Harnesses & Pets
Harnesses in simple terms, are “jackets” made up of straps and belts that can be worn as a vest by pets. Cat owners and dog owners will usually make their pets wear such harnesses before taking them out on a walk. It provides better control to guide their pets, restrain them from interacting with other pets and even helps them stay closer to pets. But one might ask, “Are cat and dog harnesses different?”
The answer is, “Yes.”
Are Cat and Dog Harnesses Different?
Harnesses come in different colors, shapes and sizes. These attributes also vary with the size, temperament and nature of a pet or animal. Harnesses can be used on horses and cart-animals too but the same cannot be used on dogs and cats.
That is why harnesses are specially designed for a specific type of animal. The purpose of the animal is also kept in mind when harnesses are designed. Harnesses used by pet owners are different than harnesses used by mobile vendors using carts with animals.
Temperaments
Temperaments play a very important character in deciding whether an animal can even wear a harness. Some cat breeds like wearing harnesses in the sense that they are comfortable with it while some are not. That is why, the temperament of cat breeds need to be considered before even getting a harness for a pet.
Dog breeds are also similar in being moody towards harnesses. Some dogs feel suffocated or irritated having extra straps and a vest on their torso whereas others do just fine. Dog harnesses are also bigger in size as compared to cat harnesses.
Technical Aspects
Dog harnesses and cat harnesses are different. There are a lot of technical aspects that are very important to consider. A previous dog owner should not use a dog harness on a newly housed cat. Some of these aspects are:
Comfortability
All pets are individuals that have their own character, temperament and comfortability when it comes to harnesses. This is why it is important to know a pet on an individual level. This also includes doing homework on the type of breed one intends to keep as a pet. This applies to both cats and dogs.
If a cat or a dog is not comfortable wearing a harness, then the best practice is not force them to wear one. This cannot only damage the relationship between a pet and an owner, but also in some cases traumatize a pet mentally.
That is why, making sure that your pet is comfortable wearing a harness is key to avoid such traumas.
Fitness
Harnesses provide protection and safety to pets but is it the same for cats and dogs? Or are cat and dog harnesses different?
Depending on the size of a pet, a harness should always be proportionate in size to the actual pet. This includes making sure that the harness perfectly fits the pet. If it is too loose, the pet might pass through the loops of the harness whereas if it is too tight, it might hurt and cause injury.
Therefore, making sure that the harness is a perfect fit is your best pet to avoid any injuries to your pet.
Dog vs Cat Harnesses
Cat harnesses are dog harnesses smaller in size. However, the attachment for the leash is different.
Dog harnesses can be attached to a leash closer to the collar and between the back of the harness. On the other hand, cat harnesses are mostly attached to a leash on the back of the harness. This is because cats have more delicate bodies as compared to dogs.
Attaching a leash to the collar of the harness may cause injury to the neck of a cat by choking them.
Are Cat and Dog Harnesses Different? The Answer:
Cat harnesses are smaller in size and have torso leash attachment on the back of the harness whereas dog harnesses have both collar and torso leash attachments.
Making sure that the harness is a perfect fit is the best policy. Harness training is also important to make sure both cats and dogs are comfortable wearing a harness based on their temperament, individual character and mood. Are cat and dog harnesses different from each other? They definitely are.
