Training your cat to walk with a harness and leash is a great option if you want your cat to enjoy outdoor adventures. However, the first time many cats wear a harness, they simply fall over onto their side. But why does this happen?
In general, cats fall off because the harness feels like it’s being grabbed by a predator. Collapsing and freezing is a natural survival response. If you want your cat to learn to walk on a leash, you must help them overcome this immediate reaction.
In this article, you will learn why wearing a harness can cause your cat to fall. Plus, we’ll give you tips on teaching your cat to wear a harness and how to prepare them for spending time outside.
Getting to the Root of the Harness Response
See where your cat’s harness puts pressure on his body. Usually, most of the pressure falls between the shoulder blades and around the chest. For adult cats, being caught or handled in this area can be a traumatic experience.
Mother cats regularly carry their babies by hugging their necks. At that age, being scruffed encourages the kitten to relax. However, adult cats lose this instinct as they grow.
Adult cats are often only taken by scruff during mating season or by a predator, which can be a distressing experience. With this knowledge, it makes sense why a cat might respond to a harness by freezing and falling.
Teaching Your Cat to Wear a Harness
So, how can you help your cat overcome their natural fear and learn to wear a harness? The answer is usually A) slowly and B) with lots of treats!
- First, make sure you buy the right size harness for your cat. It’s best to follow the sizing and sizing directions for the harness you’re considering. Try to buy an adjustable harness to make the fit as close and comfortable as possible.
- Introduce the harness indoors where your cat is safe and comfortable. Start by letting them sniff and interact with the harness. Try using catnip or a cat pheromone spray on the harness to hold your kitten’s attention and keep them calm.
- Once your cat is familiar with the sight of the harness, start getting used to it touching their body. Hold the harness against them and reward your cat with treats or praise if they stay calm. Gently place the harness over their head or under their body.
- Work your way up to put the full harness on the cat, rewarding them for staying calm. Your cat should be able to wear the harness indoors without fuss before you proceed with leash training. Adjust the harness as needed to make sure it fits snugly and doesn’t slip.
- Each cat will progress through the stages of harness training at their own pace. If your cat shows signs of fear or discomfort, including falling, repeat the previous step in the training process.
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Preparing Your Cat to Spend Time Outside
Training your cat to wear a harness is just one step in the process of getting your cat ready to spend time outside. The first thing you should do is make sure your pet is current on their vaccinations and appropriate parasite prevention. Talk to your vet about whether your cat is healthy enough to handle outdoor exercise, especially if they are older or overweight.
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For indoor cats, the outside world can be overwhelming at first. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors are far more stimulating than those found in the safety of a home. Even the most well-adjusted cat can be scared the first few times they venture outside.
To help get your cat comfortable outside, try letting them spend time on a screened-in porch or in a “catio.” These enclosures help your cat feel safe while introducing them to the stimulation of the outside world. Portable cat yards or tents are another option if more permanent structures are not available.
By the time you take your cat outside wearing a harness and leash, they should be comfortable and confident in the stimulation they will encounter there.
Conclusion
Despite what you might think, cats don’t fall into a harness just to give you viral social media content. Instead, they react this way because the harness triggers a survival response as if they were caught by a predator. With patience and practice, your cat will learn to overcome this reaction. Remember, not all cats will enjoy walking with a harness and leash. Think carefully about your cat’s personality before trying to make him an adventurous cat.
Featured Image Credit: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock
