Can the best cat harness be suitable for cats? For dog owners, walking their pets is one of the easiest ways they stayed fit and bonded with their fur babies. This is also one of the biggest differences between dogs and cats as our feline friends aren’t exactly too fond of being controlled in any way.
Having them on a leash is something a lot of cat parents have never imagined doing, knowing that it will end in bloodshed. But did you know that you can walk your cat and put them on leashes? The best cat harness proves that it can be done.
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Walking Your Cat: Can You Do This?
A lot of people are surprised upon seeing cats tethered on a leash or even just by finding such products in the pet supply store. How could a cat, who even hates to be touched by her human companion, want to be held on to while on cats outside?
Cats are independent creatures and can be quite difficult to train, so how can some people just make them wear a cat harness and take them out for walks as if they’re as docile as pooches?
The funny thing about cats is that they’re very complicated creatures. A lot of people may feel like their cats hate them and want nothing to do with them except mooch off food from them, but other cats are just as loving and clingy as dogs.
As cats are also natural explorers, a lot of them will love to step outside. Being on a harness will help them feel more secure, though, as they will have their owners right next to them, which will make them feel more familiar with their surroundings a bit more.
Walks outside can be excellent physical activities for both you and your cat. Doing it regularly will help you keep your cat fit. It’s also an excellent way to keep your kitty stimulated.
Walking outside will expose your cat to a lot of new things, sights, and textures which will get their minds working. They will also feel more confident as they’ll feel like they’re more capable of doing different things.
What you should know about walking your cat is the fact that doing this isn’t like walking your dog where you train them not to pull, on the leash. Dogs need to follow where you need to go while it’s the other way around for cats. You’ll be merely accompanying your kitty as she wanders around.
Getting Started in Walking Your Cat on a Leash
Like everything else that you want to introduce to your cat, you should ease your kitty into wearing a leash. You can’t just strap one on them right away. You should first leave the cat harness around the house for them to play and get familiar with.
Once they don’t feel intimidated by its presence, try putting it on them. Make sure that it fits your cat nicely. Otherwise, they’ll just slip out of it. Make sure to use an actual cat harness and not one made for dogs. This will guarantee the proper fit.
Let them wear the harness around the house. This will let them get used to dragging a rope along as they move. Once they’re used to the leash, you can then try holding onto the rope and walking around the house with them.
It’s best to give treats to your cat while getting her acquainted with her new leash. Every time she makes progress, giving her a healthy snack will help her feel better about the harness and encourage her to interact with it more.
Only step out of the house with your cat on a harness when your cat is ready for it. Give her time to process that she’s allowed to step out and never drag her out. Some experts suggest that you pick out a controlled environment for them at first.
A spot without lots of stimuli will help them get used to being outside. Let her choose the direction as well, as there’s no point in forcing your cat to go in a particular direction if she doesn’t want to do so.
Not All Cats Will Want to Wear a Cat Harness
Also, remember that not all cats will want to wear a harness or step outside. Pay attention to how they react to the new things you’re introducing to them. You’ll quickly know if they’re not too interested if you know your cat well. If they seem very anxious and not a fan of the idea, don’t force it on your cat as it can only lead to stress and anxiety on your kitty.
Here is a Video on How to Leash Train a Cat
How to Find the Best Cat Harness for Your Pet
The first thing you need to know when trying to walk your cat on a leash is that you need the right equipment to do so. To find one, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:
Types of Cat Harness
There are three types of cat harnesses:
The figure-8 harness is shaped like the number ‘8’ with its two holes where you insert your kitty’s front legs. It goes around the torso and connects at the back providing a hugging effect on your cat.
The H-harness is more of the useful/minimalist type. It has two lines that go around your cat’s torso and neck and two lines that run vertically to connect them. They don’t add too much weight to your cat. They also don’t put too much pressure on your cat’s neck, which can prevent injuries.
The V-harness is the vest type which can be great for nervous cats.
Picking the type of cat harness depends on your preference and your cat’s needs. The H-harness may be easier to use, however, as it won’t make your cat feel too encumbered.
What to Look for in the Best Cat Harness
The best cat harness should also be these things:
- Safe for use. It shouldn’t cut your cat’s skin or choke their necks when worn.
- Lightweight. The harness shouldn’t wear them out.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Adjustable.
- The perfect fit for your cat.
- Secure.
- Durable.
Best Cat Harness Reviews: 4 Products You Should Check Out
Here are five of our picks to help you get started in your search for the best cat harness.
1. PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash
A well-received H-harness, this PetSafe product is one of the more popular options in this list. A quick search online about kitty harnesses and you might just end up with a few videos using this very product. It’s a good option because it’s adjustable and won’t put pressure on your cat’s neck. Instead, they will be attached to the leash by the strap on their shoulders, so they won’t feel very uncomfortable wearing this product.
You might also like the 4-foot bungee leash that it comes with. This allows a little give (as it extends up to 6 feet) for your cat to pull a bit more even as they get a bit farther from you. It can ensure that they won’t get hurt and that you’ll quickly understand where they want to go.
PROS
- Adjustable harness
- Available in three sizes
- Long and extendable bungee leash
- Won’t choke your cat
- Easy to strap on
- Secure and lightweight
CONS
- Bungee leash can be too short for tall people
Touted as the “original walking vest” for cats, the Kitty Holster is another option you can go for if your cat is not too fond with strappy harnesses.
This one is worn like a vest, so if your cat is used to wearing clothes, they might warm up with this harness easier.
If you’re worried about your cat’s safety, this harness is probably one of the safest you can opt for.
Since the connector for the leash and harness are found in the back of the cat, it won’t have anything that will potentially cut off your cat’s air flow. You and your cat can tug at each other, and no one will get hurt as long as you hold onto the line.
PROS
- Very secure
- Easy to use
- Available in different designs and sizes
- Soft, breathable material guarantees comfort
- Part of the sales go to an animal sanctuary
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Not adjustable, so you need to buy one that fits your cat perfectly
3 Mynwood Cat Jacket/Harness Black Adult Cat
Made by a cat parent for other cat parents who want a secure and safe harness for their fur babies, the Mynwood Cat Jacket/Harness is another option worth checking out if you’re interested in a vest-type harness. It addresses the issue of cats being able to escape most jackets and harnesses, so this one is specially made to be secure while being easy to use and durable.
What makes this product stand out is the fact that it is handmade by the seller with the high-quality materials, this product promises to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Made using black cotton, it’s guaranteed to be hard wearing, even if your kitty likes to play it rough outside.
PROS
- Handmade with quality construction and craftsmanship
- Machine washable
- Durable
- Secure
- Comfortable
- Attaches to the leash at the back of your cat
CONS
- Quite pricey
As some cats won’t like to wear clothes, vest type harnesses won’t feel comfortable for them. An H-harness option like this product from Savvy Tabby can be a better option, however. As this product is comprised of just a few nylon straps, it can feel as if your cat isn’t wearing anything on them, allowing them to move more freely.
Promising durability, this product also offers safety. As the connector for the harness and leash is found on the strap around your cat’s torso, it won’t constrict their airways even if they try to pull away from you.
PROS
- Safe
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Won’t burden pets who don’t like wearing clothes
- Very affordable
- Adjustable fit
CONS
- Can be hard to put on
Our Recommended Product
Most experts say that walking your cat is an experience all cats should have the opportunity to try. Being outdoors will benefit their health and development, as all the stimuli can sharpen their minds and senses. The walks the two of you go on together will also strengthen your bond, letting you be closer.
However, it’s essential to find the best cat harness for your furball before you attempt taking them outside. You don’t want them to escape as cats are particularly hard to find. The stress and dangers that they’ll face outside can be life-threatening as well, so you wouldn’t want to put your cat at such risk.
If we’re to recommend just one out of our four picks, we’re going for the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash. This item will prove to be easy to introduce to your cat, thanks to its H-harness design. As it’s also very safe and secure, it promises great times exploring what’s outside of your home.
Of course, it will still depend on your cat which kind of harness she’ll like. She might not even like wearing a harness at all, so make sure to be open to the many possibilities. We hope our cat harness reviews help you out, though, so you can take walks around the neighborhood with your fluff ball right away.
Additional Resources:
http://www.adventurecats.org/gear-safety/what-kind-of-harness-does-cat-need/
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/07/walking-your-pet-cat.aspx
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/should-you-walk-your-cat-outdoors-on-a-leash/