Harness and leash for a cat: why are they needed and how to make them yourself

A harness is a common accessory that cat owners often use. Previously, it was believed that a cat is a purely domestic animal, which does not require outdoor walks. Today, however, many people have changed their minds. Moreover, sometimes you have to take your pet with you to the country, to the vet or on a trip. In all these cases, it is better to wear a harness on the cat, which will guarantee the owner’s peace of mind and the safety of the animal.

What is the harness and leash for?

It’s no secret that cats very rarely do not respond to the words or commands of their owner. If the dog immediately returns to the owner during the walk, it is worth saying “nearby”, then the cat, succumbing to curiosity, will start exploring the territory or hide in the bushes. Therefore, it is better to use a harness, which will help keep the pet under control.

This accessory ensures that the cat won’t get lost or not be under the car. This product is irreplaceable during trips and travels.

Externally, the harness is thin strap, which covers the cat in the area of ​​​​the shoulder blades. The accessory is fastened on the neck and sternum, and the ring where you need to fasten the leash is located between the shoulder blades of the animal. Thanks to this, there is no squeezing of the delicate cat’s neck.

In some models of the harness, a collar is also presented, thanks to which the cat can’t take off this accessory.

What factors to consider when buying a harness

Similar leashes for cats are sold in every pet store. The most suitable for cats are models made of nylon elastic band with felt soft lining. The material should be very light, as cats have sensitive skin.

Although most models have straps that can be adjusted, it is best to know the girth in advance neck and chest of a cat in order to take these parameters into account when choosing a product.

Today on sale you can find the following options:

• harnesses for kittens;
• accessories for large cats;
• universal leashes;
• reflective harnesses;
• suede and nylon.

The most budget option These are Chinese harnesses with a leash. Such an accessory is not suitable for big cats, since a large animal with well-developed muscles can tear the product.

If the animal does not like the usual harnesses, represented by several straps, you should try products resembling a jumpsuit. Most cats wear it comfortably. At the same time, the likelihood that the pet will catch on somewhere is excluded.

The cat will need a long leash. It should be 2-3 meters long, so that the cat can safely explore the territory of interest to her. Many owners choose roulette leasheswhich are used for walking small dogs.

Making a harness for a cat with your own hands

Making a similar leash at home is quite simple. This will require:

• thin leather straps or nylon flat rope;
• metal buckles and rings;
• small carabiner;
• scissors;
• thick needle;
• strong thread;
• awl.

Finished homemade construction consists of two small straps designed for the neck and body and connected by a special strap. A leash is attached to one of the straps. The design is fixed with a carabiner and buckles.

You can make a harness in several stages:

1. First you need to take measurements from the cat. This is the girth of the neck and sternum.
2. Next, you need to cut off 2 pieces of rope or strap with allowances of 2 cm. You should also prepare another piece for the bar, that is, the connection of the first two straps.
3. After that, rings are carefully sewn into the straps for the neck and chest, and on the bar such a detail is sewn on both sides. Thanks to this, it is possible to assemble the entire structure.
4. Then you need to cut 1-2 m of the rope. On the one hand, a carabiner is carefully attached to it, and on the other hand, a loop is prepared that matches the size of the owner’s hand. This loop needs to be additionally stitched.
5. So that the rope does not crumble, it must be carefully singeed with a match.

Answers to the most common questions

• How to put on a harness? First of all, you need to choose a product of the right size. So, one finger should fit between the cat’s body and the straps. At a greater distance, the cat will slip out of the harness during a walk. First, the animal is allowed to sniff the accessory, only after that you can put it on.
• At what age should a pet be taught to wear a harness? Many veterinarians recommend teaching a cat to a leash from 2-3 months old, since kittens easily get used to a new one, which means that walking on a leash will not cause discomfort even at an older age.
• How to train an adult cat? The animal needs to put on the product for several minutes, gradually increasing the time, so that the pet gets used to the unusual sensations. For the first walks, it is worth choosing deserted places. There should not be cars or many other animals here.

When walking on a harness is contraindicated

• The cat should not be walked without the necessary vaccinations, as it can become infected on the street.
• Small kittens should not be walked, because their immune system has not yet formed.
• Outdoor walks are not recommended for cats over 10 years old, since such adult animals will not be able to get used to the harness, and walking itself will lead to severe stress.
• Pets who have recently been ill or have undergone surgery do not need to be walked. This also applies to pregnant cats.
• You should not try to accustom to a harness and walk animals that are very cowardly or too aggressive.

In order for the walk to bring the cat only positive emotions, it is necessary take into account the peculiarities his character. You should also make sure the quality of the harness and learn how to put it on. Thanks to this, the cat will be able to explore new territories without causing the owner to fear for the safety of his beloved pet.