Walking your cat outside is always enjoyable and helps your cat get some exercise. However, you’ll need a harness to walk your cat outdoors safely.
The primary thing to look for in a cat harness is that it fits snugly enough so that the cat can’t get out of it.
You just got a harness for your cat and you’re wondering how to put on a figure 8 cat harness, right?
Then, you will enjoy reading this article because it was written just for you!
Introducing Your Cat – How to Put on a Figure 8 Cat Harness
You must first introduce your little kitty to the harness before putting on her cat harness. The American Association of Feline Practitioners suggests introducing your cat to a harness when it is still a kitten.
However, if your cat is already old, it is still not too late. Especially if your cat is receptive to new activities, it will definitely enjoy its new harness.
You should take these next few steps in consideration to ensure that your cat is comfortable wearing the new figure 8 harness.
Step 1:
- Place the harness next to your kitten on the floor. Put it near its eating bowl or favorite relaxing spot in the house.
Step 2
- Allow the cat to sniff and observe. You might want to keep it out for a few days so it can get acclimated to the harness.
Step 3
- Put the harness on your cat carefully. Allow the cat to wear it around the house for a while before walking outside. If it tries to fight it, don’t force it.
Step 4
- Give your cat lots of kisses and cat goodies as a reward, just as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland recommends.
You know you have actually won when you notice your cat is ready to wear its figure 8 cat harness. It is now time to swing into action and see how well your cat can walk on its new harness.
How to Put on a Figure 8 Cat Harness Like a Pro
There are two loops on the figure 8 harness. It has one larger loop with a buckle and a smaller loop without a buckle. The larger loop is worn around a cat’s neck, and the other loop is worn around the waist.
This design allows your cat to move around freely. It also makes it difficult to wriggle out. Now follow these 5 simple steps below to put on the figure-8 cat harness.
Step 1
- Bring the larger loop around and loosen the buckle.
Step 2
- Carefully place the smaller loop over your cat’s head.
Step 3
- Make sure the leash’s connection point is well above your cat’s shoulders.
Step 4
- Bring the two ends of the larger loop together in the middle of your cat’s back.
- Make sure the material is not twisted.
Step 5
- Carefully attach the buckle and adjust the length of the straps using the sliding adjuster.
- Ensure that your two fingers may fit between the figure 8 harness and your cat’s skin.
It is also necessary to have some assistance the first time you try to put the harness on your cat.
Particularly with the figure 8 cat harness, which must be worn over their heads, which some cats dislike. You can carefully put the harness on your cat while one person holds it.
The figure 8 cat harness is also lightweight and adjusts easily with the buckle. However, pulling on the leash puts a strain on your cat’s throat, so bear that in mind.
There are other types of cat harnesses that can be used, as long as you enjoy the sight of it on your cat.
Getting a Proper Fit for your Cat
Now that you know how to put on a figure 8 cat harness, are you sure it is a proper fit for your little kitten?
An important consideration when selecting a harness, regardless of form, is ensuring it fits well. You run the danger of losing your cat or making it uncomfortable if the harness is too wide or too small.
According to International Cat Care, you should be able to successfully get one to two fingers underneath the properly fitting cat collar.
Bottom Line
It takes time and effort to train your cat to wear a figure 8 harness. Learning how to put on a figure 8 cat harness is, however, highly satisfying when successful.
You’ll enjoy taking a walk outdoors with your cat, knowing that it is safe and secure.
