Harness Training Your Cat: Essential Tips and Benefits

An indoor cat is a safe cat and can easily be a happy cat with the right environment. However, just like us, they also enjoy a little sunshine and fresh air sometimes. Sunshine and fresh air are beneficial for our physical and mental health, and the same stands true for our feline friends. But how can we let our cats get the benefits of outside while also staying safe?

You could build them a catio, which is ideal but cost-prohibitive for many. The best solution for many cats, including my own, is to harness train them and take them for supervised outside time.

Now this is not a matter of simply popping on a harness and off you go. Most cats are not going to be immediately comfortable with a harness. You will need to spend some time training your cat in order to help them feel comfortable before heading outside on an adventure.

Choosing the Right Harness 

There are many styles of cat harnesses on the market. You may like to try a couple of different ones before you settle on the one that suits you and your cat. Secure and comfortable are the main considerations, although looking fashionable on your walk comes in a close third place! A harness that can be adjusted to fit your cat's body is the main consideration. My cat seemed to be more comfortable with slim straps around his neck and chest, rather than large pieces of material over his back and shoulders. Check that your harness is not restricting your cat's movement.

Training Steps

You will need to spend some time training your cat to accept the harness before you can go outside for a walk. Take things slow and steady, using short but frequent training sessions spread out over a few weeks. Have plenty of your cat's favourite treats handy and make sure to shower plenty of praise on your cat as they learn to relax.

1. Introduce the harness: Leave the harness on the floor for your cat to sniff. Use treats or toys to encourage them to walk past it. Do NOT encourage your cat to play with the harness or lead - you don't want them trying to twist around to grab the lead while you try to go for a walk.

2. Try it on: Once you know that the harness is not a scary object for your cat, it's time to try it on. Make sure you understand how your harness works before attempting to put it on your cat. Make the straps a little big for your cat so that you're not attempting to do up straps that are too tight. Remove the lead and put it aside. Pop your cat on your lap or somewhere comfortable (a bench, bed etc), then quickly and gently place the harness on your cat. Do not tighten straps etc at this point. This is a great time for some treats and pats, as well as lots of verbal praise. If your cat seems stressed, attempt to calm him/her with a calm voice, pats and/or treats. If you are unable to calm him/her, remove the harness and try again later, going back a few steps to getting them relaxed with the harness near them first. You could also try just laying the harness on your cats back and not doing any of the straps up until he is comfortable with this. Many cats do not stress too much when the harness is on, but might "freeze" or move awkwardly as if they are being held. The first time my cat wore his harness, he walked like a drunken sailor! Encourage your cat to move just a few steps for now, if that is what he is doing, then remove the harness.

3. Short sessions: start with short training sessions, gradually increasing the time your cat wears the harness. At this point in your cats training, you need to ensure that harness time is a positive experience - treats and pats, no other pets annoying them while the harness is on, progressing to dinner time with the harness on. Encourage you cat to move, jump, explore and play as normal while the harness is on.

4. Attach the lead: Once your cat has become comfortable moving around the house with the harness on, it's time to attach the lead. Clip the lead on, hold it and start to follow your cat around without pulling on the lead. Follow your cat - do not try to get them to go where you want to and do not pull on the lead. Continue with this in short sessions until your cat seems comfortable with you following them. If you cat jumps up somewhere or goes where you can't follow, just drop the lead rather than pulling on it, or pick your cat up and pop him in a better spot.

5. Adjust the fit: Now is time to make sure the harness fits your cat well. Feel the straps and make sure you can fit 2 fingers under them, but they are otherwise relatively tight and secure. It is especially important that the strap around the chest/belly is secure. Adjust the straps as needed. Your cat may need time to get used to a slightly tighter harness - just continue with the training as above until they are comfortable.

Once your cat seems comfortable in the harness with you following along behind, and you have ensured a secure fit, it's time to open the door!

The Walk

Walking your cat is quite a different exercise to walking your dog. Whilst dogs often run enthusiastically from one smell to the next, cats tend to take more time to assess the entire environment before moving on. Dogs tend to be quite social creatures and eager to meet other dogs and people, cats are more reserved and prefer to avoid interactions with other cats/dogs/people, at least at first. Dogs are often highly responsive to their owners and will happily follow their lead, cats prefer to choose their own path and pace.

Keeping in mind these differences, choosing the right environment to walk your cat is key to having an enjoyable and safe walk. A secure backyard is usually the safest option for your first outside experience. Your backyard is usually enough to provide all the outdoor enrichment your cat needs and may be the only place you choose to walk them. Keep in mind that walking your cat is not about clocking up the kms, but giving them the chance to sniff, feel the sun, feel the grass and watch the birds and insects. A simple roll in the dirt or scratch on a tree is a delightful pleasure for your indoor cat.

1. Open the door: Start with your cat securely harnessed inside and open the door. Don't force your cat straight outside, let them look around, sniff the air and choose when they are ready to step outside. Some cats may choose to stay inside and that is fine, you can try again another day.

2. Loose lead walking: Once your cat chooses to step outside, simply follow along behind with a loose lead. Leave the door open in case your cat may want to make a quick escape back inside. Follow your cat's lead - they may take a nice stroll all around, stopping to sniff at certain places, or they may simply find the nearest patch of sun and sprawl out for some sunbaking. Whatever they choose to do, follow along with patience, remembering that this is their walk. You might like to take something along to do yourself if you're not the type of person to be doing nothing - I often use this time to make phone calls!

3. Stay attentive: It is important to always be watching your cat - they may attempt to jump a fence or climb a tree, in which case gently pick them up and return them to a more suitable spot. Try to never tug on the lead - this is really only there for emergencies. If your cat startles and starts to struggle in the harness or pull on the lead, immediately go and pick up your cat and calm them. You may want to take them back inside to do this and try outside walks again another day. Do not trust the harness 100% to hold your cat should they struggle - cats are renowned for becoming liquid and escaping even the most well fitted harness!

4. Lengthen your lead and your outside time: Once you and your cat are comfortable with backyard walks on a standard lead and harness, you might like to lengthen your lead, or set up a long line for them to be attached to while you hang the washing or do a little gardening. You must be constantly watching your cats and be close to them in order to be able to pick them up if needed.

Introducing New Environments

Most cats can get all the outdoor enrichment they need from your backyard. Few cats enjoy car rides and most will be anxious in new environments and need a slow introduction. A cat that escapes in its own backyard is likely to return home. A cat that escapes in an unknown environment could be very hard to find. There are exceptions to this rule of course and you will know your cat best. Some people love to travel with their cat and find that once they are used to it, they can enjoy this experience with you. Slow and safe introductions to new experiences is the best approach.

Conclusion

Harness training your cat is a gradual process that can offer excellent physical and mental stimulation for your indoor cat. Here are the key takeaways:

• Patience is Essential: Take your time and allow your cat to adjust at their own pace.

• Safety First: Ensure the harness fits properly and is secure to prevent escapes. Walk in secure areas and stay close to your cat.

• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to encourage your cat during the training process.

  
  

With patience and care, harness training can be a rewarding experience for both you and your cat. Enjoy the slowing down and bonding time with your feline friend!