Cats lead a very different lifestyle. Some never leave the house, others willingly catch mice in the country and travel to neighboring areas, while others go for a walk in the city, and the owners lead them on a leash. It’s not often that you meet a person walking with a cat. Firstly, these animals do not have an urgent need for walking; they go to the toilet to the litter box. Secondly, many owners fear for the safety of their furry pets, because there are a lot of dogs around, most of which are much larger.
Still, walking for cats is useful. Outside, in direct sunlight, vitamin D is produced. When washed, the animal licks the vitamin from the coat along with sebum. Cats need grass to clear their stomach.
Why do you need a harness
If you decide that your pussy needs outdoor walks, it is better to take her for a walk in a harness. Why isn't a regular cat leash suitable? Their cervical muscles are weaker than in dogs, so the collar can cause injury to the animal with a sharp jerk. But the harness more evenly distributes pressure throughout the body. This makes the walk more comfortable for the cat. A collar may also be suitable for calm animals. A cat leash is attached to the harness or collar. It can be ordinary (with an unregulated length), or it can be a roulette leash, which is usually used for medium-sized dogs.
Types of harnesses
Photos of cats on a leash show that the designs of leashes and harnesses are different, but quite similar. Among the innovations can be identified:
- Adjustable harnesses of universal size. They are bought by a kitten, but they are also suitable for a grown cat, because kids grow up quickly!
- A reflective cat leash that helps you keep an eye on your animals late in the evening.
- Mini harnesses for kittens.
- Vests and overalls. They perfectly embrace the body of the animal. In long-haired cats, fluffy fur is also protected from pollution in this way. However, overalls and vests will not work in the summer in hot weather.
How to choose a leash and harness for cats
Preferred materials are cotton or nylon. Cotton is best for calm, elderly cats. Leather harnesses are too hard and rough, they will crush the animal. The most comfortable will be a soft felt lining. The size of the harness should be adjusted using straps.
The most suitable width of the straps is about 1.5 cm, and the optimal length of the cat leash is about 2 m. The roulette leash is convenient in that you can adjust its length and stand nearby while the animal is exploring a small area of space.
Lightweight fasteners and a comfortable clasp are also important. You can buy two harnesses: for the summer from the usual straps, and for the winter - jumpsuit or vest.
Put on the harness
How to wear a leash on a cat? If you purchase a harness with a leash, ask the seller to show you how to use it. The most common design is a figure eight with a septum in the chest area of a cat. One of the loops of the figure eight covers the neck of the animal, the other - the body, and the legs need to be threaded between its corners. Thus, a cross is formed on the back. It is important to carefully adjust the size so that the harness, on the one hand, does not constrain the cat, and on the other hand, does not allow it to slip out and run away. Two fingers should pass between the body of the animal and the harness. The harness usually has a ring to which a leash is attached with a carabiner. That's it, the cat is ready for a walk!
How to train a cat
It is best to train a kitten to harness. Like children, young animals adapt better to the new, and then it becomes familiar to them. Do not immediately put on a recently purchased harness on the animal. To get started, let the cat sniff it, get acquainted with the new subject. When the harness becomes familiar to her, try putting it on. But it's too early to go for a walk. After all, a freedom-loving animal needs to get used to the discomfort, to the fact that something slightly tightens his body! The best time to put on a harness is before feeding. This technique is often used in training a wide variety of animal species. Food causes a positive association. After donning it is also worth playing with the cat, caressing it. This procedure is best done with kittens up to 5 months. Adult cats are better to “walk” around the apartment so that they get used to the process of walking. But an elderly animal that was not familiar with street walks before, it makes no sense to accustom to harness and leash. For a cat that is not so responsive to novelty, this will be a lot of stress.
The first walks are best done in a quiet, uninhabited place. The cat will not follow the owner, like a dog. This owner will have to follow the pet, gently pulling the animal only when there is danger.
When you can’t walk with cats?
It is forbidden to take unvaccinated animals for a walk. There should be a parasite collar around the neck of the pet, and after a walk it is important to examine its coat. No need to walk with animals after surgery or illness, as well as with pregnant cats or during estrus.
Self-made harness
There are also tips on how to make a cat leash with your own hands. You can sew a vest made of fabric, for example, denim. And you can make a harness from belts. To do this, you will need straps, buckles, rings and a carabiner, as well as for any sewing work, an awl, a thick needle, a strong thread, scissors and a centimeter tape.
It is important to measure the volume of the neck and chest of the cat in order to properly fit the product to the size of its body. During the manufacture of the harness, the animal should be near the owner, because you need to make a few try-ons. Detailed instructions on how to make a harness are shown in the video.