Cat leash what is its name

When putting the harness on the cat, be sure to check that it does not squeeze the body and has a secure hold.

Why walk a cat on a leash?

Now even a cat owner can go out into the fresh air with their beloved pet. But just whether the cat itself will be happy with this idea? Let's find out if leash walks are really necessary, and what accessories you'll need for it.

All cats are different. Some spend their entire lives indoors, happy and content. Because they fully satisfy their needs for hunting, climbing with a properly organized space. And there are cats who vitally need walks outdoors, especially if they've lived outside for a long time. And there are just active pets who are eager to jump out the window or open front door.

In general, cats are rather curious creatures who are happy to explore new territory. In this respect, the outside world is attractive in many ways: birds, insects, plants, smells and sounds are all excellent sources of stimulation that are not easily recreated in the apartment.

A cat can't walk by itself

If you live in the city and value your pet. Because there's no guarantee he'll come back alive and well after a walk on his own. If at all. He can be hit by a car, poisoned, get into fights with street cats and dogs, pick up parasites or infectious diseases. This is why street cats live much shorter lives than their apartment counterparts.

Walking on a leash is a compromise for everyone when the risk of wandering free alone is too great. The cat will walk and the owner won't have to worry about it.

• Some cats don't like the fact that the leash prevents them from moving freely. As a result, the process turns into an incomprehensible fuss and brings little pleasure.
• A walk with a cat is not the same as a walk with a dog. A cat leads its owner, can get stuck in one place for long periods of time, and certainly won't run alongside in the park.

What is it and what is it for?

A harness, or as it is often called a "cat leash," is a device designed to hold a pet while it walks outside. A cat leash looks exactly the same as a dog leash, the only thing is that it is fixed not on the neck, but between the shoulder blades of the animal. Harnesses are used when the cat needs to be taken outside the house. This can be not only a walk in the fresh air, but also a trip to the countryside, a visit to the veterinary clinic or exhibitions.

Thanks to this design, walking the cat becomes much easier as it is held and constantly under control. This is especially important when the animal gets into an unfamiliar environment and begins to panic and climb to a height, after which it is extremely difficult to get the pet from a tree or other place. In addition, in these situations, cats can simply run away, hiding in a quiet hiding place and then they cannot be found.

The same goes for going to the country house where you should allow the cat to go for a walk only after several days of getting used to the new surroundings. To speed up this process, the owners should take the cat for daily walks on a leash, gradually acquainting it with the surroundings. The main advantages of cat harnesses include:

• The possibility of a comfortable and safe walk with the animal outside, which will provide both the pet and its owner with positive emotions and well-being;
• the presence of control over the cat, he will not be able to run away and climb the tree;
• the possibility of adjusting the distance between the animal and its owner;
• The use of the harness can prevent trips to the country house, exhibitions and the vet's office.

• Cats may panic, lash out and become nervous at the sight of harnesses. Animals try to free themselves from the leash in any way and often hurt themselves.
• The leash and harness must be fixed firmly, otherwise the pet will easily get loose and run away. Then it will be difficult to find him.
• Models made of cheap fabrics and low-quality material tear quickly. Harnesses of well-known brands last a long time, but cost a lot.
• It is not recommended to use these devices for kittens under 5 months of age. Their body is not yet adapted to frequent going out on the street and they can easily "pick up" any infection.

Types

Harnesses are usually sold complete with a leash. They consist of two collars, one of which is attached to the cat's neck and the other to the belly. Therefore, it is very important when choosing a model to pay attention to the parameters of the animal and buy a harness that would not be too small or large. The leash is attached to the harness using a special ring. Its maximum length can be up to 2.5 meters, there are also models of length of 4 meters.

Nowadays, a huge range of cat harnesses, made of different materials, is on sale. Most often this accessory is made of thick fabric and canvas, but the best harness is made of leather. In addition, products may differ in color and variants of decor, the models decorated with patches and rhinestones are very popular. To participate in exhibitions, the owners of the pets, as a rule, buy the original harness. For regular walks, you can give preference to cheaper options.

The most common types of harnesses include the following.

• Pet harnesses .. They are considered versatile because they allow additional protection for the cat from the cold and dirt. There is a ring on the back of the accessory, with which you can attach a leash. Thanks to the chic choice of colors and design, harnesses are easy to choose for any taste.

• Harnesses in the form of a vest. Such models are equipped with fasteners, to which you can quickly attach a leash. They are reliable in operation, but not suitable for the summer, as the pet in them will be hot. In addition, many experts believe that these vests limit the freedom of movement of the cat.

• Leash-collar. It is ideal for compliant and calm cats. In order for the pet to feel comfortable in it, you need to choose the right size. The harness should not dangle freely on the neck or squeeze it. Eight-shaped accessories of this type are very popular. The products consist of two loops fastened together, one of which is put around the pet's neck and the other on the front paws on the body.

Design of the harness

Externally, the accessory looks like a tangle of thin straps, into which the cat's head and front paws are slipped. At the top of their intersection, near the shoulder blades, there is a special ring for attaching a leash with a carabiner. This allows the straps to distribute the load evenly, avoiding discomfort for the animal. And the girth around his neck and under his paws keeps him from popping out of them in an attempt to escape.

• Clasps and fasteners should be easy to unfasten and adjust to fit your pet;
• Choose a sturdy, soft and light-weight material, preferably natural nylon or cotton, which does not cause discomfort;
• The optimal width of straps is 10-15 mm, the smaller ones will dig into fur and skin, and larger ones will hinder movements;
• To choose the right size, you need to put two fingers between the product and the cat's back.

Varieties of cat harnesses

There are many different designs of harnesses, but if you group them together, you can distinguish four types:

• Eight is made in the form of two loops: one smaller for fixing the neck, and the other, larger, for wrapping the torso behind the front paws. It fastens on the shoulder blades, which makes the product easier to use and cheaper.
• The "H" type is very similar to the figure-eight, having two straps. The main difference is their connection on the back with a straight lintel, which resembles the letter "H" when looking at the pet from above. It is suitable for large cats, to compensate for the distance between the neck and the back line between the shoulder blades.
• The V-shaped also consists of two loops, but they are connected at the chest by an extra strap. This makes the helmet look like a "V" when viewed from the front of the animal, or a "Y" when viewed from below.
• The dog harness is classified as a garment because it consists of a thick vest to which the leash is attached. It is suitable for fragile miniature pets when there is a high risk of damaging their ribs with a careless jerk. Moreover, the harness will keep him warm in cold season and protect his coat from mud or water.

How to train your pet to a harness

It is better to start accustoming your pet to the harness and leash at an early age, as early as two or three months. At this time, they still poorly understand what is happening, and think that the owner wants to play another game with them. Therefore, they get used to the accessories quickly. For adult cats, it will take more time.

First, let the animal sniff the harness and leash. Put them where the pet usually rests. The main thing is that he is not afraid of them. After a few days, try wearing one harness. If your pet doesn't like the new device, try to play with it, pet it, scratch its ears.

After five to ten minutes, remove the harness. But first it is necessary to distract the animal with something to occupy it. Therefore, to accustom a four-legged friend to the new attribute should be before eating or playing.

But in no case leave him alone, because the cat might get scared. Let him associate the accessory with something pleasant.

When the pet gets used to the harness, start putting on the leash. Start by walking your pet around the apartment, then go outside for a few minutes and walk around the house. While doing this, don't pull the strap too tight, giving the cat relative freedom. When you find that your pet can walk on a leash without problems, take longer walks.

Types of harnesses

It's not immediately obvious how to properly put a harness on a cat. There are four types of cat accessories, each with their own little secrets.

Put the harness on the floor, undo it. Insert your pet's front paws into the rings on the sides. Leave the bar between the paws, and lift the harness and fasten it to the animal's back. Then fasten the leash to the fastener on the back.

• Type 2 "figure of eight". . This accessory is a fixture with a small ring and a large ring connected at the shoulder blades and a jumper on the chest. First, put the cat's head through the small ring. The jumper is moved to the chest area and the carabiner to the back.

Push your front paws through a big ring so that the bridge is between them. Then tighten the ring to prevent the animal from slipping out. Attach the leash with a carabiner.

When you want to put the harness on the cat, put the cat's head through the first ring and fasten the second ring on the cat under the front limbs. Fasten the leash to the carabiner located in the back area.

• Type 4 overalls is more like a vest, as it covers not only the pet's neck and chest, but also part of the back. It is used if pets have sensitive skin. The ammunition usually has two clasps, one located on the neck and the other on the tummy. There is also a vest "reverse", that is, covering not the back, but the chest. Such an "outfit" has a clasp on the back.

How to choose a harness for a cat

When choosing a harness for a cat, you should pay attention to the quality of the product, the material and its size. It should be comfortable and safe for the cat, appropriate to its size.

Nylon harnesses provide a firm hold, do not chafe, and are practical to use;

Cotton models – recommended for older, not very active pets;

Products with fleece or felt linings – optimal for cats with sensitive, delicate skin.

It is not recommended to buy a cat harness made of leather. These products are very heavy and uncomfortable, in addition, they can rub on the skin of the animal.

Sizes of harnesses

Harnesses come in different sizes. To make the right choice, you need to measure the cat by measuring the chest circumference behind the front paws.

How to train a cat to the harness

The cat to the harness should be accustomed gradually. You can put the new accessory near the cat so that he can smell it and make sure it is perfectly safe.

Put the harness on for a short time the first few times. Let him get used to the accessory gradually. You can even put it on at home, increasing the time he wears it every day. Already after a few days the cat will be comfortable with the new device.

Of course, each cat is individual. Some cats quickly get used to the harness and do not resist putting it on. Others will insistently try to take it off and show their displeasure. The owner needs to remain calm and continue to accustom the stubborn pet to such a useful accessory.

What is better for a cat – a harness or a collar

The harness is a reliable and safe harness for domestic cats, designed for walking the cat outside under the vigilant control of the owner. It is a set of straps with an extended leash. The straps are fixed in the area of the cat's chest and neck, covering the upper part of the body.

A collar is a decorative accessory in the form of a ring of leather, cloth or other materials. It is put on the animal's neck. Before the walk, a leash is attached to the collar, which allows you to control and limit the movement of the cat.

Both accessories are successfully used for cats who are not allowed to walk unattended by the owner.

Pros and cons of the collar

There are different types of collars. They are chosen depending on their purpose. If it is needed for controlled pet walks, a sturdy walking model equipped with an extended leash will be needed.

For cats that walk unattended, many choose name or address products. In case the cat gets lost, it can be returned to the specified address. More advanced models have a GPS function. The owner will be able to track the cat's movements on a navigator and always find it if it doesn't return home.

There are also soothing collars, treated with special components with a sedative effect. And to protect your pet from fleas and ticks, you can buy an antiparasitic collar.

• are practical and durable;
• easy to put on;
• they are comfortable to wear and do not create discomfort for the pet;
• increase the safety of the pet walking without an owner (the presence of a collar indicates that the cat is not homeless);
• affordable cost.

• a walking collar is not suitable for overly active and energetic cats, as it can injure the neck if the animal jerks suddenly;
• products with soothing or antiparasitic impregnation may cause allergic reactions in cats with individual intolerance to the active components;
• uncomfortable to wear if the owner has chosen the wrong size;
• A collar worn incorrectly is dangerous for the cat.

How to choose the right harness for a cat

So, if the owner has chosen to buy a harness for walking a domestic cat, it is necessary to decide on the optimal type of ammunition, so that it fits the animal perfectly.

Types

According to the design features and method of attachment, harnesses come in several types. This is the first important parameter of choice.

• The octopus harness consists of two loop straps that are fastened in the area of the front legs and neck.
• H-shaped – this harness is similar to the previous model, but unlike the figure eight, where the loops on the back cross each other, are attached with a transverse stripe, which visually resembles the letter "H". This modification is ideal for quiet and small cats.
• V-shaped harness is attached to the back with straps, like an octagonal or H-shaped harness, and folds into a "V" at the pet's neck. Ideal for large and restless cats.
• The vest harness is a one-piece ammunition, which is a hybrid of clothing complemented by a leash. These models are optimal for walking your pet in cool weather. It protects from dirt and rain, and warms cat's body.

Sizes

The second important criterion for choosing a harness is size. It should correspond to the size of the animal's body.

It is desirable to buy a harness with the cat, so you can try it on at once. If there is no such possibility or the product is ordered through the Internet, you can measure yourself and determine the right size.

Also, experts recommend taking into account the following parameters when choosing a harness:

• high-quality and durable material – nylon or cotton;
• the width of straps, the ideal width is 1.5 cm, such harnesses do not restrict the movement of the pet, do not chafe the skin and do not pull it;
• fittings should be practical and fastenings should be easy to fix and be reliable at the same time;
• a leash locking mechanism.

General rules

Put the harness on the cat for the first time should be put on gradually, with preparation. If you initially scare or hurt the animal, then further communication with the harness will be very difficult. Proceed as follows.

1. Familiarize your furry friend with the new thing. Let him sniff, look around and study. Start putting it on only after the cat has accepted the item and made sure it is safe.
2. Put on the harness according to the instructions, depending on the type of harness. Adjust the size of the straps. Two of your fingers should fit between the construction and your pet's body. This is a reserve of space for normal breathing. If the cat resists, postpone the procedure for a while. Otherwise, the animal will think that the harness is due to discomfort.
3. If you managed to put the harness on the cat, praise him, give him some kind of treat. Reinforce the positive experience in every way possible. Allow the animal to walk around the house in the new harness for a while.
4. For the first walk in the harness choose a quiet and peaceful place. The cat should be interested in exploring the world, not frightened by shouting children or dogs running by.
5. If everything is done correctly and calmly, it will be easy to put the cat together for a walk next time.

Scheme of putting on the different types

The simplest are considered to be octogenarian harnesses, which consist of two loops. When put on, they are fixed on the neck and torso, under the front paws of the cat. There are varieties without a collar, they are more comfortable for animals.

However, owners do not like the latter option, as it is more difficult to control the animal. H-type harnesses are similar to the previous ones, but there is a bar between the loops. Harness vests are more expensive, but they have more functionality. The ammunition is similar to clothes, has comfortable clasps. This is a great option for the off-season. Such a harness will protect the cat from dirt and cold.

Octopus harness .

The design resembles intertwined straps that fasten on the body. The step-by-step instructions for putting on a collar harness are as follows.

1. Place the first loop around the cat's neck. Make sure the leash ring is on top, on the withers. If everything is correct, the clasps end up at the bottom.
2. Widen the large loop so that the paws can pass through there. The jumpers should be on the chest, clear in the middle.
3. Insert the cat's paws one by one into the loop formed.
4. Fasten the strap under the paws or on the back.
5. Fasten the leash to the ring at the top.

A more comfortable design for the cat does not have a collar. This version is presented as 2 paw loops. Put it on like this.

Harness vest .

The models differ, the one-piece can be located both on the abdomen and on the back. The former is especially relevant to put on a kitten. Since such ammunition resembles clothes, the scheme of putting on is similar. Usually there are no straps, and Velcro and ties are used as fasteners. Put on the harness with the fabric on the back as follows.

1. Place the one-piece against the back. The attachment for the leash carabiner should be placed clearly on the animal's withers.
2. Slip the paws through the different holes.
3. Gently clasp or tie, depending on the type of attachment, the harness around the neck and belly.
4. Make sure to fasten the harness not too tight. To do this, insert 2 fingers between the structure and the cat's body, they should fit freely.
5. Attach the carabiner of a leash or a tape measure to the loop on the back.

What a cat leash is for

A leash is convenient for walks on the street, during long journeys, for visits to exhibitions, veterinary clinics and other outings with a domestic cat.

Pros and cons

Walking cats on a leash has its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look.

• complete safety for the cat, allows you to control the movement of the pet and exclude any dangerous situations when meeting stray yard cats and dogs;
• there is no risk of losing the cat while walking;
• peace of mind for the owner;
• gives the joy of walking outdoors for indoor cats with limited access to the outdoors.

• Not all cats quickly adapt to the new leash, which restricts freedom of movement, during the adjustment to the leash may show their discontent, trying to get free of the accessory, to break loose and run away;
• A leash of the wrong type that puts a lot of pressure on the neck can cause serious harm to a cat's health;
• A poor quality leash can break suddenly during a walk and the cat may seize the moment and run away and get lost.

The main disadvantages of using a leash for a cat can be eliminated by choosing the right accessory, made of quality and safe material. The owner needs to gently clasp the leash and check the degree of pressure on the pet's neck.

Types of leashes for cats

In the range of pet products, there are special leashes for cats of different models, differing in functionality and material. We suggest you consider the most popular types.

Leash leash

The leash is perfect for walking small kittens and big cats. It comes with a leash with a handle and a latch that allows you to keep the leash at the right length.

Leash Harness

The leash is the most comfortable device for walking cats. It consists of several elements: rings of soft fabric, connected by the plank and fixed on the cat's neck, chest and under its lower legs. A leash is attached to the harness. This device does not let the cat run away and does not put pressure on the neck.

Leash-belt

The leash-belt is a standard collar accessory worn around the cat's neck. The length of the leash adjusts to the activity of the animal.

How to choose a leash for a cat?

A cat leash is becoming one of the most necessary accessories, especially among city dwellers. It is a great alternative to walking alone, as the animal goes outside, but remains safe and under the care of the owner. However, given the temperament of cats, the leash must be chosen carefully – it must be strong, but at the same time as unobtrusive and comfortable as possible. We offer some tips for choosing a harness for your cat.

If this is the first time you are faced with the choice of ammunition for walks, the idea of a leash and collar immediately comes to mind. A collar is not as suitable for cats as it is for dogs. All because cats have an uncanny ability to get out of different situations and get out of even the most difficult places. Therefore, the collar is not suitable for walking – use it more for wearing an identification tag or as a fashion accessory and photo shoots.

For the street a harness is more suitable. It wraps around your body, and you get control over your pet, so you can stop and pick him up in any situation (it will be harder for him to get out of the harness). In addition, the harness does not put pressure on the neck.