Cats aren't known for walking on a leash, but there can be many benefits to training your cat to wear a harness. From allowing you to take your cat for safe outdoor excursions to just having a little more security when transporting it in your car, a harness can bring lots of convenience to your life.

According to research, a large percentage of pet cats live indoors exclusive. One of the main reasons for that is because the great outdoor can be dangerous for cats. However, a little fresh air never hurts anyone and this is where harness for cats comes in. The main purpose of cat harnesses is to provide your cat with outdoor time so he can enjoy some of the benefits of being outside, such as laying in the sun, laying in the grass, smelling all the outdoor smells and just enjoying a little bit of exercise.

When it comes to safety, harnesses are completely safe for cats as long as they are worn properly, fit correctly and used with a reliable pet leash. You can start training your cat to walk with the harness and leash once he is two months old. You can start earlier than this but you should avoid taking your kitten out of the house while he's still small. Otherwise, your new buddy may become too scared of loud sounds and unfamiliar space and refuse to leave the house later.

It's vital that you choose the right harness for your cat. With the right harness, you'll be able to take your cat out for a fun and safe stroll. Use the following tips to help you get the best product for your feline.

There are three different styles of harness for cats available including figure-8, H-harness and the V-harness. The figure-8 cat harness is the standard type of harness. It consists of two circles that go around your cat's torso and neck, and attach at the back of your cat's neck. The H-harness connects the two loops with an extra piece, which creates the letter H when looked at sideways. This type of harness reduces the amount of pressure on your cat's neck, which helps prevent neck injuries if your cat tries to pull away. The V-harness style is a vest type harness.

The different harness styles can make a difference with how easy or difficult it's to get the harness on and off of your cat. It's important that you get yourself familiar with the harness and have your pet get used to it before you attempt to take your cat while wearing it. Even if you enjoy buying things for your feline, cats usually aren't big fans of new products. This means your cat may need time not only to get used to the harness but also used to the idea of going for a walk on a leash.

If after your first attempt to take your cat for a walk you find that he tends to pull forward, then the figure-8 harness may be the best choice because it tightens just slightly so that your cat doesn't slip out of the harness as well as prevents it from tugging too tightly and choking your cat.

The material choice should be made based, again, on your cat's comfort. For example, if you live in a warmer climate, a mesh harness will help keep your cat cool. In the winter, a soft, cozy fabric can be more suitable. And if you plan to take a walk with your cat in the early morning hours or at dusk, look for a harness made with reflective material so that your pet will be easily spotted by cyclists and drivers.

Proper harness fit is important both in terms of comfort as well as preventing escape. According to experts, measuring your cat for a harness is simple. Take your cat's grith measurement snug against his fur, and then add 5 centimetres to that measurement for comfort. For reliable results, use a cloth measuring tape to measure your cat's neck, chest or girth. These measurements will help you determine the right size harness based on the product's sizing instructions.

If you find your cat is between sizes, we recommend sizing up instead of down and then adjusting the harness to get a custom fit. The harness should be snug but not too tight and your cat should be able to walk comfortably with no movement restriction. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit a finger or two (but not more than that) under the harness.

To introduce your cat to his new harness, simply place it down on the floor and walk away. Cats are curious by nature, so in no time your cat will be sniffing and checking out his new present. Leave it on the ground, and let your cat explore it. After a couple of days, slowly familiarize your cat with the harness without putting it on. Place some of his treats next to the harness and rub his blanket on the harness so that it has your cat's scent. When your cat seems more comfortable with the harness, try putting it on and let your cat wear it inside the house.

Before taking your feline on his first walk outside, do a couple of practice runs inside. Get him used to the feeling of walking around with a harness and on a lash. If your cat doesn't seem interested in walking, don't force the issue. With time your cat will become more comfortable with the idea of walking outside on the harness and leash. Make sure you praise and reward your cat after each walk.