You may or may not be aware, but cats, like dogs, can learn to walk on a harness. This specially designed cat harness vest will let you confidently walk your cats around the park, just like most people walk their dogs.
This opens up a much bigger environment for the cat and helps it gain confidence in various settings, including around humans, dogs, noise, and other cats.
If you’re coming across this for the first time, you might want to know how to put on a cat harness vest. Please keep reading to find out!
Why Do You Need a Cat Harness Vest?
Taking a stroll with your cat outside can be fun, but you will need a cat harness to secure your cat from wandering off.
However, seeing a cat in a harness may seem silly, but trust me, many cats enjoy being in the outside world. It is an equally bonding moment for both you and your cat.
Of course, not every cat enjoys being outside. Apart from walking your cat outdoors using a cat harness vest, it can come in handy in a variety of ways, such as:
- When traveling or during a vet visit, harnesses are excellent for keeping your cat under control.
- During a bath, it is exactly the same. A cat who despises water might be difficult to control. You can keep a steady grip on your cat while washing by harnessing it.
How to Get a Suitable Cat Harness Vest
Cat harnesses are available in different sizes, with small, medium, and large being the most common. Depending on the chest measurement, this usually converts to 12, 14, 16, or 18 inches.
To determine the correct size for your cat, use the following measurements:
- Take a tape measure and carefully wrap it around your cat’s chest and behind its front legs. Ensure the tape encircles your cat’s chest and is not twisted.
- Gently tighten it tighter around your cat, but not so tight that it digs into its skin.
- Measure the loop around the chest and add 2 inches to allow your cat to move around freely. The figure is the exact cat harness vest size you need.
Introducing a Harness Vest to Your Cat
The best method to introduce a cat harness vest into your kitty’s life is to do so gradually with time.
Don’t rush her, as you don’t want to agitate your cat because this might lead to other issues, such as urinating outside the litter box.
Place the harness vest near your cat’s food bowl so it may explore it, smell it, and get acquainted with its appearance and smell in a comfortable environment.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Queensland, on how to put on a cat harness vest, they recommend implementing a rewarding system, such as practicing putting on a harness vest shortly before dinner, so your cat tends to associate it with a tasty meal.
How to Put on a Cat Harness Vest?
The cat harness vest looks like a mini sweater vest, which is very comfortable. The vest will either latch around your cat’s back or belly, depending on the type and style.
To allow your cat’s skin to breathe, they’re usually made of tough, mesh-like fabric. Velcro or buckles are used to secure them around your cat. For you to put this harness vest on your cat, you need to:
- Remove all Velcro and/or buckles from the vest and put it flat on the floor.
- Carefully wrap it over the cat’s front legs, with the tiny straps directly behind their neck and the bigger ones behind their front legs.
- Carefully attach the first ring around their neck with the velcro to make it comfortable, then lock it in place with the buckle, if it has one.
- Using velcro and the buckle, secure the other two straps behind the front legs.
- Make sure there’s enough space between the harness and your cat’s skin for two fingers to pass through.
Conclusion
Your cat will be able to confidently walk around the neighborhood now that you know how to put on a cat harness vest.
Also, with the right size, your cat will not be able to escape from the harness vest and will be more confident taking a walk with you.
