This post may contain affiliate marketing links for products my pets and I adore. You won’t ever be charged a fee for shopping via my affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through my affiliate links. I'll most likely use that commission to spoil my own pets or the Living Creatures Ministry Therapy animals. 🐾 Learn more.
Are you curious about harness training for cats? Whether you want to take your feline friend on outdoor adventures or simply ensure their safety during vet visits, cat harness training can be a rewarding experience. In this step-by-step guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to train a cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash.
Why Harness Train Your Cat?
Harness training for cats offers numerous benefits:
Safety: A harness keeps your cat secure during outdoor excursions or trips to the vet.
Exercise: Leash training a cat provides them with physical and mental stimulation.
Bonding: Walking your cat strengthens your bond and enriches their environment.
Sounds good, right? BUT before we get into how to harness train your cat, I need you to promise me something. Say it with me: "I promise not to rush through this process without proofing!" When we proof our pet’s behaviors we practice them over and over again in sloooooooooowly increasing levels of distractions until they are able to generalize them and do them in any environment, in any distraction level. I've said it before and I’m going to say it again and again and again: we want to set our pets up for success. That means not putting them into a situation they can’t handle because you haven’t proofed the behaviors you’ll need yet!
Let me give you an example of something that I see both dog and cat owners trying to skip the proofing process on all. the. time: Leash walking!
Leash walking is the number one training struggle I hear about from both dog and cat owners alike. Whether their dog is pulling the entire time, lunging towards other people and animals (with excitement, frustration, or aggression), or sometimes even too scared to walk calmly at our side, leash walking issues are common.
Our society has ingrained in us the idea that dogs need walks. While it comes from a good place—we know our dogs need exercise to be happy and fulfilled—I'm here to tell you that you don’t HAVE to take your dog on a walk every day! In fact, you probably should NOT take your dog out on a walk every day until you have proofed leash walking quite a bit more. If we can’t get them to walk calmly at our side when we’re inside, how can we think that we’re setting them up for success by going on a walk outside?
Now, I am NOT advocating against exercise for your dog! But we have other options like using a treadmill, flirt pole, fetch, tug, or even just practicing recall.
Cat owners, you are not off the hook either! Have you seen the pictures or videos of a cat in a harness digging into the carpet with all of their claws or just flopping on their side and refusing to walk? Unlike dog owners, cat owners are NOT taking their cats out every day for walks, potty breaks, and more. So while dogs are getting desensitized to leashes and collars from day one, most cats have never even worn a harness or a leash. Even putting on a harness needs to be proofed before we can think about getting them moving and walking on leash like a dog! Make sure to follow the steps outlined below to get your cat comfortable with their harness through a tried and true proofing process.
Choosing the Best Harness for Cats
Before starting cat harness training, it's crucial to select the right harness. A safe harness for cats should have a Y-shaped front that doesn't restrict leg movement and should be escape-proof. Look for adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. The RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness is one of my favorites! CLICK HERE to check it out >>
Step-by-Step Cat Harness Training Guide
Ok! You have your Y-front harness and you're ready to introduce it to your cat! Hooray! Remember to take this process a slowly as your cat needs to. Before moving on to the next step, repeat each step over multiple training sessions until your cat is totally comfortable and confident.
Step 1: Show your cat the harness. When your cat sniffs to investigate it, mark and reward! Repeat this process over a few sessions until your cat eagerly moves toward the harness whenever your cat sees it.
Step 2: Position the harness as you would to put it on your cat. Use treats to lure your cat to step into it in the proper position. Repeat this step until your cat easily gets into position.
Step 3: Slip the harness on without fastening it. Reward your cat. Remove the harness and reward again. Repeat!
Step 4: Gradually increase the length of time the harness is on. Only remove the harness when your cat is calm and quiet. (Gradually is the key word! Take this slowly.)
Step 5: Once your cat is comfortable with the harness, you may start to buckle
it.
Step 6: Let your cat wear the harness around the house only when supervised so he can start to get used to wearing it.
Step 7: Once your cat is moving freely around the house with the harness on, you are ready for leash training!
Using the Harness at Home
Once your cat is happily wearing their harness, incorporate the harness into daily routines to reinforce positive associations:
Meal Time: Harness up your cat before feeding meals to help maintain a positive association with the harness!
Training Sessions: Harness up your cat before your training sessions to give you an extra cue for obedience commands.
Door Safety: Harness and leash your cat before guests arrive to prevent door darting.
Outdoor Adventures: Once your cat is comfortable with the harness indoors, you can begin outdoor leash training. Start in a secure area like your yard, gradually increasing exposure to new environments.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Struggling with the harness: If your cat struggles to get out of the harness, never remove it during their attempts. Instead, distract them with play or training until they calm down. Then, back up a step or two for your next session and proof more before moving on.
Discomfort: Ensure the harness fits properly and doesn't cause discomfort. Adjust straps as needed.
Disinterest: Use rewards intermittently throughout the process to help your cat love the harness!
Training a cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash can be a fun and enriching experience for both of you. By following these steps and using rewards, you'll help your cat become a confident adventurer. Whether you're looking to take your cat on outdoor adventures or simply want to keep them safe during vet visits, harness training is a valuable skill.
Harness training for cats is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. With the right approach, your cat will soon be ready to explore the world safely and confidently. Happy training!
Join the King's Creatures Adventure Team Club!
Ready to take your cat’s training to the next level? Join the KCAT Club for more tips, training videos, printables, and support from fellow pet owners. Together, we can help our pets live their best lives! CLICK HERE to learn more and join >>
Comments