{"id":666395,"date":"2024-11-12T13:01:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T18:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=666395"},"modified":"2024-11-12T23:23:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T04:23:33","slug":"why-do-cats-fall-over-in-a-harness-updated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-behavior\/why-do-cats-fall-over-in-a-harness-updated\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Fall Over in a Harness? Facts & Outdoor Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Click to Skip Ahead \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/p>\n

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\n <\/span>\n \nThe Harness Response<\/a>
\nTeaching Your Cat to Wear a Harness<\/a>
\nPreparing Your Cat to Spend Time Outside<\/a>
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Training your cat to walk with a harness and leash is an excellent option if you want your kitty to enjoy outdoor adventures. However, the first time many cats wear a harness, they simply fall over on their side. But why does this happen?<\/p>\n

Generally, cats fall over because the harness feels like being grabbed by a predator. Falling over and freezing is an instinctive survival response.<\/strong> If you want your cat to learn to walk on a leash, you must help them overcome this instant reaction.<\/p>\n

In this article, you\u2019ll learn why wearing a harness can cause your cat to fall over. Plus, we\u2019ll give you tips on teaching your cat to wear a harness and how to prepare them for spending time outside.<\/p>\n

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Getting to the Root of the Harness Response<\/h2>\n

Take a look at where your cat\u2019s harness places pressure on their body. Most of the time, much of the pressure falls between the shoulder blades and around the chest. For adult cats, being grabbed or held in this area can be a traumatic experience.<\/p>\n

Mother cats regularly carry their babies by the scruff of their necks. At that age, being scruffed triggers the kitten to relax. However, adult cats lose this instinct as they grow.<\/p>\n

Adult cats are typically only grabbed by the scruff during mating or by a predator, which can be a stressful experience. With this knowledge, it makes sense why a cat might react to a harness by freezing and falling over.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Abi’s Photos, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Teaching Your Cat to Wear a Harness<\/h2>\n

So, how do you help your cat overcome their natural fear and learn to wear a harness? The answer is usually A) slowly and B) with a lot of treats!<\/p>\n

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