Harness Training For Cats

In many cities and towns, it is against the law to let a cat go unleashed off your property. Try to make your cat an indoor cat if he isn’t already, or an indoor/outdoor cat that is allowed out only when he is on a leash or in a large pen.

The following tips for harness training cats were written by Tina Colonnese, Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton.

1. Start training your cat at 6 - 7 months of age. If you have an older cat, he can also be trained but it may require more time. Have your cat spayed or neutered so he won’t be tempted to roam as much. Be very patient and persistent, and reward your pet lovingly.

2. Purchase a lightweight “H” shaped nylon harness that buckles at the neck and the stomach. It should also have a metal ring on the back portion to attach proper ID and a light weight leash. Collars, figure “8" harnesses and harnesses with breastplates allow a cat to slip out too easily. To find the correct size, measure your cat’s neck and stomach and allow two finger widths at each place.

3. Place the harness, with the ID tag and the leash where your cat can sniff, paw and play with them. Wait for several days before you actually put the harness on without the leash. At this point, your cat may exhibit abnormal behavior such as running around the room or laying on his side and thinking he can no longer stand up. As long as your cat is in safe surroundings, leave the harness on for 5 minutes. Repeat this several times a day for a week or so.

4. Attach the leash when your cat is comfortable with the harness. The best results come when this is attempted just before feeding. Let your 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 kitty. Once your cat has accepted this part, pick up the leash. While gently pulling on the leash, offer food and say the word “come”. Be patient, persistent and loving.

5. Remember, cats usually will not walk on a leash like a dog. They like to run a bit, stop, roll, sniff, eat grass and then carry on. Be patient!

6. Never leave a harnessed or leashed cat unsupervised. Once he is tied he is totally defenseless and could fall prey to other roaming animals, or become tangled or frightened.

PLEASE look after your cat so he won’t dig up gardens, kill wild birds, or get lost, hurt or killed.

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