Cat harnesses - what to avoid!

In previous blog posts I have written about cat friendly garden options which mean your cat can roam outside but in an enclosed space. Today I wanted to talk about cat harnesses as there seems to be a huge influx of these and quite often they can be designed for the human in mind and not your cat!

Here are some things to consider when choosing a harness.

• Harnesses where you have to physically pick up your cat and place them on can feel intimidating. They can also chafe under their legs. One that goes over the body is much better.

• Your cat has beautiful and sensitive ears a small harness hole can feel painful on their ears.

• Please please avoid the flexi lead - it’s wire and could burn your cats legs or yours. A light weight lead is much better and safer. The catch on the flexi lead could also malfunction meaning your cat could be in the road.

• Harnesses can sometimes dig on joints.

• If your cat has long hair the clip could get caught and be painful for them

• Remember that a cat needs to groom themselves - it can help them feel better and if the harness is too constricting this can hinder that.

Things to remember when training your cat to wear a harness

• Remember the clip can make a noise so hold it gently.

• Train in stages - little and often is the way forward.

• Don’t force it on them then take them outside they are likely to freak out.

Things to remember when going outside

Remember going on the grass can feel scary and wet under a cat’s paws let them explore in their own time.

Remember you can find out more over on my TikTok page.

Lisa