Pick the Right Harness for Your Cat<\/a>
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As creatures of habit, cats dislike change. Something as simple as moving their litter box can cause them to get anxious and start acting out. Now imagine how having to wear a harness feels, let alone being pushed to walk while attached to a leash. Most cats would freak out or at the very least, refuse to move.<\/p>\n

This doesn’t mean you can’t train a cat to walk on a harness, though, because you certainly can, and it’s worth a try! Harness training is a wonderful way to give your cat more freedom to explore the outside world.<\/p>\n

But before the adventures can start, you need to invest time in helping your cat get used to wearing one. Keep reading for 10 easy tips to do just that!<\/p>\n

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Our 10 Tips for Getting Your Cat Used to a Harness<\/h2>\n

1. Introduce the Harness Slowly<\/h3>\n

We mean slowly<\/em>. Start by placing the harness near their favorite sleeping or play area, allowing them to explore and become familiar with it over a few days. This helps transform the harness from a foreign object to a familiar and non-threatening item in their environment.<\/p>\n

For example, if your cat loves sleeping in a specific corner or has a favorite toy, place the harness near these locations. Over time, you might find your cat sniffing or even playing with the harness, which indicates their curiosity and growing acceptance.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Sergio Canovas, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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2. Reward and Praise Them<\/h3>\n

Positive reinforcement is key when helping your cat associate the harness with good things. Whenever they approach or investigate the harness, offer them treats and verbal praise.<\/p>\n

Gradually increase the level of interaction with the harness, such as touching it to your cat’s body or draping it over their back. Shower them with attention and yummy morsels every single time. It won’t be long before they think harness<\/em>\u00a0= awesome<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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3. Practice Touching the Cat\u2019s Body With the Harness<\/h3>\n

Once your cat is desensitized to the harness’s presence, use it to touch different areas of their body, starting with the face, paws, and sides. Remember to pair the touching with a yummy treat. Take your time! Do not rush to put on the harness until your cat is perfectly comfortable with you touching them with it. Next, work on increasing the amount of time that you touch different areas of their body, such as for more than a couple of seconds, then proceed to practice putting on the harness.<\/p>\n

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4. Practice Putting on the Harness<\/h3>\n

For this part, choose a quiet spot to keep your cat relaxed and comfortable. This is exactly the mindset you want, so they don’t fight the harness as you’re putting it on.<\/p>\n

Sit with them and let them sniff the harness again. Then slowly put the harness on, continuously praising and offering treats throughout the process. Remove the harness after a few seconds and repeat this exercise over several days to build positive associations with the harness.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Katerina Dalemans, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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5. Keep Sessions Short<\/h3>\n

Avoid overwhelming your cat with lengthy harness training sessions. Begin with just a few minutes per day, and gradually increase the duration as they become more at ease with the harness.<\/p>\n

Always end training sessions on a positive note, whether it’s with a treat, pets, or a play session, to maintain your cat’s interest and motivation.<\/p>\n

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6. Let Them Wear the Harness Indoors<\/h3>\n

Once your cat tolerates the harness, have them wear it around the house for short periods<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Encourage your cat to engage in normal activities like playing, eating, and sleeping with the harness on to further strengthen positive associations. The goal is to render the harness “invisible,” a normal part of their routine.<\/p>\n

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7. Attach the Leash<\/h3>\n

When your cat is comfortable wearing the harness indoors, start attaching the leash. Avoid pulling or tugging\u2014let them explore and move around with the leash dragging behind them. This helps them get used to the extra weight and length of the leash.<\/p>\n

Only put on the leash for a few minutes at a time, with several practice sessions throughout the day. Stay in this stage for about a week.<\/p>\n

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Taking your cat for a walk may sound challenging, but the right harness and leash can make all the difference! We recommend Hepper's Cat Harness & Leash Set<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0because it combines important safety features with stylish and comfortable design elements.<\/p>\r\n

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\n \n \"Hepper\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n Hepper Cat Harness and Leash Escape Proof Set -... <\/a>\n
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