Cats love to walk in the fresh air. But not all owners risk letting their pet go for an independent walk. A special harness or collar with a leash comes to the rescue.
In the article, we will explain how best to walk a cat – in a harness or a collar, how to choose the right harness for a pet and determine the size, how to put a harness on a cat and teach it to walks.
What is better for a cat - a harness or a collar
A harness is a reliable and safe ammunition for domestic cats, intended for walking the animal outside under the watchful control of the owner. It is a set of belts 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 made of leather, fabric or other materials. Before a walk, a leash is attached to the collar, with the help of which it is possible to control and limit the movement of the cat.
Both accessories are successfully used for cats that are not allowed to walk without the owner’s supervision.
Pros and cons of the collar
There are different types of collars. They are chosen depending on the purpose. If it is necessary for pet walks under control, you will need a durable walking model equipped with an extended leash.
For cats walking without the owner’s supervision, many choose name or address products. In case the cat is lost, it can be returned to the specified address. More advanced models with GPS function. The owner will be able to track the movement of the cat on the navigator and always find it if it does not return home.
There are also calming collars treated with special components with a sedative effect. And to protect your pet from fleas and ticks, you can buy an antiparasitic collar.
The main advantages of collars for cats:
practical and durable;
easy to put on;
comfortable to wear without causing discomfort for the animal;
increase the safety of a pet walking without an owner (the presence of a collar indicates that the cat is not homeless);
affordable cost.
Cons:
the walking collar is not suitable for overly active and energetic cats, as it can injure the neck with sharp jerks of the animal;
products with soothing or antiparasitic impregnation can cause allergic reactions in cats with individual intolerance to the active components;
uncomfortable to wear if the owner chose the wrong size;
an incorrectly worn collar is dangerous for a pet.
Arguments in favor of a harness
Harnesses perform the main function – control of the cat during street walks. Indispensable for pets participating in exhibitions.
You can use:
while traveling with a pet;
when visiting a veterinary clinic.
Manufacturers offer braces of different styles, colors and sizes. This ammunition is also selected by size. There are models for small kittens and adult animals.
The main advantages of harnesses for cats:
convenient and comfortable for the pet;
absolutely harmless, as they do not create pressure on the neck area;
reliable – the cat will not be able to escape from such a leash;
a large selection of models;
easy care of ammunition.
Disadvantages:
more expensive compared to collars;
It is more difficult to put on, the first time the owners get confused in the belts, so it is not always possible to put the ammunition on the cat from the first time.
How to choose a harness for a cat correctly
So, if the owner decided to buy a leash for walking a domestic cat, it is necessary to decide on the optimal type of ammunition so that it fits the animal perfectly.
species
There are several types of straps based on their design features and method of fastening. This is the first important selection parameter.
Varieties:
Figure-eight harness – consists of two straps-loops, which are fastened in the area of the front paws and neck.
H-shaped – this ammunition is similar to the previous model, but unlike the eight, where the loops on the back cross each other, they are fastened with a transverse strip, which visually resembles the letter “H”. This modification is ideal for calm and small cats.
V-shaped – on the back, it is fixed with straps like a figure-eight or H-shaped harness, and in the area of the pet’s neck, it forms the letter “V”. Ideal for large and restless cats.
A harness-vest is a one-piece piece of ammunition, which is a hybrid of clothing supplemented with a leash. Such models are optimal for walking the pet in cool weather. Provides protection from mud and sediment, warms the cat’s body.
Size grid:
L – chest volume 44–50 cm, back length – 35–39 cm;
M – 38–44 cm, 31–35 cm;
S – 32–38 cm, 27–31 cm;
XS – 27–32 cm, 23–27 cm.
It is advisable to buy a harness with a cat so that you can try it on right away. If such an opportunity is not available or the product is ordered via the Internet, you can measure yourself and determine the required size.
Experts also recommend taking into account the following parameters when choosing a harness:
high-quality and durable material – nylon or cotton;
the width of the straps – a width of 1.5 cm is considered ideal, such straps do not restrict the movement of the pet, do not rub the skin and do not tighten it;
practical fittings, fasteners must be easily fixed and at the same time reliable;
the presence of a mechanism for fixing the leash.
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