Coaching your cat to stroll with a harness and leash is a wonderful choice if you’d like your kitty to take pleasure in out of doors adventures. Nonetheless, the primary time many cats put on a harness, they merely fall over on their aspect. However why does this occur?
Typically, cats fall over as a result of the harness appears like being grabbed by a predator. Falling over and freezing is an instinctive survival response. If you would like your cat to study to stroll on a leash, you have to assist them overcome this prompt response.
On this article, you’ll study why carrying a harness could cause your cat to fall over. Plus, we’ll offer you tips about educating your cat to put on a harness and put together them for spending time exterior.
Attending to the Root of the Harness Response
Check out the place your cat’s harness locations strain on their physique. More often than not, a lot of the strain falls between the shoulder blades and across the chest. For grownup cats, being grabbed or held on this space could be a traumatic expertise.
Mom cats repeatedly carry their infants by the scruff of their necks. At that age, being scruffed triggers the kitten to chill out. Nonetheless, grownup cats lose this intuition as they develop.
Grownup cats are sometimes solely grabbed by the scruff throughout mating or by a predator, which could be a worrying expertise. With this information, it is sensible why a cat may react to a harness by freezing and falling over.
Educating Your Cat to Put on a Harness
So, how do you assist your cat overcome their pure worry and study to put on a harness? The reply is often A) slowly and B) with a whole lot of treats!
- First, ensure you purchase the proper measurement harness on your cat. It’s greatest to comply with the sizing and measuring instructions for the harness you’re contemplating. Attempt to buy an adjustable harness to make the match as shut and comfy as doable.
- Introduce the harness indoors the place your cat is secure and comfy. Begin by permitting them to smell and work together with the harness. Attempt utilizing catnip or a cat pheromone spray on the harness to carry your kitty’s consideration and maintain them calm.
- As soon as your cat is acquainted with the sight of the harness, begin getting them used to it touching their physique. Maintain the harness in opposition to them and reward your cat with treats or reward in the event that they keep calm. Slowly follow inserting the harness over their head or beneath their physique.
- Work your approach as much as inserting your entire harness on the cat, rewarding them generously for staying calm. Your cat ought to have the ability to put on the harness indoors with no fuss earlier than you progress on to leash coaching. Regulate the harness as wanted to make sure it matches snugly and received’t slip off.
- Each cat will progress via the levels of harness coaching at their very own tempo. In case your cat exhibits indicators of worry or discomfort, together with falling over, repeat the earlier step within the coaching course of.
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Making ready Your Cat to Spend Time Outdoors
Coaching your cat to put on a harness is just one step within the strategy of making ready your cat to spend time exterior. The very first thing it’s best to do is be sure that your pet is present on their vaccinations and acceptable parasite prevention. Discuss to your vet about whether or not your cat is wholesome sufficient to deal with out of doors train, particularly in the event that they’re older or obese.
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For indoor cats, the world exterior may be overwhelming at first. The sights, sounds, and smells exterior are much more stimulating than these discovered within the security of a home. Even probably the most well-adjusted cat could also be frightened the primary few instances they enterprise exterior.
To assist ease your cat into the outside, attempt letting them spend time on a screened porch or in a “catio.” These enclosed areas assist your cat really feel safe whereas introducing them to the stimulation of the surface world. Moveable cat yards or tents are an alternative choice if extra everlasting buildings aren’t accessible.
By the point you are taking your cat exterior carrying a harness and leash, they need to be comfy and assured with the stimulation they’ll encounter there.
Conclusion
Regardless of what you may suppose, cats don’t fall over in a harness merely to offer you viral social media content material. As a substitute, they react this manner as a result of the harness triggers a survival response like they have been grabbed by a predator. With persistence and coaching, your cat can study to beat this response. Keep in mind, not each cat will take pleasure in strolling on a harness and leash. Think about your cat’s character rigorously earlier than trying to show them into an adventurous kitty.
Featured Picture Credit score: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock
