Why Do Cats Fall Over in a Harness? Facts & Outdoor Tips

January 24, 2024

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Training your cat to stroll with a harness and leash is a superb choice in order for you your kitty to take pleasure in outside adventures. However, the primary time many cats put on a harness, they merely fall over on their aspect. But why does this occur?

Generally, 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 need your cat to be taught to stroll on a leash, you have to assist them overcome this prompt response.

In this text, you’ll be taught why sporting a harness may cause your cat to fall over. Plus, we’ll provide you with recommendations on educating your cat to put on a harness and how one can put together them for spending time outdoors.

Getting to the Root of the Harness Response

Take a take a look at the place your cat’s harness locations strain on their physique. Most of the time, a lot of the strain falls between the shoulder blades and across the chest. For grownup cats, being grabbed or held on this space is usually a traumatic expertise.

Mother cats often carry their infants by the scruff of their necks. At that age, being scruffed triggers the kitten to chill out. However, grownup cats lose this intuition as they develop.

Adult cats are sometimes solely grabbed by the scruff throughout mating or by a predator, which is usually a annoying expertise. With this information, it is smart why a cat would possibly react to a harness by freezing and falling over.

cat wearing red harness Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

Teaching Your Cat to Wear a Harness

So, how do you assist your cat overcome their pure concern and be taught to put on a harness? The reply is often A) slowly and B) with quite a lot of treats!

First, be sure to purchase the fitting measurement harness on your cat. It’s finest to observe the sizing and measuring instructions for the harness you’re contemplating. Try 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. Start by permitting them to smell and work together with the harness. Try utilizing catnip or a cat pheromone spray on the harness to carry your kitty’s consideration and hold them calm.
Once your cat is conversant in the sight of the harness, begin getting them used to it touching their physique. Hold the harness in opposition to them and reward your cat with treats or reward in the event that they keep calm. Slowly apply inserting the harness over their head or beneath their physique.
Work your means as much as inserting your complete 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. Adjust the harness as wanted to make sure it matches snugly and received’t slip off.
Every cat will progress by means of the levels of harness coaching at their very own tempo. If your cat reveals indicators of concern or discomfort, together with falling over, repeat the earlier step within the coaching course of.

Preparing Your Cat to Spend Time Outside

Training your cat to put on a harness is just one step within the strategy of getting ready your cat to spend time outdoors. The very first thing you need to do is ensure your pet is present on their vaccinations and acceptable parasite prevention. Talk to your vet about whether or not your cat is wholesome sufficient to deal with outside train, particularly in the event that they’re older or obese.

For indoor cats, the world outdoors might be overwhelming at first. The sights, sounds, and smells outdoors are much more stimulating than these discovered within the security of a home. Even essentially the most well-adjusted cat could also be frightened the primary few occasions they enterprise outdoors.

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 skin world. Portable cat yards or tents are an alternative choice if extra everlasting buildings aren’t obtainable.

By the time you are taking your cat outdoors sporting a harness and leash, they need to be comfy and assured with the stimulation they’ll encounter there.

tabby cat wearing yellow harness Image Credit: Simol1407, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Despite what you would possibly assume, cats don’t fall over in a harness merely to offer you viral social media content material. Instead, they react this manner as a result of the harness triggers a survival response like they have been grabbed by a predator. With endurance and coaching, your cat can be taught to beat this response. Remember, not each cat will take pleasure in strolling on a harness and leash. Consider your cat’s character rigorously earlier than trying to show them into an adventurous kitty.

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