How to put on a cat harness? Which harness to buy?

There are different reasons for putting a harness on your cat. You don't want to see your cat run away; you're afraid of losing him. The collar is not an ideal solution because he could take it off while moving. So, yes, but how to put on a cat harness without being able to remove it?

How to put on a cat harness?

How to place the harness on your cat?

Putting a harness on your cat is not always a piece of cake, mainly when your feline is not used to it. In addition, a cat can move a lot, and it is sometimes difficult to hold it; it is all the more complex if you are alone to have to do it.

It wriggles and twists in all directions; it does not make your task more manageable, and you want to be quick; the risk is putting it on incorrectly and leakage. Often, on the packaging, you will find a photo of the cat with the harness. And on the back, you will often find advice.

Here's how to put on a cat harness to avoid stressing it out:

Choose a moment of calm, and if your cat has just been acting crazy or having fun, it is not the ideal moment. Calm him down so that the rest is easier

First, place the small loop around his head, so you should logically place the harness at the level of the shoulder blades.

Open the clip, which is located at the level of his belly, allowing you to slip the straps. All you have to do is close until you hear the clip (be careful not to trap the hairs which would not be pleasant for him, and above all, he could reopen)

Adjust: don't forget to take the time to adjust your harness; depending on the model, the buckles or rings allow you to tailor it. Don't overtighten; your pet should be able to move and breathe. But if you leave too much ballast, he could get rid of it, so you have to find the right balance; it is advisable to be able to fit two fingers between his body and the harness.

Which harness to buy?

This is a fundamental question and how to put on a cat harness. Cats are not as strong as dogs. Therefore, there is no need to buy a strong material like leather. The nylon will be sturdy enough for a cat.

The harness is often delivered with a leash which allows the matching colors, red, orange, black, and blue, according to your preferences.

It is essential to take the time to choose the right size; you can find the size of the neck circumference, which is a crucial element when you decide to buy a harness. It shouldn't be too big or too small for your hairball. Then, you can quickly sort according to the size so as not to be mistaken.

A question of habit

Whether it's for you or your cat, it's all just a matter of getting used to it. Eventually, you will see that the first step, placing the harness around the neck, is quickly done. After that, you will only have to go around the chest to close it properly.

Don't get stressed or upset because your pet will feel it, which will only worsen things.

So one word to remember: patience! The more he gets used to wearing it, the more he will let himself go. You can give him a small reward the first few times to congratulate him for not having moved.

If it is for a departure on vacation, you can install it for a few minutes each day before leaving so that it does not discover it at the last moment, and in addition, it will give you training for D-Day.

Best Products for Cats

Why choose to walk your cat on a leash?

We started to address this subject at the beginning of the article; indeed, the question does not arise for a dog, but it is rarer to see a cat on a leash. It is not recommended to attach the leash to his collar; why? Well, quite simply because he might shoot like crazy and choke.

This would be a new source of stress for him, so he might as well add a little comfort. Because if he enjoys this outing, he will be more docile the next time he lets himself put on his harness.

Here are the main reasons for walking your cat with a harness:

First, take him for a walk: you live in a garden with a house by the side of a road, and you don't want to leave him unattended. You just want him to discover the outside environment so that he gets used to the outdoors. Exercise never hurts, and if you're too scared for his health or life, it's a good way not to keep him locked up and get him some fresh air.

For transport: whether it's to go to the vet or simply to go on vacation, it's an excellent solution to avoid losing it. When stressed, a cat can behave unusually, and you may have trouble recognizing it. It is, therefore, reasonable to keep him on a leash to prevent him from going everywhere and risking being run over or getting lost.

Do you need to travel with your cat?

Is a big trip, a move, or a vacation coming up?

Traveling can be an excellent adventure for people, but our feline friends are not usually enthusiastic about it! Any change in their routine or environment can cause stress or worry for cats. For that reason, while we always want our pets to come with us, it's essential to consider whether travel is in your cat's best interest or whether a cat sitter or feline boarding might be the best option for your cat.

If you take a break, like a vacation, it's often best to leave your kitty behind, even if you miss each other. But if the trip is only one way, your cat will go with you.

It is essential to plan the trip with your cat in advance. With the proper support and preparation, it's possible to reduce kitten stress and make travel easier.

Tips to calm your cat during the trip

Start with the carrier

Regardless of how you plan to travel with your pet, it must be kept safe inside its carrier. To help reduce travel-related stress, help your kitty develop a positive association with her carrier. If the only time they see him is on a scary trip to the vet, don't be surprised if he's reluctant!

First, place the carrier in an area that feels safe. Then let your cat explore it at her own pace. Next, put a prize or candy inside. Over time, your cat should trust the carrier enough not to mind if you close the door. This will help him feel calm inside the carrier, with the door closed.

Consult with your veterinarian

If you're traveling anywhere, make sure your cat is fit, healthy, and able to handle the stress of travel. If your kitty is sick or has underlying health issues, travel can worsen it.

Check that your pet is healthy and well enough to move around before making any trips. Keep in mind that your cat's vaccinations should be up to date before traveling to reduce any risk of infection. If you plan to travel by plane, your airline and arrival destination may require specific health and vaccination certificates.

Tips to calm your cat3. Tips to calm your cat during trips_1

There are many considerations when choosing a carrier that will help your cat feel calmer. First, ensure your cat can lie down inside, stretch out and turn around quickly. Using a rigid carrier can reduce motion sickness. Cover it with cozy blankets and newspapers, and your kitty will be ready!

Provide him with a sandbox. We all need to go to the toilet when we travel for a long time. If you're taking a short trip, your pet may wait, but be prepared with extra newspapers and

cleaning supplies for any sink "accidents." For long-distance trips, bring a litter box and give your pet frequent bathroom breaks. This will help make the journey more comfortable.

Keep your kitty hydrated. Refreshment breaks are an essential part of the trip. Carry plenty of water for your cat and offer it during regular stops. It is better not to leave your water bowl in the carrier because it will spill. To calm your kitty, it can also help bring water from home: water can smell and taste different in other places and stress your cat.

Avoid feeding him during the trip. Avoid feeding him before or during the travel so your cat does not get seasick. Once you arrive at your destination, make sure your pet has access to its usual food. It can take a while to settle in and take time to feel hungry. Be patient if he doesn't want to eat right away.

Take into account the weather. Keeping your cat at a comfortable temperature can make your journey much easier. The trip can be sweltering in summer, so pack ice packs or frozen water bottles in a cooler. If there is no air conditioning, you can place a cold bag of ice, wrapped in a cloth, inside the carrier to keep your cat calm. In winter, make sure your cat has plenty of extra blankets.

Tire your cat a bit. Exercising your cat before you travel with a fun play session can help him feel happy and calm; it can help tire him out so he can sleep through the trip. A tired kitty is more likely to relax and feel less agitated during the ride.

Carry all the resources your pet needs. What is the destination? Is it a cat-friendly place? Will your kitty have access to all the help they need, like their usual food, a scratching post, a litter tray, or a familiar bed?

When traveling by car you should also:

Help your cat feel safe around the car: allow him to explore inside the vehicle while he is parked so that he gets used to the smells.

Try a few short practice trips in the days and weeks leading up to the trip.

Make sure the carrier is securely fastened with the seat belt.

Drive as carefully as possible to avoid sudden jolts and keep the car environment calm and relaxed with the radio at a low volume.

Keep your kitten in the carrier at all times while driving. Letting your cat out can be dangerous and is prohibited in most countries.

Make stops periodically for comfort and give him water every 2 or 3 hours on long trips. If you let your cat out of the carrier, make sure (only while the car is parked) make sure all doors and windows are closed to prevent escape.

Never leave your cat alone in the car!

On public transport:

Keep your cat inside the carrier at all times. Wear an identification collar or harness, as well as a leash, if you need to open the carrier. The leash makes it easy for you to grab your cat if he tries to escape.

Calms your pet with soothing sounds during travel.

As with the car ride, try to stop so your cat can drink water.

Covering the carrier with a blanket can help minimize stress caused by visual stimuli.

Arrive on time so that the trip is as smooth as possible.

On flights:

Check with your airline months in advance. Some airlines have specific carrier types and size requirements or may not allow pets. They will always need to know beforehand that you plan to bring your cat so they can advise you.

Make sure your pet meets the medical requirements: Check with your vet about vaccinations, documentation, and travel ID your cat should have.

Check that your destination location allows you to take your kitten with you.

Arrive at the airport well in advance on the day of travel, as a check-in with a pet can take longer.

Other travel considerations to keep in mind

Always travel with identification and documents in order.

Make sure your cat wears identification the entire time he travels. You can wear it with your name, number, and address on a collar or harness. Your pet must also have its microchip; if you haven't put it in, put it in before you travel. Carry copies of your pet's travel documentation and certificates with their carrier. Especially for air travel, check with a veterinarian in case certain vaccinations or a health certificate are required before trip.

Check your destination

If you are staying somewhere, be it in a hotel, with friends, or elsewhere, check in advance that it is allowed to bring your cat and that it is safe to do so. Never try to house your cat in a hidden way. Hotels tend to be more pet-friendly than ever, and some advertise pet-friendly, so they'll even provide you with some of the resources your feline friend needs.

Once you arrive at your destination, it's a good idea to do a quick security check before letting him out of the carrier. For example, check for open windows or doors, and investigate the room to ensure nothing could harm your pet, such as an open closet where he could get trapped.

Once you are sure it is not dangerous, assign a safe space for your pet, such as a quiet room or a corner, with some water and his bed. Then let your cat out at his own pace. Don't worry if it takes a while. They may still feel restless from the trip and need time to recover.

You have other options if you can't bring your furry friend with you. For example, you can leave it with a sitter to take care of your kitten at home or take your cat to a feline residence for the trip.