It’s actually possible to train your cat to wear a harness, allowing you to take it for a walk on a leash in the same way as you would a dog. It seems incredible, and I was sceptical at first, but cat harnesses are proving really popular.

How do I get out of this harness?

The most important thing in training your cat to use a harness and leash is patience. The younger your cat the easier it will be, but older cats will be set in their ways and may stubbornly refuse to wear the harness at first. But be persistent, try it on them for a few minutes each day and eventually they will become accustomed to it.

Don’t rush your cat, and don’t force it to wear the harness if it is really frightened by it. If your cat seems irritated try fitting it loosely at first to allow kitty to get used to the sensation of the harness, and then gradually tighten it up over a few days until the harness is eventually fitting properly and your cat is not bothered by the feeling of wearing it.

Time for walkies?

When your cat is happy with the harness you can try attaching the lead. It is possible to buy extendable leads, but I find it easier to keep my cats under control using a six-foot lead. This way your cat cannot suddenly shoot off in the wrong direction and catch you by surprise, or go and get itself tangled up around trees, fences, gates. park benches or anything else that grabs its fancy.

Cat walking is still something of a rarity and I’m sure you will attract many puzzled looks as you walk down the sidewalk with your cat at your side, but it is a rewarding thing for both of you. You get to spend more time with your cat and she gets to investigate the great outdoors with all of its interesting objects, smells and sights.

Another big advantage if training your cat to wear a harness is that it allows you to take it travelling with you, rather than forcing it stay in kennels while you’re on holiday. You get peace of mind that knowing that your cat is under control (as long as you’re holding the lead!) while your cat gets to enjoy a change of scenery.

Cat Harness

WIRING HARNESS ARCTIC CAT SABERCAT FIRECAT F5 F6 F7 EFI LX CROSSFIRE SNOWMOBILE US $59.99 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 15:43:12 PST Add to watch list

Size 3 Cat Dog Mesh Nylon Vest Harness and Leash Set US $10.12 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 15:49:58 PST Add to watch list

WIRING HARNESS suzuki TC120 TRAIL CAT 36610-20600 NOS US $99.99 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 16:13:55 PST Add to watch list

94 Arctic Cat Jag 440 headlight harness hood front wiring / Only 767 miles! US $19.99 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 16:17:41 PST Add to watch list

94 Arctic Cat Jag 440 main wiring harness / Only 767 miles! US $24.99 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 16:17:45 PST Add to watch list

Cat Leash

Size 3 Cat Dog Mesh Nylon Vest Harness and Leash Set US $10.12 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 15:49:58 PST Add to watch list

Small Dog Cat Pet Leash Lead & Harness Bone Paws Print US $1.00 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 17:04:30 PST Add to watch list

FLEXI LEASH CAT MINI CORD 10´ LEAD BLACK OR PINK SOLID US $17.99 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 18:43:27 PST Add to watch list

LE017 Strawberry Harness Leash rhinestone pet dog cat US $0.99 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 19:00:03 PST Add to watch list

ANGEL WING STYLE PET DOG & CAT HARNESS LEASH SET Pink OR BLUE ( S, M . L ) US $3.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 19:00:37 PST Add to watch list

How To Harness A Difficult Cat