4 Top Mistakes Cat Owners Make When Using a Harness
If you have recently become a cat parent, the happiness can soon be replaced by the overwhelming responsibilities that come along with their care. For instance, not having any idea about how to take your kitty out for walks can seem like a daunting task. If you have never had the experience of walking a cat before, the first time you try putting on a cat harness or leash can be challenging. While you gently nudge your cat in the right direction, it is possible you find yourself tangling with them, making them grumpy or upset, making you feel like giving up right then and there.
However, training your cat to become comfortable in wearing a cat harness requires patience and avoiding common mistakes. Once you have mastered this, outdoor times can enrich your cat’s life and make it a fun experience for both of you. To set you up for success in cat harness training, we have listed down all common mistakes cat owners make and how you can avoid them.
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4 Cat Harness Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding what faulty traps many cat owners may fall into while training their cats for harnesses can save you and your beloved cat from a lot of trouble. But why do these mistakes happen in the first place? Well, this struggle arises due to taking your cats, who usually prefer indoors, into the outdoors. Unlike most dogs who are excited to walk on a leash or harness, cats need a lot of time and patience. In the beginning, they may not even like a harness at all as it is something completely new to the species, it frightens them a little, can hurt them physically when not used properly, and also makes them feel trapped. But for folks who are looking for new ways to give their cats a taste of safe adventure without scaring them, avoiding these mistakes can go a long way in a healthy petting experience.
1. Choosing a Wrong Cat Harness
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes many cat owners make is buying the wrong cat harness. Different cat breeds have different shapes and sizes, so a one-size-fits-all strategy would be an absolutely wrong thing to do, causing extreme discomfort to your kitty. The wrong harness will limit your cat’s mobility, make you feel hopeless about cat training, and in the worst-case scenario, it may even hurt your cat. A good cat harness must be light and simple for convenient everyday use. They must not hinder the cat’s frolic movements, allowing them to jump and run freely. However, some light-weight harnesses can make it very easy for your cat to escape it. Make sure you are choosing an escape-proof, secure and well-fitted harness that allows movement but does not compromise your kitty’s safety.
2. Hastening Harness Introduction
When you are training your cat to be comfortable in a harness, it is possible that some pet owners may feel like rushing the process. Although this process can be tiring and even frustrating sometimes, rushing the training process can create a negative and unhealthy experience for your little cat. Despite you putting in all the effort required from your end, cat harness training is a game of severe patience. It is less about you being able to go outdoors with your cat, and more about them being comfortable and only going out when they are ready. Give your cat some time to become familiar with the harness by keeping it near their litter box, toys, food, etc., while indoors. Encourage them to use the harness with treats and praise to build a positive association.
3. Ignoring Your Cat’s Behaviour During Harness Training
Have you recently introduced a cat harness to your kitty? Notice your cat’s behaviour – they may be uncomfortable and exhibit “not ready” traits if they do not move or walk funny, jump around, follow your lead indoors or constantly try to sneak out of the cat harness. You only get a few chances to create a good first impression about the cat harness, and you should try to not push it too far too soon. Without proper acclimatization and ignoring their behaviour, you might be hampering your weeks of work by making your cat afraid of the harness.
4. Choosing the Wrong Place for Walking
Before you put on the cat harness to your feline friend, make sure they are not too excited or agitated. Instead, ask them to stay and sit patiently. If your cat does not show interest in going out, do not chase them constantly around the house. Try to train your cat with a harness indoors first to ensure a safe and happy walk outdoors. Choosing the wrong place for both training and walking can negatively impact your and your cat’s outdoor time. While cats are sharp hunters with an excellent hunting drive, they also exhibit prey behaviours with strong survival instincts. Loud and crowded places, filled with dogs or other predators, are likely to drive their prey-survival mode, so it is best to avoid such places. Go to places like parks, pet-friendly beaches, or gardens, where you can have a safe hold on your cats in the harness while they can still be curious and give in to their predatory behaviours.
Conclusion
Cat harness training could be a very challenging activity for both the cat parent and the cat. It truly tests your patience and you may not see results that quickly. We would recommend one thing you must always remember – take things slow. While some cats get comfortable with a cat harness or leash within two or three weeks of training, others may take eight to ten weeks. Try to keep your patience and do not push your cat beyond its comfort zone too early. Finally, don’t forget that not every cat loves to be outdoors and be trained with a harness. If you don’t see your cat enjoying the walk, consider assessing your training technique or taking some gaps. Lastly, keep all the goals realistic while avoiding the mistakes we discussed above to turn this into a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your cat.
