It has long been known that cats walk on their own. However, you can safely let your furry pet outside only if you live outside the city in a holiday village or village. It is advisable to walk apartment cats yourself, especially if you have a purebred animal. This is the only way to protect him from injury, to eliminate the possibility of becoming the object of an accident on the road, bullying by teenagers, or being chased by dogs. True, ordinary collars are not suitable for walking cats. For this purpose, it is best to use a special device called a harness. It is worth telling how to accustom a cat to a harness, and how to choose this useful accessory.
Does a cat need to go for a walk?
There is an opinion that walking dogs is mandatory, but what about cats? Do they need to go outside from time to time?
Of course, it would be wrong to compare cats with dogs. Apart from the presence of four legs and a tail, animals have nothing else in common - neither character, nor habits, nor taste preferences. What about walks? Of course, if your cat has been sitting at home for several years, then it is likely that the prospect of going outside will not please her, even despite the fact that she spends all day on the windowsill and sighs languidly, watching the bird.
Preventing excess weight for spayed or neutered pets
Many veterinarians say that cats need to go outside to eat grass. It is known that it cleanses their stomach of unnecessary contents and allows them to normalize intestinal motility. In addition, green grass is a good source of vitamins and improves mood. Therefore, this is a strong argument in favor of walking.
Cat on a walk in a harness
He's not alone. Here's another. Everyone knows that every living creature on earth needs oxygen. A cat constantly sitting at home with the windows closed will obviously feel unwell. And this will manifest itself in weakness, reluctance to play and even eat. Therefore, owners who are against walking need to take utmost care to ensure that the pet receives enough oxygen. To do this, you need to regularly ventilate the room and open all the windows wide for half an hour at least several times a day. It's great if your apartment has a balcony. If you take the fluffy out on it at least several times a day, this will eliminate the need for walks.
Another important point: love for warmth. Surely, many owners have noticed that their pets are always near heat sources - a radiator, a stove. And some cats simply love to soak up the sun on the windowsill. And this is not because they need vitamin D, no, unlike humans, they can do just fine without it. They only need warmth, because without it, according to veterinarians, the cat may die.
Furry fidgets on the street may also like tempting rustling leaves, twigs moving quickly under the pressure of the wind, birds, butterflies, midges flying near their noses, and many other things that are attractive to cats.
Cat enjoying nature
However, everything is not so rosy. There are also several arguments that can convince cat owners to take them outside. This is a high probability of injury. This is often caused by motor vehicles. Despite the caution of cats, some of them, due to their timidity, still end up under wheels, receiving serious injuries. The same applies to meeting a dog, which, following its natural instincts, may unexpectedly attack a walking cat nearby.
Poisoning is another reason not to let your cat outside. Cats, by nature, are true hunters. Therefore, she will never refuse the opportunity to feast on a caught rat, mouse, bird or poisonous beetle. It is impossible to exclude the strange love of cats for garbage containers. Next to a tempting piece of meat there may be a chemical reagent that will penetrate the stomach and cause severe symptoms of intoxication in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.
Cats are real hunters
No less dangerous are poisonous plants and exhaust gases, which also cause serious poisoning. All these troubles can be avoided if you accompany your cat on a walk, walk where it is clean, as quiet and safe as possible, and control his actions. And if you put a harness or leash on your pet, then she will definitely not be afraid of any danger.
Durable harness for walking
We evoke pleasant associations
In order for the cat to gradually get used to the harness and leash, it is advisable to wear them several times a day in an environment that is pleasant for the animal. It is best to do this during a fun game or before feeding, so that the purr associates both objects with something pleasant. At the same time, it is important to take into account that cats do not like to feel foreign things on themselves, and therefore, if the animal protests in every possible way against “trying on”, you should not do it by force. Patience, affection and gentle persistence are the main tools in the training process.
Which cats should not be walked, and who needs it?
The fact that fresh air has never harmed anyone is obvious. The oxygen received during walks saturates the brain and improves the functioning of all internal organs. And there is no need to talk about the benefits of physical activity for domestic couch potatoes. To make your cat's walk as safe as possible, you should follow the following rules:
- the cat must have all vaccinations;
- you need to take preventive measures in advance to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and lice;
- Buy a harness or leash.
Walking is strictly prohibited for such cats.
- Kittens up to 5 months old, who, for either physical or psychological reasons, cannot conquer the outside world. In addition, at this age, many vaccinations that are simply necessary for safe walks are contraindicated. It is necessary to organize an exit to the street only after all the necessary injections have been completed.
- Pregnant pets.
- Weakened, sick cats, or those who have recently suffered from an illness and are not yet strong enough.
- Pets are very shy and afraid of noise and bright light.
- Overly aggressive cats (especially during heat). When they see another animal, they will always want to fight with it. And you don’t need this at all. The best option in this case is to walk where there are no other animals.
- Cats over 5 years old who have not previously gone outside.
Walks will be useful for hyperactive and courageous cats. You will definitely like the diversity of the surrounding world. And they are unlikely to deny themselves the pleasure of repeating this wonderful moment after some time.
If your cat managed to escape through an open window to nibble grass, don’t scold her for it. It’s better to organize joint walks.
Cat eats grass
It will be useful to shake up pets who used to be hyperactive, but have recently become lazy and began to spend most of their time on the couch. Perhaps the lack of oxygen is to blame. Try going out into the fresh air with him. This will help the pet shake itself up and, perhaps, return it to its previous lifestyle.
If your cat has long hair and it’s a hot summer, then an evening walk on the cool, lush grass won’t hurt him. Your pet will feel much better.
Important! Any cat can be trained to walk. The ideal time for this is childhood.
Which cats should be trained to go for walks?
Let us immediately note that not all cats like to walk. Most tailed cats prefer to be in a familiar, homely environment and do not tolerate changes in their lifestyle. Active cats need walks because they don’t get enough stress from playing inside the house.
Some breeds have special activity and needs:
- Bengal cats are curious pets that need serious daily exercise and activity.
- Abyssinian cats are statistically the most active cat breed in the world.
- Serengeti, Safari, Savannah, Toyger and other cat breeds bred by hybridizing wild animals.
- The Maine Coon is statistically the largest cat breed. By the way, if you decide to get a Maine Coon, you should not expect complete obedience and “cat-like behavior” from your pet. Many owners say that their pets have a “dog-like” character.
Note! You can train any (mongrel or purebred) cat to take walks, but it is better to start training from childhood.
The optimal age for learning to walk is 2 months and older. Refrain from walking if your pet has not received basic vaccinations. Pay special attention to preventive treatments for parasites, since cats that roam are more likely to “catch” fleas.
How to get a cat accustomed to a harness
Buying a harness and putting it on your cat is only half the battle. This design will not immediately make a positive impression on the pet, but on the contrary, it will alert him. Therefore, you should not immediately attach a harness to his neck and drag him outside, not paying attention to the fact that the cat is dragging along the floor, screaming at the top of his lungs, his eyes bulging, and does not understand why he is being punished.
The most important thing in this matter is gradualism. Start with training at home, and only then try to take your pet outside. The first thing to do is place the structure next to the cat. Let her sniff it properly and touch it (but don’t play!). The cat must make sure that the item is completely safe.
First step to harness
Only after this try to put the harness on the animal. Don't drag the cat, don't drag it around the room. Let him lie down, walk around, run and understand that the strap does not pose any danger. Don't forget to praise, pet your pet, or give him his favorite treat.
Attention! Keep an eye on the animal. He may want to get rid of the harness, or crawl into some gap, get caught and get hurt.
The next day, proceed with more drastic methods. Put on a leash and try walking around the room with your cat. Just don’t drag her, let her take the first step herself. This may take time. It’s okay, you can wait, the street won’t go anywhere, and you’ll still have time to show off your new harness with rhinestones and your beautiful cat.
If your pet refuses to go, don't insist. Place your favorite treat near his nose. Surely he will rush after the prey. If this does not help, pick up the cat, move him 30 cm forward and give him a treat. Repeat the action several times. Feed the animal each time (give it a small piece, otherwise the cat will become completely lazy). If this does not encourage the cat to “communicate” with the leash, try playing with it.
Training a cat to wear a harness at home
Make sure that the cat understands that this thing is the best and safest in the world. When you remove the leash, ignore the cat. Once it's on your pet's neck, do your best to show him how much you love him. Over time, the cat will begin to associate putting on a harness and leash with something very good and kind.
Keep training every day. When your pet can move freely on a leash and in straps around the apartment, it’s time to go outside. If this is not the first time for your pet, then there probably won’t be any difficulties. It’s worse if the cat experiences the outside world for the first time.
Remember! The cat is frightened not by the street itself, but by the noise that is happening around, the bright light, the new environment.
If the fluffy one completely refuses to show his face from the entrance door, don’t be angry. Otherwise, all your work will go down the drain.
Cat's reaction to a walk in a harness
Caress your pet, give it some food, pet it. There should be no screaming, tugging, or kicking. Allow the cat to stay in the entrance for a while with the door open. Let her get used to the current situation.
Then go outside and call your pet. If the cat does not respond to your pleasantries, pick him up and gently hold him close to you. Attempts must be repeated daily. The pet will still, even if it takes a while, get used to the street. Every time you arrive, treat your cat with his favorite treat. When your pet finally deigns to go outside, he may jump into the grass or bush. Don't pull him out, let him sit, look around, sniff everything.
Cat's alertness while walking
After exploring the area, the cat will leave and follow in the direction that is of greatest interest. Do not pull the harness in the other direction. Always follow the cat, encourage it and praise it. If your pet begins to feel uncomfortable or afraid, for example, if a dog appears in the distance, pick him up and move him to a safer place.
Attention! Walk your cat, increasing the walking time by 5-10 minutes every day. Expand your boundaries.
The cat will feel more confident if you put his favorite toy in the grass in which he basks. You can feed the animal. Cats always consider the eating area to be safe.
Video - Accustoming a cat to a harness
Video - How to train a cat to wear a harness?
How to properly put a leash on a cat?
To put the leash on your mustachioed pet, you need to unfasten it. Then you should put a loop around your neck so that the belt with the leash ring is on your back. After this, carefully insert the front paws into the second loop and secure the special fasteners on the back. Next, check how reliable the connection is and whether the straps are twisted. Adjust all sizes if necessary. At first, it is advisable to walk with a harness on a leash in an apartment so that the animal gets used to this mode of walking.
Useful tips and tricks
To ensure your training is successful, follow these rules.
- Never leave your cat on a leash unattended. Any noise or rustle can scare away the animal, and it will climb a tree. Wearing a harness can cause suffocation and injury.
- Do not pull the leash or drag the cat. This will cause damage and will forever discourage your pet from interacting with this item.
- Unfortunately, there are some cats that will never accept being kept on a leash. As soon as the structure is put on the neck, they fall like a stone to the floor and do not want to get up under any pretext. It is very difficult to fight such animals, and sometimes even impossible.
- Keep an eye on the dogs. Some of them can rush at a cat and cause serious injury to it. Therefore, if you notice a dog staring in your direction, pick up your pet, turn away and move to another place.
- Sometimes the harness is not the right size for the cat. If this is so, then the pet will not agree to go for a walk under any pretext. A suitable harness will help solve the problem.
- Don't loosen your grip on the leash. This will reduce the likelihood of the animal escaping.
- Carry a cloth bag or pillowcase with you so you can hide your cat from your dog.
Cat's reaction to a dog
A harness will help protect your cat from dangers such as poisoning, injury, or falling under the wheels of cars. Therefore, such a device should be in every home where there is a walking cat.
We walk in a quiet place
Once the harness and leash are fastened, you can safely go for a walk. To move long distances, it is better to put the animal in a carrier, and if communication with nature is expected in the nearest park, you can carry the cat in your arms.
To reduce stress, it is important to choose the most calm and quiet place for your first walks, away from noisy areas, crowds of people and dogs.
It is strictly forbidden to direct the cat or pull it by the leash. Let the animal choose the route for the walk, during which you should encourage the pet in every possible way with kind words and strokes.
It is not difficult to train a cat to walk on a leash; the main thing is to use affection and not use force on your pet if he absolutely does not like harnesses or walks.
How to choose a harness for a cat
If you definitely decide to go for a walk with your cat and accustom her to a leash, then the first thing you need to do is take care of choosing the right design.
Remember! Veterinarians do not recommend walking a furry pet wearing a collar. These structures can injure the animal’s delicate neck. With the help of a harness, the load on the spine is distributed evenly. In addition, the cat is unlikely to break out of this convenient device, but it can calmly escape from the collar, especially if it is very frightened.
The design should not fit the animal’s body too tightly. Place two fingers under the loop. Do they fit in? Perfect! With these parameters, the animal will not feel discomfort and will be able to swallow saliva freely. Therefore, before purchasing ammunition, take care of the necessary measurements - neck and chest circumference. Show them at the pet store and choose a harness that is suitable for your pet.
Perfectly shrunken harness
Many harnesses sold are adjustable, allowing you to adjust the size. Accordingly, the prices for such devices will be higher.
Important! When the animal is in a harness, try not to scold it. Otherwise, she will associate the object with fear and discomfort.
The material used in manufacturing is also important. You should also pay attention to this nuance when purchasing a harness. Typically, for kittens, the design is made from soft and elastic materials that stretch well. These are not suitable for adult cats - only made from nylon and other denser materials.
In addition to the harness, you should definitely purchase a leash. In this case, its length matters. If your pet is shy and always stays close to you, then preference should be given to short, fixed-length leashes.
For more active, inquisitive and hyperactive pets, roulette leashes or stretchable accordion leashes are suitable. The prohibition against purchasing such devices is the small size of the cat. They are not able to pull a long leash with full strength.
Roulette leash
It is important to consider the quality of the harness material. Even with the slightest electrification, a cat may feel discomfort and refuse to walk in a harness forever.
Leash “Stretchable accordion”
When choosing a design, you should focus on the quality of the parts. For the convenience of the cat, it is better not to purchase products that are connected with glue or rivets. A good quality harness should be stitched. Then the risk that the pet will run away is very small. The fasteners should snap well and not come apart when the leash is pulled.
What to consider when buying a harness
The first thing to consider when purchasing is the material from which the harness is made. Your cat may not like a heavy, stiff leash. She will try to throw off the burden.
In order not to limit freedom of movement, it is better to choose a long leash (two meters or more). It is most convenient to use an adjustable leash-roulette.
Types of harnesses
Essentially, a harness is a structure that consists of several straps that cover the cat’s torso in the area of the shoulder blades. It is usually fastened on the back of the cat. This counters the stress placed on the animal's neck. The leash is attached to a ring attached to the harness.
The variety of harnesses for cats is huge. They can be different in size, shape, method of fastening, made of different materials, etc.
Table 1. Types of harnesses for cats.
| Name | What is | pros |
| Figure-of-eight harness | Made in the form of two loops attached behind the front legs and on the neck | Does not allow the cat to break free and escape. The pet can move calmly. His movements are not constrained |
| V-harness | Similar to the previous design. The difference is that on the chest area the straps are attached in the form of the letter V | The cat won't be able to escape. The design does not put any strain on the animal's neck. Does not hinder movement |
| H-shaped harness | The design is also similar to the previous ones. It differs in the shape of the loop. It is represented in the form of the letter H | The pet will not run away from the owner. There is no pressure on the pet's neck. The animal can move freely |
| Vest | Presented in the form of a jacket, which is worn on the front of the animal’s body. The fastening can be with Velcro or buttons | Will not allow the animal to escape from the owner. Protects the cat from pollution. In addition, it provides her with warmth in winter. Does not squeeze your pet's neck. Movements are carried out calmly |
Important! Veterinarians recommend purchasing a harness that consists of straps.
The fabric of the harness should not be rough or hard. It is better to choose an elastic material that can stretch. Nylon or cotton is ideal for this. Such harnesses do not cause discomfort to the cat. It is better not to purchase a device made of leather. It is quite hard and heavy, which can be painful and unpleasant for the pet. Width also matters. The belts should be more or less wide. Ideal parameters are 1-1.5 cm.
Preparatory stage
The animal should still have the most pleasant associations with a walk outside, so it would be advisable to reduce the risk of parasites (fleas, ticks, etc.) getting on its body and remove them.
Don’t forget to vaccinate your cat against possible diseases. The next stage is training to the collar. An address capsule will be kept in it during walks in case the animal runs away. You can start training kittens as early as 2-3 months of age. If your cat does not accept the collar, start with a regular ribbon or soft cloth that can be tied around the neck. When your pet gets used to it, replace it with a familiar collar and make the animal feel comfortable.
The next stage is accustoming him to a nylon harness and leash (necessarily short to 1.5 meters). The new clothes should be given to the cat to sniff (when she is in a good mood). On average, it takes her 3-5 days to get used to the smell, texture and appearance. When your pet gets comfortable, carefully put a harness on it, pick it up and actively stroke the animal for 10 minutes, praise it, give it all sorts of treats, then remove the equipment.
why and why cats eat grass
Why does a cat absolutely not want to come into contact with a harness?
Pets, even after long training, do not always agree to contact the harness. Perhaps during the training process you did something wrong - you treated the cat roughly when putting it on, or you shouted at the animal when it categorically refused to put its paw into the hole, or you pulled the leash too hard, not allowing your pet to move freely around the apartment. All these actions can forever discourage your pet from not only going for a walk, but even looking at the hated harness.
Cats do not always agree to be in contact with a harness.
What else can provoke a cat’s reluctance to wear it?
- As you know, cats, by nature, are true clean people. They spend all day licking their fur until it shines. When something interferes with this, the animal begins to fuss and get nervous. So is the case with the harness. In addition, the cat may be worried about the condition of its coat.
- If the cat, after putting on the harness, begins to actively bite it and tries to remove the structure with its hind paws, it may be due to the wrong size. Maybe the straps are constricting her body, rubbing her, restricting her movements. As already mentioned, the distance between the strap and the body of the animal should be 2 cm.
- A cat may refuse to wear a harness because it is frightened. If there are various bells, decorations and other “things” that irritate the animal, then it is unlikely that he will want to put on the ammunition next time.
Attention! If every time you go outside, your pet meows as loud as he can, does not want to leave your hands, and when you try to put him on the ground, he climbs over you like a tree, then, unfortunately, your pet is not made for walking. It's best to leave this idea. Surely, your cat is a real homebody and a window sill is the ultimate dream.
Cat's reaction to a walk
Key points for quickly learning to use a harness
It is not enough to simply buy and put the device on your pet. This can greatly frighten him, and in the future the training will take a long time.
The most important thing is smooth adaptation to the harness, gradual familiarization.
First of all, you should let your cat get acquainted with the new element and get used to its presence.
You can simply place the harness in your pet's resting area. The constant presence of this item at the moment of maximum relaxation will provide a feeling of security for the new neighbor. And only then can you begin to carefully train:
- The first attempts to put on the harness should be careful and without sudden movements. It is unacceptable to force your pet around the room. After putting it on, you need to give time for the animal to feel the safety of the strange device.
- You should constantly praise and pet your cat. This will allow her to quickly calm down and make sure that the owner will not cause her any harm. You can also give your pet a favorite treat. The cat will understand the relationship and get used to the harness faster.
- In the future, you can begin your first attempts to lead the cat by the leash. You cannot immediately pull the animal. You need to call your pet in the usual way and wait for it to move independently.
These simple steps will ensure that the correct perception of the harness is formed. With each new time, the cat will react less and less to the presence of a foreign object. And with the start of her first walks, she will generally let you know about her desire to take a walk outside.
Where should you walk so as not to scare the cat?
It is preferable to start from a balcony or loggia. At first, hold the cat in your arms and show him all the delights of nature from above. Let him get used to the sounds of cars, the barking of dogs, the chirping of birds. This is a very useful activity. When you go outside for the first time, these sounds will no longer seem unfamiliar to the kitty.
Cat on the balcony
What are the best places to go for a walk?
- The walk should be carried out as far as possible from highways and roads with loudly roaring cars. It is unlikely that in such an environment the cat will want to walk and enjoy nature. Silence is the key to a good walk. And the exhaust gases emanating from vehicles are harmful to the health of the pet (and the owner too).
- It is preferable to walk in places where there are no dogs. A huge barking dog can greatly frighten a cat, and there is no need to talk about the possibility of an attack. So be careful. If you see a dog nearby, it is better to quickly pick up the cat, turn away and go to another place.
- No need to walk near trash cans. Despite the fact that the cat will be wearing a harness, this cannot always 100% protect him from the opportunity to grab a tasty morsel lying next to the trash heap.
- Areas with tall trees should also be on the list of places where cats should not be walked. A frightened pet can escape and climb high, high. And no amount of treats, toys, or kind words will pull him away from there.
The cat climbed a tree
Walking equipment
Cats living in rural conditions from early childhood get used to taking walks only in the summer and on a free basis, remembering the path to the house. Living in an urban environment, it is more difficult for a cat to get used to the street environment, so the animal’s chance of getting lost is quite high.
In order for the pet to be able to walk outside without health consequences, the breeders came up with a special complex of several parts that is tied around the pet’s chest and front legs - a harness. Unlike a collar, from which any dexterous cat can get out in a matter of seconds, a harness sits securely on the pet’s body due to several attachment points. And even the most resourceful animal will not be able to get out of these “shackles.”
The harness, like the collar, is attached to the leash using a movable carabiner. This allows the pet to roam freely on the street, and the owner not to be afraid that his pet will slip away into the nearest basement.
Popular harness models
The market offers quite a lot of models of harnesses for cats. Having studied the offers of some online stores and analyzed the quality characteristics of various products, we offer our rating of cat harnesses.
Table 2. Comparative characteristics of cat harness models.
| Name | Characteristics | Dimensions | Advantages | Flaws |
| Model from TRIXIE | Harness with stripes that reflect light. The set includes a leash, which is attached to the harness with a durable metal carabiner | Strap width – 1 cm. Chest circumference – 22×42 cm |
| Flashing stripes can frighten an animal |
| Model from ReflectoCat S Rogz | Made from polyester. The set includes a leash, the length of which is 1 m 80 cm. The fasteners are made of acetate plastic. They are very strong. When opened, the animal's fur does not come off and is not damaged. The carabiner connecting the leash to the harness opens with significant tension. This allows you to unfasten it when the animal climbs a high fence and tree. The product is bright, beautiful, the set includes bells | Strap width – 1.1 cm. Size – S |
|
|
| Model from DEZZIE, created for kittens | Nylon based material. The set includes a leash 1 meter 20 cm long | The width of the straps is 0.8 cm. The chest circumference is 21x34 cm. |
| |
| Model Hunter Smart from Strips | Made from nylon. The kit includes a leash 120 cm long. The dimensions are adjusted using plastic sliders on the slots | Strap width – 0.8 cm. Chest circumference – 22×46 cm, neck circumference – 22×33 cm |
| Narrow straps |
| Trixie model for kittens and small cats | Made of artificial leather. The set includes a leash 1.2 m long | Strap width 0.8 cm. Bust circumference – 22×32 cm, neck circumference – 22×28 cm |
| You will have to buy a new harness when the animal grows up |
The basic rule for walking furry pets is that the cat is not the owner. The cat must walk the owner. Therefore, do not pull the leash or drag the animal in the opposite direction. If this place is dangerous, just pick him up and take him to another place. You should not prohibit your pet from exploring the territory.
How to make a cat collar with your own hands
A collar is a fairly simple product that you can sew at home yourself if you have a sewing machine and the necessary materials. But unlike accessories sold in a store, your strap will be unique, exactly the way you want it, and much cheaper than a product from the manufacturer.
Decorative
Materials you will need:
- a strip of leather, 1 cm wide (it can be purchased online, for example, on AliExpress);
- fastex (semi-automatic fastener);
- threads or 2 holniten (clothing rivets);
- sewing machine;
- decor of your choice.
Before you start sewing the collar, measure your cat's neck.
Add another 3 cm to the resulting length: 1 cm for the allowance on one side of the strap, 1 cm for the allowance on the other side and 1 cm for the looseness of the fit. The resulting number will be the length of the strap. We advise you to find out why cats purr and meow
The next steps are:
- Divide the fastex into two parts.
- Pass one end of a strip of leather into one part of the fastex and turn it in 1 cm.
- Place a stitch on a machine or pierce and fasten with a holniten.
- Do the same steps on the back of the strap.
- At this point, the collar is essentially ready, all that remains is to decorate it with decor - sew on beads, seed beads, and glue multi-colored stones.
Did you know? Licking for cats
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This is not only a way of maintaining cleanliness, it is also a gesture of love that mother cats show to their kittens.
In the future, cats often lick themselves to calm themselves in a stressful situation, because the first memories of maternal love are firmly rooted in their memory. An elementary and very interesting collar can be made from the collar of an old shirt. To do this, simply cut off the collar below the bottom stitching without cutting the thread to prevent the seam from unraveling. Remove all tags and leave one top button. In such an unusual collar, the cat will look very respectable and original.
Video: DIY decorative collar
How to train a cat to wear a collar
It is difficult to train a wayward animal to wear a collar, so you need to start as soon as the pet reaches six months of age. Kids resist less and get used to new clothes faster. At an earlier age, it is dangerous to accustom a kitten to a collar because the cervical vertebrae are not yet strong and a collar for kittens can cause injury.
The animal must be accustomed gradually, without violence or aggression. To begin with, you can imagine the collar as a new toy. A curious kitten will definitely want to explore an unfamiliar object, sniff and touch it, and hunt a little. There is no need to disturb him, the pet must master a new thing and understand its safety. After this, you can put the collar on for a while. If the cat steals it, you can try again during feeding, while the pet is busy with more important things. You can go outside wearing a collar only after making sure that he can wear it for several hours.
Unfortunately, the animal is not able to appreciate the care of the owner and can “thank” him with scratches and bites. But as a result, the pet will be protected from some of the troubles that threaten it in the human world.
What is a harness and why is it needed?
There are quite a few types of leashes; in addition, instead of them, another device called a harness can be used to walk a cat. Its difference from a leash is that its design allows you to avoid the use of a collar. This has a better effect on the physical health of the pet.
A cat leash makes walking with your pet easier
Harnesses come in different shapes:
- H-shaped;
- Y-shaped;
- V-shaped;
- eight;
- vest.
The essence of the device is that the leash is attached to straps that wrap around the cat’s body, or to a special overalls. This distributes the stress of pulling on the leash differently than when using a regular collar, and there is less risk for your pet to suffer physical injury.
How to choose the right size and type of harness
If the harness is not made independently, but purchased in a store, it is very important to choose the right not only the type of design, but also its size. Belts that are too narrow can damage the animal's fur and skin, while belts that are too wide can restrict movement. The material of manufacture is also important: it must be soft and durable for the greatest comfort of the animal.
To understand that the selected size is suitable for the cat, you should put a harness on it and check whether you can stick two fingers between it and the animal’s back. If not, the size of the product is too small and will embarrass your pet during a long walk.
Important! The best option would be a harness, the size of which can be adjusted.
How to walk with a cat
It’s worth clarifying right away that walking down the street with cats is radically different from walking dogs. It will not be possible to teach a cat to behave the same way dogs behave. So, a cat, especially in the city, should not be let off the leash, since these animals can be unpredictable, and any strong sound will cause the cat to run sharply where its eyes are looking, and the owner will not keep up with it.
Unlike dogs, these pets do not follow their owner, but lead him wherever they please, and generally try to walk as if they were on their own. Therefore, you should not pull the animal along with you; it simply will not go and will rest, or it will fall and drag on its side.
What dangers can a cat face on the street?
Due to some of the dangers that pets can be exposed to when walking outside, some veterinarians are protesting against walking cats within city limits.
First of all, these are manifestations of stressful situations that can arise during a walk, as well as panic from the cat getting into an unfamiliar place. In this state, the kitten can easily break away from the leash and run away from the owner, after which the likelihood of finding the pet will be extremely small. Most likely, the animal will die under the wheels of a car or when meeting a pack of stray dogs.
Another danger that a cat can face on the streets of the city is the considerable likelihood of getting an infection.
There are many different parasites living outdoors that can infect a cat even with a small cut on the pad on its paw. But this disease can be avoided by simply completing the course of necessary vaccinations before accustoming your cat to the street.
Does a cat need a collar?
Many believe that a collar for a cat is just as necessary as for a dog. And even more so if your pet often walks down the street on its own.
To understand whether a cat needs a collar, we suggest studying all the advantages of using it:
- A collar on a cat that walks independently is evidence that it has a home and an owner.
- You can attach a medallion with a phone number to the collar. If a cat gets lost while walking, strangers can help the pet find its family.
- With a collar it is easier and faster to train your pet.
- The owner can walk the domestic cat on a leash attached to a collar.
- Many people choose collars for cats with various decorations or rhinestones, which makes the pet charming and irresistible.
- A collar is a mandatory accessory for cats participating in exhibitions and various competitions. With the help of this accessory, the owner can emphasize the individuality of the pet and distinguish it from other tailed participants.
Special collars are produced for cats and cats. Accessories intended for dogs cannot be used for felines!
Why are cat leashes necessary?
How to put a harness on a cat: options with different types
Not all cat owners know that their pets can be walked like dogs. Cats are usually kept as exclusively domestic animals, especially if the family lives in a metropolis, where there is no opportunity to let the cat go for an independent walk, as in the village.
However, these animals also love walks. They are not a necessary part of caring for a pet, but they can significantly diversify and brighten up a cat’s life, as well as add more opportunities for physical activity.
A cat on a leash can run and play safely during a walk.
To prevent the cat from running away while walking and to stay close to the owner, a cat leash is used. Walking a cat without a leash is also possible, but if it gets scared or something attracts its attention, the owner will have no control over the pet, and this can either lead to the animal getting lost or to more serious consequences if events occur, for example, near the roadway.
Important! In addition to walks, leashes and harnesses are also useful during trips to the veterinarian and various trips if owners do not have a special carrier.
