Harness Training for Cats

Cats, like all pets, should not be permitted to roam at large.  By harnessing your cat, you are providing responsible care and preventing him/her from encountering dangerous situations.

Following are some general guidelines to assist in harness training your cat.  Please remember these are only guidelines and that each cat is unique.  Some methods will work better for some cats than others.

1. Be very patient and persistent, and reward your pet lovingly.  Yelling, hitting or rough treatment will only teach your cat to fear you and will accomplish nothing.
2. If possible, start training at 6-7 months of age.  Have the cat spayed or neutered first, as this enhances their concentration and decreases their desire to roam.
3. Purchase a lightweight "H"-shaped nylon harness that buckles at the neck and stomach (preferably one that doesn't buckle under their belly as it makes it harder to connect the clasps).  It should also have a metal ring on the back portion to hold a proper identification tag and to attach to a light-weight leash.  (Collars, figure "8" harnesses and harnesses with breastplates allow cats to slip out too easily.)  To find the correct size, measure the cat's neck and stomach snugly, but not too tightly.  Purchase an identification tag at the same time and have it engraved with your daytime and night time phone numbers, including area code.
4. Place the harness with the I.D. tag and leash where the cat can sniff, paw and play with them.
5. After several days, gently, but firmly, put the harness on the cat - allow two fingers width at the neck and stomach (do not attach the leash yet).  The best results come when this is attempted just before feeding.  At this point, the cat may exhibit abnormal behaviour, such as running around the room or lying on his/her side an acting as though he/she can no longer stand.  As long as the cat is in safe surroundings, leave the harness on for five minutes.  Repeat this several times a day for a week to ten days.
6. Once the cat is comfortable with the harness, attach the I.D. tag and leash.  Let the cat drag the leash around the house for several minutes at a time, several times a day, for another few days.  Be sure to supervise the cat to avoid him/her becoming tangled and frightened.
7. Once the cat has accepted this part, pick up the leash and just hold onto it.  The cat must now realize he/she has some restraints placed upon him/her.  While gently pulling the leash, offer food and say the word "come".  Once again, be patient, persistent and loving.
8. Remember, cats usually will not walk on a leash like a dog.  Cats usually like to run a bit, stop, roll, sniff an area, eat grass and then carry on.
9. Never leave a harness/leashed cat unsupervised.  Once your cat is tied up he/she is totally defenseless and could fall prey to other roaming animals or become tangled, frightened, or injured.