Why You Should Harness Your Cat
But none of that matters to the cats. They want to dig in the grass or catch bugs and birds. They want to lie on their backs and feel the sun on their bellies. If a leaf blows across the road, they'll chase it without any thought of oncoming traffic. And they'll get outside any way they can.
So what do you do when your cat is an escape artist? How do you make him happy and keep him safe at the same time?
One option is to harness your cat. Contrary to what most people believe, cats can be leash trained. In just a couple days, your feline friend will become accustomed to the boundaries of the leash and the feel of the harness.
The first thing you need to do is buy a harness and a leash. Both these items can be purchased anywhere pet supplies are sold.
It's important to use a harness instead of a collar. When attached to a leash, a collar puts too much pressure the cat's neck and he could choke. A harness will distribute the pressure more evenly across your cat's body.
The harness should be adjustable and made specifically for cats. Harnesses with two clasps instead of one are easiest to put on your cat. The leash should be lightweight and six to ten feet long, depending on how much yard space you have.
The harness consists of a middle strap and two cross straps. Clasp the longer cross strap behind your cat's front legs and the shorter one around your cat's neck. Attach the leash to the ring on the middle strap and you're ready to go out.
Once outside, you can walk your cat, or you can tie the leash to a railing or a stake in the yard. If you choose to tie the leash to a railing or stake, make sure the area is free of obstacles in which your cat can become tangled. There should also be a shaded area where your cat can get out of the sun. Do not leave your cat unattended.
Now your cat can enjoy some time outside each day while you play with your kids, do yard work, or sunbathe. And you can rest assured that he will be safe in the yard and away from the dangers of the road.
Published by Roselyn James
Roselyn James has been actively pursuing a writing career for five years. Her fiction, essays, and articles have appeared in various journals and online publications. She can be reached at roselynrjames@gmai... View profile
- Pet Care at HomeThe high cost of veterinarian bills can be reduced by some pet care done at home.
- Taking Your Cat on an Airplane TripAre you afraid of flying? Are you even more afraid of flying with your cat? The idea of taking your finicky kitty on a plane may be daunting. But it can be done, and it's easier than you think. This article tells...
- Pet Care and Kennel Options in WisconsinContact information and links to pet care options available in Wisconsin
- Recession Proof Pet CareThis guide has useful tips for caring for your pet on a budget. It includes recession proof advice such as making your own cat toys and dog treats, grooming your pet yourself, and making sure that your pet is spayed o...
- How to Put Your Cat in a Cat CarrierA few bits of advice designed to help cat owners succeed in the epic struggle of cat vs. carrier
- Leash Training Your Cat
- How to Leash Train a Cat
- How to Walk Your Cat on a Leash
- How to Leash Train Your Cat
- Buying and Caring for Your Pet Ferret
- Ten Tips for Cat-Proofing Your Home
- Why You Should Believe in the Law of Attraction
- Human beings have made it dangerous for cats to be outside
- Cats can be leash trained
- You should always use a harness instead of a collar
8 Comments
Post a CommentMy cat is on a 20 foot lead when she is outside. We keep watch of her thru the living room window, and she gets the outdoors without running into the busy street! Great tips on the harness- that would be easier than a thin lead to her collar
Brilliant! And I just wrote an article this evening about leash training with dog harnesses.
Great article. I am dealing with a three legged amputee cat who tries every possible way to get out. Bringing in my mail or newspaper is an adventure every day, and forget it when I unload groceries!
This is helpful information. Thanks for sharing!
excellent article... depending on a cat's temperament we know whether or not to begin harness and leash training!!!!!
Thanks for this article. I never understood why people who loved their pets would let the roam about with all the trouble they could get into! The harness is a great idea. People should also be made aware that you never put a neck collar on a cat, even an indoor cat, unless it is made to stretch.
We once owned a cat that became so accustomed to his harness it was comical! His harness wasn't attached to anything, yet he felt that it was, so would not venture beyond his imaginary limits - even if startled! Our house faced a main street in our tiny town, so the 'harnessed cat' was joke fodder for all! :-)
Great article. Cats need to be outside, but as you said, there are so many dangers. Keeping them harnessed can help with those problems. Some cats even like to go for walks with the family on the harness. :-)