Harness for a cat: how to put it on correctly, what it is needed for, price

A cat harness is a device for safe walks, an original accessory, and sometimes even stylish clothing for your pet. Curious and free-spirited by nature, she loves to explore new areas. But this animal, although predatory, is undoubtedly fragile, it is very easy to frighten, and the first instinct will be to run away and climb higher. It is in such cases that you need a strap so that you don’t have to remove your pet from the tree and at the same time protect it from street dangers.

What is a cat harness

A harness is an analogue of dog leashes adapted for cats, consisting of interlacing straps to completely envelop the body in the area of the shoulder blades. This device allows you to walk with your pets without fear of losing or injuring them. For cat lovers, this is an indispensable item that can be used in the following cases:

while walking in the park, in the yard or in other crowded places;
on trips to the veterinarian;
during trips, transfers or travel;
to participate in exhibitions and competitions.

But before you go to the store, you should know some of the design, selection and use features of such products.

Going for a walk with the cat

The photo shows examples of harnesses for walking cats in a wide variety of styles and colors. But when choosing equipment for walking, you need to focus on simplicity and convenience.

Harness design

Externally, the accessory looks like an interweaving of thin straps into which the cat's head and front paws are threaded. At the top at their intersection in the area of the shoulder blades there is a special ring for attaching the leash with a carabiner. This allows you to evenly distribute the load on the belts, avoiding discomfort for the animal. And the girth around the neck and under the paws prevents him from jumping out of them in an attempt to escape.

When choosing a harness model, there are some aspects to consider:

fasteners and fastenings should be easy to unfasten and adjust, adjusting the device to the parameters of the pet;
choose a material that is durable, soft and lightweight, preferably natural nylon or cotton, which does not cause discomfort;
the optimal width of the straps is 10-15 mm, smaller ones will dig into fur and skin, and larger ones will hinder movement;
To select the appropriate size, you need to insert two fingers between the product and the cat’s back.

How to choose a model and size

Don't rush to purchase the product right away. The ideal option would be to buy a harness with your pet, but if this is not possible, pay attention to the following nuances:

the optimal material is cotton or nylon, the fabric will not rub the animal’s body and get very dirty;
1.5 centimeters is the ideal width of the straps, since a wider version will restrict the pet’s movements, and a narrower one will rub and tighten;
fastenings should be easy to unfasten and fasten - this guarantees the durability of the device;
Is there a mechanism for attaching a leash?

If you come shopping with your pet, be sure to try on the harness you like on your cat. Whether it fits or not can be determined by inserting 2 fingers between the strap and the back of the animal. If your fingers were able to pass freely, then the choice was made correctly.

The choice of harness model for a cat depends on its size and, oddly enough, temperament. If the cat is large or restless, buy a reliable option - a vest or V-shaped harness. For calm and small pets, figure-eight or H-shaped modifications are suitable.

A leash is immediately purchased in the kit; it is connected to a special ring and reaches a length of approximately 2 meters. You can find a leash of a different length or buy a tape measure. The last option is suitable for those who have chosen a vest-style harness for their pet, already equipped with fasteners. But be careful: you shouldn’t walk in the heat in a vest.

Some models are made to make the cat look fashionable - they are decorated with rhinestones, ornaments, and pendants. Such accessories are suitable for participating in various competitions and creating original photos, but they are not always convenient and safe for the animal. Therefore, choose elegant harnesses and leashes for your cat with caution.

Types of cat harnesses

There are many different designs of harnesses, but when grouped together there are four types:

The figure eight is made in the form of two loops: one smaller to secure the neck, and the other, larger, to encircle the body behind the front legs. It is fastened on the shoulder blades, which makes it easier to use and reduces the cost of the product.
The "H" type is very similar to the figure eight, having two straps. The main difference is that they are connected on the back with a straight jumper, which resembles the letter “H” when looking at the pet from above. It is suitable for large cats to compensate for the distance between the neck and the line of the back between the shoulder blades.
The V-shaped also consists of two loops, but they are connected on the chest with an additional strap. This makes the harness look like a "V" when viewed from the front of the animal, or a "Y" when viewed from below.
A harness-overall is included in the category of clothing, as it consists of a thick vest to which a rein is attached. It is suitable for fragile miniature pets, when there is a high risk of damaging their ribs with a careless jerk. Moreover, the jacket will warm you up during the cold season and protect your wool from dirt or water.

Why can’t you just go outside with your cat, without a leash?

Once experienced, stress remains in the memory for a long time. If a pet is not accustomed from a young age to loud sounds and unexpected stimuli, it will become confused and panic in a new environment.

The harness will prevent the scared cat from escaping. Allows you to extend the walk once he calms down. It will help to gradually teach you not to be afraid of the street.

Make a cat harness with your own hands

The harness can be made at home, without going to pet stores. A hand-made accessory can be made from any material, taking into account all the parameters of the pet and the preferences of the owners. The technique for this is chosen based on one’s own capabilities and imagination. It can be:

weaving an openwork or dense crocheted harness;
knitting a warm product with knitting needles;
joining leather or thick belts with an awl and a “gypsy” needle;
making a jacket according to patterns with sewing fabric.

Before you start work, you need to take measurements with a centimeter tape:

the neck circumference should be loose, with an addition of about 0.5-2 cm for allowances;
covering the sternum behind the front legs in the area of the shoulder blades, so that two fingers can be placed between the belt and the body of the animal;
the distance along the chest line from the intended collar to the strap behind the paws.

In accordance with these measurements, you can draw a diagram and cut out straps for a simple harness or a pattern for a full-fledged jacket. For this you can use old jeans, genuine leather, nylon, nylon, raincoat fabric. The leash can be attached to the body with a carabiner, a button and a rivet, or it can be sewn on initially. It is also worth stocking up on rings and clasps for fastening the elements of the product to each other. The individual parts should be sewn firmly so that the reins do not break at the most inopportune moment. And when using decorative elements, you need to be careful: they should not add weight, and must be securely fastened so that the pet does not accidentally bite off or swallow one of them.

When not to use a harness

Owners who love their pets can fork out for the most expensive accessory for them, or spend more than one hour creating an exclusive and one-of-a-kind walking device, watching dozens of master classes. But in order not to waste time and money, you should know in which cases the use of a harness is not recommended:

It is better to walk cats over 10 years old who have not previously been accustomed to a leash without one, in uncrowded places;
pregnant, unvaccinated or weak pets who have undergone surgery or illness have a high risk of catching the virus from street animals;
in children whose immunity has not developed, such an experience can worsen their health;
For an overly timid cat, using a harness will result in considerable stress, and for an aggressive cat, it will also result in unnecessary injuries.

Leash and Collar

Most often, the leash comes complete with a harness; its length is more than a meter. What does not prevent you from purchasing a long one or, on the contrary, a short one and using it.

Some cat owners prefer to use a tape measure leash, which is convenient because its length can be adjusted depending on the situation. The excess part is screwed inside the device, does not occupy your hands, and does not get underfoot.

An address collar is a screw-on measure in case the cat gets lost.

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Instructions for use

Even though each purchased harness does not have step-by-step instructions for use, some rules can still be highlighted:

a collar is fixed on the neck, and if it is missing, a smaller strap is put on so that the ring for the rein is on the back;
the front paws are inserted into the second loop, for which the figure-of-eight straps are first loosened and then tightened back;
the straps are tightened and checked to ensure that there are no twisted or too tight fastenings, and that the finger fits freely between the cat’s body and the strap;
immediately before going outside, attach a leash, the ring to which should be located between the shoulder blades.

It is also easy to put on a vest, you need to stick the front paws through the holes, and then fasten it on the chest and fasten the reins. If you follow these instructions, owners will be able to avoid many problems with a walk or trip accompanied by a pet.

How to put on an H-harness

The most reliable model that is easy to put on.

Step-by-step instruction

Place the smaller loop around the cat's neck, with the leash ring on the cat's back.
Adjust the size of the collar so that the cat is comfortable.
Thread both pet's paws into the large loop and fasten the fasteners.
If necessary, adjust the size of the large loop.
Check to see if the straps on the cat's body are turned in the other direction and if the locks are securely fastened.
Attach the leash.

This is the most common and reliable type of harness, which is easiest to buy in pet stores.

Video: how to put on an H-harness

https://youtube.com/watch?v=m-Uk3OZ08ao

Mr. Cat recommends: how to train a cat to wear a harness

It is also important to properly accustom your pet to a harness. The optimal age for this is from 3 months to a year, when his immunity has formed, and everything new is perceived with the curiosity of a discoverer.

To help the kitten get used to the new accessory faster, you can offer it to your baby for play.

For an adult animal, training should begin differently:

put the harness in his favorite place to give him time to explore and sniff the new object;
put it on for walks around the house, motivating wearing the new thing with goodies and affection, and gradually letting him get used to the leash;
adjust the length of the reins in advance to avoid unpleasant incidents on the street;
For the first exit, choose a quiet place, bring the cat in your arms and let him sit on the ground, coming to his senses.

But if, once outside, the pet does not move, you should not pull it and force it to walk.

Training and walking rules

Accustoming to a harness should happen gradually, the ideal age for this is from six months to a year. Another option is to train a kitten at the age of 3 months, but without walks, at home. The older the cat, the longer the habituation process will take.

Let the kitten “get acquainted” with the new object: let him think that this is his new toy. Let your baby sniff, play, or just be nearby—you don’t need to put on the accessory right away. Let the harness lie near your pet’s favorite and frequent places: near the tray, bed, bowl. After a few days, you can try to carefully put the harness on the cat, but only without a leash and not for long! Let your pet get used to it gradually.

The optimal time for getting used to is 5-10 minutes. It is better if the short-term procedure is repeated more than once. Make time for exercise before meals and then feed your pet - then your cat will associate it with something pleasant.

After some time, you will see that the cat feels comfortable with the harness and does not even notice it. This means it’s time to fasten the leash and start pulling it with light movements. You should not get carried away - you will only harm or scare the pet, and the cat will begin to rest its paws and free itself.

Try to do what the animal wants: run with it, wait, just be close, and soon the pet will get used to it. When the cat is completely comfortable, you can go outside with a leash.

Advantages and disadvantages of harnesses

Like any product, a harness has its positive and negative sides. The first include:

the opportunity to calmly and safely walk your pets in the fresh air, strengthening the immune system;
simple design and reliable fastenings that do not allow the head to slip out;
absolute control in public transport or crowded places;
a large model range allows you to choose the most suitable accessory according to size and taste;
sales are carried out in almost any pet store, in different price categories.

Among the disadvantages of helmets are:

negative reaction of cats to restriction of freedom of movement in the first stages;
the likelihood of poor-quality fastenings, seams and materials, due to which the pet can break free and run away;
the need to change the accessory during growth, loss or weight gain, choosing the right size.

Vest

Such equipment somewhat restricts movement; the animal must be trained patiently. But there is a minimal risk that the cat will accidentally jump out. The shape of the jacket serves as additional protection from the cold.

For hairless breeds, this is an ideal option that eliminates chafing from straps. In hot weather, lighter vests made of mesh fabrics are preferable.

A significant disadvantage is that this harness cannot be adjusted in size, it must fit. Otherwise, the cat will feel cramped in it. He can get out of the oversized vest and run away.

Cost of harnesses

The price of a harness may vary depending on the materials used in its manufacture, type and design, and brand. There are the following price categories:

100-200 rubles - the most budget option, made in a figure-eight or H-shape. These are artificial leather products from GLG, Triol, Lauron, Arkon, nylon from Trixie, Darell, Zoonik, nylon from Gamma, Pet Hobby.

For 300-400 you can purchase harnesses that have a more complex design and advanced functionality. They are equipped with sliders for adjusting the length of the straps and chrome fittings. They are produced from nylon or leatherette by the same brands, as well as by the companies Camon, Dezzie, Nobby.

A harness-vest made of soft nylon will cost 400-800. You can purchase such a product from the companies Triol, Ferplast JOGGING, IPTS, Trixie. The cost here depends on the design of the jacket and the fabric used, the material of the fasteners.

Expensive ones include harnesses made of suede, corduroy, velvet, leather, produced by a well-known brand, or exclusive products with stylish decorative elements.

In general, you should choose harnesses for your pets, taking care of their comfort, as well as ease of assembly. After all, cats are freedom-loving animals, each with their own character, and few of them will agree to wait for a long time while slow owners put on or take off all the equipment. On the other hand, a quality reason will allow them to safely walk on the street, thereby improving the health and even the mood of the pets.
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Reminder for walks

Take your pet’s favorite treat and toy with you - this will help relieve stress and make time outside enjoyable.

Don't neglect safety rules. A first aid kit containing hydrogen peroxide and a bandage will allow you to provide first aid in case of a cut or torn claw.

In the warm season, treat your pet with a remedy against ticks and other parasites. They are carriers of dangerous diseases.

Get age-related and preventive vaccinations against rabies and infectious diseases. An unvaccinated animal can contract a fatal disease on the street.

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At low temperatures, from -20 °C. Prolonged exposure to frost can cause frostbite in the ears or tail.

In dry, sunny weather, with temperatures above +25 °C, refrain from active games outside. It is better for hairless and flat-faced breeds to avoid walking in the heat altogether.

Simple rules will make walking safe for your health.