Leash for a cat at home. Everything about cat harnesses, from choosing to making your own. Video review of harnesses

A cat harness is a device for safe walks, an original accessory, and sometimes even stylish clothing for your pet. Curious and free-spirited by nature, she loves to explore new areas. But this animal, although predatory, is undoubtedly fragile, is very easy to frighten, and the first instinct is to run away and climb higher. It is in such cases that a strap is needed so that you do not have to remove your pet from the tree and at the same time protect it from street dangers.

A harness is an analogue of dog leashes adapted for cats, consisting of interlacing straps to completely envelop the body in the area of the shoulder blades. This device allows you to walk with your pets without fear of losing or injuring them. For cat lovers, this is an indispensable item that can be used in the following cases:

while walking in the park, in the yard or in other crowded places;
on trips to the veterinarian;
during trips, transfers or travel;
to participate in exhibitions and competitions.

But before you go to the store, you should know some of the design, selection and use features of such products.

Harness design

Externally, the accessory looks like an interweaving of thin straps into which the cat's head and front paws are threaded. At the top at their intersection in the area of the shoulder blades there is a special ring for attaching the leash with a carabiner. This allows you to evenly distribute the load on the belts, avoiding discomfort for the animal. And the girth around the neck and under the paws prevents him from jumping out of them in an attempt to escape.

When choosing a harness model, there are some aspects to consider:

fasteners and fastenings should be easy to unfasten and adjust, adjusting the device to the parameters of the pet;
choose a material that is durable, soft and lightweight, preferably natural nylon or cotton, which does not cause discomfort;
the optimal width of the straps is 10-15 mm, smaller ones will dig into fur and skin, and larger ones will hinder movement;
To select the appropriate size, you need to insert two fingers between the product and the cat’s back.

Types of cat harnesses

There are many different designs of harnesses, but when grouped together there are four types:

The figure eight is made in the form of two loops: one smaller to secure the neck, and the other, larger, to encircle the body behind the front legs. It is fastened on the shoulder blades, which makes it easier to use and reduces the cost of the product.
The "H" type is very similar to the figure eight, having two straps. The main difference is that they are connected on the back with a straight jumper, 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 line of the back between the shoulder blades.
The V-shaped also consists of two loops, but they are connected on the chest with an additional strap. This makes the harness look like a "V" when viewed from the front of the animal, or a "Y" when viewed from below.
A harness-overall is included in the category of clothing, as it consists of a thick vest to which a rein 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 jacket will warm you up during the cold season and protect your wool from dirt or water.

Make a cat harness with your own hands

The harness can be made at home, without going to pet stores. A hand-made accessory can be made from any material, taking into account all the parameters of the pet and the preferences of the owners. The technique for this is chosen based on one’s own capabilities and imagination. It can be:

weaving an openwork or dense crocheted harness;
knitting a warm product with knitting needles;
joining leather or thick belts with an awl and a “gypsy” needle;
making a jacket according to patterns with sewing fabric.

Before you start work, you need to take measurements with a centimeter tape:

the neck circumference should be loose, with an addition of about 0.5-2 cm for allowances;
covering the sternum behind the front legs in the area of the shoulder blades, so that two fingers can be placed between the belt and the body of the animal;
the distance along the chest line from the intended collar to the strap behind the paws.

In accordance with these measurements, you can draw a diagram and cut out straps for a simple harness or a pattern for a full-fledged jacket. For this you can use old jeans, genuine leather, nylon, nylon, raincoat fabric. The leash can be attached to the body with a carabiner, a button and a rivet, or it can be sewn on initially. It is also worth stocking up on rings and clasps for fastening the elements of the product to each other. The individual parts should be sewn firmly so that the reins do not break at the most inopportune moment. And when using decorative elements, you need to be careful: they should not add weight, and must be securely fastened so that the pet does not accidentally bite off or swallow one of them.

When not to use a harness

Owners who love their pets can fork out for the most expensive accessory for them, or spend more than one hour creating an exclusive and one-of-a-kind walking device, watching dozens of master classes. But in order not to waste time and money, you should know in which cases the use of a harness is not recommended:

It is better to walk cats over 10 years old who have not previously been accustomed to a leash without one, in uncrowded places;
pregnant, unvaccinated or weak pets who have undergone surgery or illness have a high risk of catching the virus from street animals;
in children whose immunity has not developed, such an experience can worsen their health;
For an overly timid cat, using a harness will result in considerable stress, and for an aggressive cat, it will also result in unnecessary injuries.

Instructions for use

Even though each purchased harness does not have step-by-step instructions for use, some rules can still be highlighted:

a collar is fixed on the neck, and if it is missing, a smaller strap is put on so that the ring for the rein is on the back;
the front paws are inserted into the second loop, for which the figure-of-eight straps are first loosened and then tightened back;
the straps are tightened and checked to ensure that there are no twisted or too tight fastenings, and that the finger fits freely between the cat’s body and the strap;
immediately before going outside, attach a leash, the ring to which should be located between the shoulder blades.

It is also easy to put on a vest, you need to stick the front paws through the holes, and then fasten it on the chest and fasten the reins. If you follow these instructions, owners will be able to avoid many problems with a walk or trip accompanied by a pet.

It is also important to properly accustom your pet to a harness. Optimal age for this - from 3 months to a year, when his immunity has formed, and everything new is perceived with the curiosity of a discoverer.

To help the kitten get used to the new accessory faster, you can offer it to your baby for play.

For an adult animal, training should begin differently:

put the harness in his favorite place to give him time to explore and sniff the new object;
put it on for walks around the house, motivating wearing the new thing with goodies and affection, and gradually letting him get used to the leash;
adjust the length of the reins in advance to avoid unpleasant incidents on the street;
For the first exit, choose a quiet place, bring the cat in your arms and let him sit on the ground, coming to his senses.

But if, once outside, the pet does not move, you should not pull it and force it to walk.

Advantages and disadvantages of harnesses

Like any product, a harness has its positive and negative sides. The first include:

the opportunity to calmly and safely walk your pets in the fresh air, strengthening the immune system;
simple design and reliable fastenings that do not allow the head to slip out;
absolute control in public transport or crowded places;
big the lineup allows you to choose the most suitable accessory according to size and taste;
sales are carried out in almost any pet store, in different price categories.

Among the disadvantages of helmets are:

negative reaction of cats to restriction of freedom of movement in the first stages;
the likelihood of poor-quality fastenings, seams and materials, due to which the pet can break free and run away;
the need to change the accessory during growth, loss or weight gain, choosing the right size.

Cost of harnesses

The price of a harness may vary depending on the materials used in its manufacture, type and design, and brand. There are the following price categories:

100-200 rubles - the most budget option, made in a figure eight or H-shape. These are artificial leather products from GLG, Triol, Lauron, Arkon, nylon from Trixie, Darell, Zoonik, nylon from Gamma, Pet Hobby.

For 300-400 you can purchase harnesses that have a more complex design and advanced functionality. They are equipped with sliders for adjusting the length of the straps and chrome fittings. They are produced from nylon or leatherette by the same brands, as well as by the companies Camon, Dezzie, Nobby.

A harness-vest made of soft nylon will cost 400-800. You can purchase such a product from the companies Triol, Ferplast JOGGING, I.P.T.S., Trixie. The cost here depends on the design of the jacket and the fabric used, the material of the fasteners.

Expensive ones include harnesses made of suede, corduroy, velvet, leather, produced famous brand, or exclusive products with stylish decorative elements.

In general, you should choose harnesses for your pets, taking care of their comfort, as well as ease of assembly. After all, cats are freedom-loving animals, each with their own character, and few of them will agree to wait for a long time while slow owners put on or take off all the equipment. On the other hand, a quality reason will allow them to safely walk on the street, thereby improving the health and even the mood of the pets.

Does a cat need walks? Every pet owner decides this question independently. It will be useful for your pet to take a walk outside, walk on the grass, and breathe fresh air, feel the beauty of life.

But letting a cat go unattended on the street is dangerous: the animal can get hit by a car, get scared, run away, or fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, for safe walks, it is recommended to wear a cat harness on your pet when walking.

Of course, you can buy a harness for a cat, or you can make it yourself, with minimal costs. How to quickly and easily sew a harness for a cat with your own hands - as easy as shelling pears! We invite you to sew a leash for your cat with your own hands with detachable wings.

This original Angel Wings harness is sewn according to a simple pattern from old jeans. You can also use any natural fabric: satin, flannel, raincoat, corduroy, cotton, flannel, and so on. Knitwear is well suited for these purposes.

The volume of the vest should correspond to the size of the cat. There should be a gap of 1 finger between the vest and the cat’s body - no more and no less. If the vest is wider, the cat will simply free itself and slip out of it.

To work you will need:

The jeans are old.
Pencil and paper for making patterns.
A metal ring for a leash (like a key ring).
White fabric for wings.
Sew-on buttons – small size and larger ones (large buttons can be replaced with buttons).
Scissors, thread.
Stuffing for wings (cotton wool, padding polyester).
Centimeter.

These measurements need to be taken from the cat before making a pattern for work. For example, in in this case these are: neck girth – 26 cm, girth under the paws – 37 cm, back length – 12 cm.

On the pattern, the dotted line is the length of the back. At the ends of the “tails”, increase the width of the buttons + 1 cm. Don’t forget that the pattern is given without seam allowance!

We calculated and made a paper pattern for the vest and wings. We take our old jeans and apply the pattern to the wrong side of the fabric. We trace the pattern with a felt-tip pen, adding 1 cm allowance around it. Cut out the part. Then there are 2 options: the first option is to make a vest without lining, the second option: to make a vest with lining, in which case we will need two of these parts.

Markings were applied to the fabric and cut out, departing 1 cm from the intended line.

Cut carefully, leaving 0.3-0.5 cm to the hem (denim) seam.

The edges can either be glued or hemmed by hand using a bias or buttonhole stitch. There can be many options here: you can cut out a strip of denim 4-5 cm wide, sew it and turn it inside out, you can cut out a part of the grosgrain ribbon from which you will make a leash. One thing is clear - this strip must be 5 cm longer than the back of the vest - this is necessary for the loop for the ring.

We bend the edges to the wrong side by 1 cm and baste them.

If the vest consists of two parts, fold them front to front and stitch them, departing 1 cm from the edge, leaving 3 cm of unstitched space (for turning). Turn it inside out and iron it. If the vest consists of one piece, stitch it manually or on a machine, departing 0.5 cm from the edge.

We also sew on large buttons with threads matching the color of the product.

Take a piece of white fabric, apply the wing pattern and trace it. The pattern is given without seam allowance, so we add 0.7 cm to the intended line. and cut it out. Let's make another similar detail.

Sew, departing from the edge 0.7 cm. Leave an unstitched area of 3-4 cm for turning.

We stuff the wings with cotton wool or padding polyester. Sew up the remaining hole using a blind stitch.

We attach the wings to the button, thread the ring into the loop. The harness is ready.

How to sew a harness for a dog - just like for a cat. This harness model is also suitable for small dogs.

In the video, a DIY cat harness made from jeans:

In the video, a do-it-yourself Velcro harness for a cat:

It is very easy to make a leash for a cat with your own hands. To do this, we need a tape 2.5 - 2.7 m long. It’s okay if the length is a little longer than necessary - after the first walk you will determine whether this length is suitable.

What is the ribbon made of? IN construction stores inexpensive belt for sale. Another option: you can buy grosgrain ribbon in craft stores - it is also suitable for a leash.

In addition, we will need a carabiner, or, if it is not possible to buy one, a metal ring. We treat the edges of the tape from rashes using a lighter on both sides. Let's figure out how long the loop on your arm should be to make it comfortable for you. We pin the place where the loop is sewn (attached) with a pin.

We bend the end of the ribbon by 2-3 cm and sew it with strong threads. The fabric is thick, so use a thimble. From the carabiner side, bend the ribbon 4 cm, thread the carabiner, and sew the end of the ribbon. It is better to sew a non-cross stitch at the end. As you can see, it’s nothing complicated; the width of the leash is chosen based on the animal’s build. How larger pet- the wider the leash.

The video shows how to sew a blanket for a dog:

If you live in an apartment, keeping pets becomes much more difficult. It’s a little easier with dogs, put on a leash and take them outside. But for cats, a slightly different design is needed that will not embarrass freedom-loving animals, and this will be a harness for a cat. What is it and how can you use it? We invite our readers to figure it out.

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What is a harness?

We invite you to carefully examine this cat leash and understand its sewing principle. A cat harness is a cat collar that consists not of one rim, like in dogs, but of two. One ring is on the animal's neck, the second is in the middle of the chest. From above, to the bar connecting the two rings, the leash itself is attached.

Leashes are made from different materials and have different designs, but the principle of two rings is present everywhere. Some craftswomen make real masterpieces with their own hands. Here you can see a vest that covers part of the back and chest; some people make dresses for cats. The principle is the same as that of a vest, only a full skirt is attached or sewn to its bottom. You can even see the trim with beads and rhinestones.

In this video, the young craftswoman shows how to make a winter version of the harness.

Therefore, making a harness for your kitten with your own hands and at home is simple and fun. Plus, with the help of a vest, the animal will remain clean during the dirty season, because it is easier to wash a thing than a woolen friend.

How to make it?

First, let's look at the simplest leash for cats and figure out how you can make it yourself. It is very easy to put on, since the collars themselves are not solid, but are attached with Velcro and carabiners.

Cat walking on a leash

Tools and materials

First you need to decide what material you can use to make a collar for a kitten. These can be leather or nylon straps, medium-diameter rope, fabric strips, especially denim. Further materials and tools will be the same for everything.

Leather strap 1 m long;
Velcro 2 pieces;
Carbine;
Leash;
Centimeter or tape measure;
Scissors and chalk;
Needle and thread and awl.

Step-by-step instruction

Our collar will consist of three parts, or rather strips of different lengths. But to do this, you need to take measurements from the kitten. It will be difficult to cope with this task yourself, so one person should hold the pet, the second should take measurements.

Three measurements are made. One around the neck, the other somewhere in the middle chest. When measuring, be sure to insert 2 fingers between the centimeter and the cat, so the kitten will be more comfortable and comfortable. We also measure the distance between the neck and the chest strap, this will be the third measurement.
Three blanks are cut from a long strap. To do this, add 2 cm to the measurements that were taken.
Now you need to mark with chalk the middle of two large harness blanks and sew to these marks the smallest strap, which will subsequently be on the cat’s back. Where the needle cannot cope, you can make a puncture with an awl. The result should be a shape resembling the letter “H”.
Then Velcro is sewn onto the ends of the straps that will be worn around the neck and back. A carabiner for a leash is sewn onto the middle bar. The cat leash is ready.

Harness-vest for walking

Many women embroider collars with rhinestones, stones, and sew bows. There are craftswomen who suggested sewing something like a vest onto this base. To do this, they make a pattern with their own hands and from fabric - a blank, which, in turn, is sewn into the inside of the harness.

How to properly put a harness on a pet?

It’s worth noting right away that furry pets will not be very happy that they are wearing something that prevents them from running away and jumping in the trees. Some veterinarians recommend using leashes for cats as early as 4-6 months of age. The kids get used to it faster, and then they will calmly allow themselves to be dressed at the first call of the owner. If the leash was purchased or sewn with your own hands for adult cat, then you will have to be patient, the animal will get used to it for a week, but then everything will be fine.

Handsome cat in a vest resting

The main thing is to learn how to quickly put leashes on cats.

First, fasten the strap around your neck like a collar.
Then, straightening top part, attach the strap under the chest.
Make sure that all parts of the harness are straightened, otherwise they may rub the cat’s skin.
I attach the leash itself. As you can see, leashes for cats are not something scary or unusual, the animals are comfortable in them, and it is quite difficult to escape from the owner.

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Video “How to quickly and well put on a cat leash”

In this video I show how to quickly and painlessly put a harness on a cat.

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Cat walking on a leash

Leather strap 1 m long;
Velcro 2 pieces;
Carbine;
Leash;
Centimeter or tape measure;
Scissors and chalk;
Needle and thread and awl.

Three measurements are made. One around the neck, the second somewhere in the middle of the chest. When measuring, be sure to insert 2 fingers between the centimeter and the cat, so the kitten will be more comfortable and comfortable. We also measure the distance between the neck and the chest strap, this will be the third measurement.
Three blanks are cut from a long strap. To do this, add 2 cm to the measurements that were taken.
Now you need to mark with chalk the middle of two large harness blanks and sew to these marks the smallest strap, which will subsequently be on the cat’s back. Where the needle cannot cope, you can make a puncture with an awl. The result should be a shape resembling the letter “H”.
Then Velcro is sewn onto the ends of the straps that will be worn around the neck and back. A carabiner for a leash is sewn onto the middle bar. The cat leash is ready.

Harness-vest for walking

Many women embroider collars with rhinestones, stones, and sew bows. There are craftswomen who suggested sewing something like a vest onto this base. To do this, they make a pattern with their own hands and from fabric - a blank, which, in turn, is sewn into the inside of the harness.

In what cases is the use of a harness prohibited?

If an animal is not vaccinated, veterinarians prohibit it from walking outside. A cat can catch the disease from street animals.
It is not recommended to take small kittens outside. The immunity of children is not sufficiently developed.
It is difficult to train cats over 10 years old to wear a harness. They do not recognize an accessory made even from things that are familiar to them. Therefore, it is better to walk them in sparsely populated or deserted places.
Pets after illnesses suffered surgical interventions, pregnant cats are not recommended to be walked on a harness.
If a cat is terrified of a leash or begins to behave aggressively at the sight of a harness, you should not try to force train it.

Source

It's no secret that cats very rarely do not respond to the words or commands of their owner. If a dog immediately returns to the owner during a walk, it is worth saying “nearby”, then the cat, succumbing to curiosity, will begin to explore the territory or hide in the bushes. Therefore, it is better to use a harness, which will help keep your pet under control.

This accessory ensures that the cat will not get lost or end up under the car. This product is indispensable during trips and travel.

Externally, the harness is a thin strap that covers the cat in the area of the shoulder blades. The accessory is fastened on the neck and sternum, and the ring where you need to fasten the leash is located between the animal’s shoulder blades. Thanks to this, there is no pressure on the delicate cat's neck.

Some harness models also include a collar, thanks to which the cat will definitely not be able to remove this accessory.

There are not so many options for harnesses:

a figure eight (or two rings connected at the top, or a ribbon with a loop and clasp that you can roll into a figure eight yourself);

It is better if the figure-eight harness has both rings with clasps
H-shaped model (two rings with a jumper on the back);

H-shaped harness consists of two rings and a jumper on the back
Y-shaped model (the same two rings with a jumper on the chest);

The Y-harness is similar to a figure eight, only with a jumper on the chest
V-shaped model (when unfolded it looks like a rhombus with a jumper in the middle, fastens at the back);

The V-harness is the easiest model to use.
model with two jumpers - on the back and chest;

There are models with two jumpers - both on the back and on the chest
harnesses-vests and harnesses-overalls.

Harness vests are usually decorated with various details

The price of harnesses ranges from 150 (simple eights) to 1,500 rubles (vests and overalls). There are also sophisticated models with various decorations, but this is not for everybody. Each design has its pros and cons, so it is important to choose the right harness for each specific animal.

Harnesses made of nylon or natural fibers are suitable for cats; sometimes there are models with a felt backing, these are also suitable. The preferred width of the straps is one and a half centimeters, more is possible.

Figure-8 harnesses

Simple eights are universal and quite easy to use. True, this applies to models with rings fastened on the back. If you have a model that you need to turn into a figure eight yourself, you will have to practice, but this is also not difficult. It is better to choose harnesses that have fasteners on both loops, so they are easier to put on and you can adjust the size.

The leash for figure-eight harnesses is attached in the area of the shoulder blades

The leash in this model will be attached in the area of the shoulder blades. Figure-of-eight harnesses are more suitable for kittens, slender animals or pets with a short body. Before purchasing, you need to measure your neck and chest circumference.

Y-harnesses

For cats with a powerful chest and short back, it is better to choose Y-shaped models, since the pressure on the chest when pulling the leash will be distributed more evenly, which eliminates the possibility of injury. Before purchasing such a harness, it is necessary, in addition to the girth of the neck and chest, to measure the height of the chest.

Before purchasing a figure-of-eight or H-shaped harness, you need to measure the circumference of your neck and chest, and before purchasing a Y-shaped harness, also measure the height of your chest.

There are models in which the length of the chest bridge can be adjusted.

Y-shaped model with three adjustments can be purchased for growth

V-harnesses

V-shaped models are only suitable for cats that are used to and love to walk on a leash. Otherwise, the animal will easily free itself from such a harness.

H-harnesses

For long and large animals, H-shaped models are suitable. In them, the leash is attached below the level of the shoulder blades, so the pressure is on the chest, and not on the neck.

H-shaped harnesses are suitable for long cats

You should not purchase models in which you cannot unfasten or adjust the size of the neck ring when putting it on. Firstly, the cat will definitely not like it when they try to force its head into some hole, and secondly, it will be able to get rid of such a harness quite freely, and most often this happens at the most inopportune moment.

Many people like vest harnesses or jumpsuit harnesses, as they are often beautifully designed.

Many people like vest harnesses because of their beautiful design.

It is believed that they must be chosen according to the season: insulated for winter and mesh for summer. But this is a highly controversial statement. Since, for example, in a mesh nylon bag (even with holes) in the summer it is quite hot and not comfortable. Warm vests for winter are not needed at all, for example, by Siberian cats or Maine Coons - they already tolerate frost well, and in winter you won’t go for a walk with a Sphynx in any case. So purchasing harnesses-vests is more a tribute to your taste, and not a necessity.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with: How and with what to treat cystitis in a cat - Blog of the Belanta veterinary clinic

In any case, the harness should:

be comfortable;
do not hinder the animal’s movements;
do not rub the skin;
easy to put on;
have reliable fasteners.

Before purchasing, it is advisable to try on several types of harnesses, especially if you are purchasing a vest or overalls. But this advice is difficult to follow in most cases. You must have an absolutely indifferent animal so that you can bring it to an unfamiliar place (a store), where there may also be other people, and then subject it to the fitting procedure.

Before putting the harness on your cat, practice on a stationary object, such as a toy. It is very important that you act confidently, clearly and quickly, because the cat senses your mood very sensitively, and uncertainty is transmitted to the animal: it begins to get nervous, tries to break free, scratches and bites, and if you still manage to put on a harness, it tries to free itself and throw off an incomprehensible object.

Before putting a harness on your cat, practice on a stationary object.

General rule when putting on a harness: it should fit snugly, but not restrict movement. Ideally, a finger should fit between the harness straps and the animal’s body (the two-finger rule is for dogs, but if you put it on a cat, it will turn out without much effort). It is better to fasten the leash when the harness is already on.

Option for figure eight with attached straps:

Unfasten both straps.
Let's take the cat.
Fasten the neck strap.
The place for attaching the leash is located clearly between the shoulder blades.
Fasten the strap around the body.
Attach a leash.

Option for team eight:

We pass the end of the strap into the bridle and make a loose loop.
We take the cat and put a noose around its neck.
We adjust the girth and make sure that the leash mount is located between the shoulder blades.
We wrap the strap around the animal's body and fasten it. The main thing is to make sure that the strap does not twist anywhere.
Attach a leash.

We put H-shaped harnesses on the pet like this:

Unfasten both rings.
Let's take the cat.
Fasten the neck ring.
We place the jumper between the shoulder blades.
Fasten the chest ring.
We attach the leash.

This model has two options. In the first, the neck strap is unfastened, in the second - not.

In the first case:

Unfasten both straps.
We place the jumper at the bottom and insert the animal’s paw into the triangle formed by the jumper and the neck and chest straps.
Fasten the strap around the neck.
Fasten the strap on the chest.
We attach the leash.

Second option:

We put the neck ring on the cat.
We insert the cat's paw into the formed triangle.
Make sure that the jumper goes through the center of the chest.
Fasten the chest ring.
We attach the leash.

It is better to accustom a cat to a harness from childhood, but this is also possible in adulthood. It’s good if your cat wears a collar, in which case she will take the harness calmly:

How to properly put a harness on a pet?

Handsome cat in a vest resting

The main thing is to learn how to quickly put leashes on cats.

First, fasten the strap around your neck like a collar.
Then, straightening the upper part, attach the strap under the chest.
Make sure that all parts of the harness are straightened, otherwise they may rub the cat’s skin.
I attach the leash itself. As you can see, leashes for cats are not something scary or unusual, the animals are comfortable in them, and it is quite difficult to escape from the owner.

Buy or make it yourself?

Leashes for cats today can be bought at any pet store or online store, and you can also order inexpensive models from China. These products have a size chart, some of them are even equipped with an adjustment system: if the purchased harness is slightly too big for your pet, you can tighten the straps.

The stores offer a wide range of harnesses made from different materials: these can be leather or fabric straps, elastic nylon bands, suede and fleece models. Additionally, leashes with a length of up to 3 meters are purchased for the products, allowing the freedom-loving pet to calmly explore a new territory under the supervision of the owner.

But not all cats are suitable for purchased harnesses - standard products may not be the right size, and then the money will be wasted. In addition, these pets perceive new odors quite negatively, especially for products from China.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with: Detailed instructions for using Canephron for cats

Sometimes even several washes do not help rid the product of a specific aroma that is delicately felt furry pets. The best option- make a harness for a cat with your own hands, even better - if you make this accessory from your own worn-out items.

Your familiar smell coming from used fabrics will reduce the stress of wearing new clothes for your animal.

Similar leashes for cats are sold in every pet store. The most suitable for cats are models made of nylon elastic tape with a soft felt lining. The material should be very light, since cats have sensitive skin.

Although most models have straps that can be adjusted, it is best to know the circumference of your cat's neck and chest in advance so that you can take these parameters into account when choosing a product.

Today you can find the following options on sale:

harnesses for kittens;
accessories for large cats;
universal leashes;
reflective harnesses;
products made of suede and nylon.

- These are Chinese harnesses with a leash. This accessory is not suitable for big cats, since a large animal with well-developed muscles can tear the product.

If the animal does not like conventional harnesses, which come with several straps, it is worth trying products that resemble overalls. Most cats wear it calmly. At the same time, the possibility that the pet will get caught somewhere is excluded.

The cat will need a long leash. It should be 2-3 meters long, so the cat can calmly explore the territory that interests it. Many owners choose roulette leashes, which are used for walking small dogs.

How to put a harness on a cat

It is better to use a jeans belt. But you can also take pant panels.

Measurements are taken from the kitten. To do this, make a girth around the neck, as well as under the chest of the kitten. When measuring, they insert it under the measurement forefinger so that the future harness does not pinch the animal. Make an allowance of 0.5 centimeters on both sides.
Cut the strips according to the measurements. To connect two strips together, a third element is cut.
The parts are sewn together by hand using short stitches. The thread is selected in accordance with those used to sew the jeans.
The two harnesses are connected to each other by jumpers. Sewn on.
They cut the leash. Its width should be at least 3-5 centimeters. The optimal length for walking is 1.5 – 1.8 meters.
A button is installed on the edge of the leash, and a rivet is placed 6-7 centimeters closer to the center of the leash. Having passed through the jumper, the leash is secured using a button and a rivet.

The leash for walking is ready. A denim leash adds variety to your wardrobe pet.

Necessary materials:

Thin leather straps. You can use a flat nylon rope.
Buckles.
Rings.
Carbine.
Thick needle.
Scissors .
Awl.
Strong threads.

The design is created in the form of two belts covering the pet’s neck and body. They are connected to each other by a special strip. A leash is attached to the jumper or one of the straps. The design is secured with a buckle and carabiner.

Measurements are taken from the animal. Neck and chest measurements are taken.
Cut off two pieces of the strap, making allowances of 2 centimeters. The third piece is needed to create a jumper bar.
Cut off 1.5 - 1.9 meters of the strap. This will be a DIY cat leash. A carabiner is attached to one end, the other is bent in the form of a loop, into which the owner’s free hand can enter. The loop is stitched.
If a flat rope is used instead of a strap, its ends are burned with fire.

Option No 3

A piece of raincoat fabric.
Fleece fabric.
Rubber.
Strap.
Braid.
Decorating ribbon.
Lock.
Fastening elements.
Decor.
Roulette.

Instructions:

A sketch is drawn on a piece of notebook paper. You can draw the parameters for the finished accessory.
The pattern is transferred to raincoat fabric and fleece.
The place for the braid is marked on the fabric and stitched.
A braid is attached along the spine and a loop is left. A ring is threaded through it. It is needed to secure the leash.
The neck is made from raincoat fabric. An elastic band is sewn onto it, collecting the fabric. You can use braid for decoration.
The neck is attached to the base. The edge is folded. During sewing, it is necessary to try on whether the design will put pressure on the animal.
Assemble the fastening parts. Straps are inserted inside, attached, the edges are processed and stitched. The product is put on the cat to adjust the length of the belt.
Decorate the base. The product is decorated with bows, stones, rhinestones - to your taste. Braid and decorative tape are attached along the edges.
The harness is put on the pet. The leash is attached to the ring.

A double design is considered reliable, covering both the neck and chest of the pet, connected by a strap or fabric. A leash for walking is attached to the latter using a carabiner.

This option does not allow the cat to free itself from the harness, since it is fixed as if around its front legs. In addition, the double system of covering the animal’s body allows you to redistribute the load - when trying to “escape”, the tense straps will not so painfully compress the pet’s neck and chest.

The design of the harness can be any:

simple, consisting of two loops of straps connected by a strap;
a more reliable option is an X-shaped pattern with fasteners at the ends;
For especially nimble pets, it is better to make vests.

The simple design allows you to make a cat harness with your own hands, without even having great experience in sewing. There are many options for creating such accessories, and you can easily choose the best one that you can handle.

Before you start sewing a cat harness, you should consider a few design points:

Design. This can be a simple harness that covers the neck and chest of the animal, or a reliable wide version made of fabric. Some needlewomen sew vests for their pets - even the most nimble pet will not be able to free themselves from such a solid “design”.
Material. The choice of material for making an accessory depends on what unnecessary things or leftover pieces of fabric you have at home. The main condition is density. When using stretchy elastic material, the cat will easily jump out of the accessory, and a harness sewn from thin fabric will tear when trying to “escape.”
Clasps. The harness you put on should fasten quickly and, most importantly, securely. Many owners of products with straps complain about the lengthy process of fixation, given that the cat is unlikely to be quiet at the time of “dressing”, it is clear that this option is not entirely suitable. A convenient option for small animals is buttons; you can install them using a special press in household services. The most optimal types of fasteners are Velcro, Fastex and zippers.
Measurements. Measuring the girth of a pet should be approached with special responsibility. To cut the harness, you need to know the girth of the animal's neck and chest, as well as the distance between the measured circles. The measuring tape should be pressed snugly, but not too tightly, against the animal's body; the index finger should be placed under it.

The main elements in the entire future design are the carabiner with which the leash will be attached to the harness, and the ring on which it will hook. You can take these accessories from old unnecessary bags or find them at your nearest sewing store.

Straps

You can make a harness for a cat at home from straps.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with: Toxoplasmosis in cats and dogs: symptoms, diagnosis, prevention. Toxoplasmosis in humans

To create the product, you can use old jeans or any thick cotton fabric:

Based on the measurements, you need to cut three strips of fabric (girth of the neck, chest and the distance between these points). If desired, you can take a long piece for the leash. At this stage, you should consider their required width and take into account that the fabric will be folded in half and stitched. If you use rivets or buttons as a fastener, it will be enough to make a strap 1-1.5 cm (that is, cut 3.5-4 cm with seam allowances), but if it is more convenient for you to fix the product on the cat with Velcro, make the strips wider . It is also necessary to consider the size of the length allowances for securing the fasteners. To fix the buttons, it is enough to add 3-4 cm to the measurements, for Velcro - more.
After cutting, the strips are processed along the edges with a zigzag to avoid fabric shedding, or smoothed inward. Then the straps should be stitched on a machine or carefully stitched by hand.
The straps, designed to wrap around the neck and chest of the animal, are connected to each other by a third element. Here you should think about how it will be more convenient for you to fasten the harness: if on the stomach, then sew this strip to the middle of the straps, if on the back, then move it to the edges.
Sew a ring firmly to the connecting element in the center or closer to the animal’s neck to attach the leash carabiner.
If you decide to make a leash, then a strip of fabric is also stitched or sewn, a loop is made at one end for gripping, and a carabiner is securely attached to the other.
To determine the location of the fasteners, try the product on your cat.

The final stage of product manufacturing is the installation of fasteners.

X-harness

This option is a reinforced version of the harness made from straps.

To make the product strong, it is cut from a single piece of fabric of any kind. thick fabric:

Draw a central center line on the canvas with soap or chalk. Mark on it a segment corresponding to the distance between the neck and chest of the animal and its middle.
Draw a straight line through the bottom point, the length of which corresponds to the girth of the animal’s chest, and through the top point, the length of the neck.
Connect the extreme upper and lower points with crosswise lines passing through the center of the axial segment.
Based on these lines, draw a pattern for the future harness for the cat. The lower part can be made straight, and the lines lying on the pet’s withers can be carefully rounded. It is better to make large allowances for length, especially if you use Velcro as fastening elements. Excess parts will be cut off after fitting.
A piece of thick tape is sewn along the center line, under which a ring is first inserted to attach a carabiner.
The pattern is tried on the animal, places for fastening fasteners are marked, and excess sections of fabric are cut off.
The edges of the pattern are folded over and stitched or neatly trimmed with bias tape.
Fastener elements are sewn on the marked places.

A simpler version of the X-shaped harness is made by sewing two strips of synthetic thick tape crosswise. A ring for a carabiner is attached to the connection point, and fasteners (Velcro or Fastex) are made at the edges.

Such a harness can be sewn according to the principle of overalls for small dogs, the only difference is that due to the freedom-loving nature of cats, it is better to leave their paws alone and not try to put them in “sleeves”.

It is better to create such a product at home from natural dense fabric folded in several layers or from jeans. Velcro can be used as a fastener.

The construction of the pattern begins with the axial center line, from which a segment equal to the circumference of the neck with a large allowance for seams and elastic is laid on top, and a segment equal to the circumference of the chest is laid below.

If desired, the length of the product can be increased, then you will need to additionally measure your pet’s tummy:

The pattern is transferred to the fabric, a ribbon is basted to the center line, through which a ring for the carabiner is threaded.
The pattern is tried on the pet, excess sections of fabric that should be cut off, and places for sewing Velcro are noted.
Tuck the neckline, hem it and put an elastic band into it, then you can start putting the product on the cat over the head, and then quickly fasten the Velcro on the chest and tummy.
The edges of the product are folded and stitched or decorated with bias tape. Velcro is sewn to the marked places.

Answers to the most common questions

How to put on a harness? First of all, you need to choose a product of the appropriate size. So, one finger should fit between the cat's body and the straps. If the distance is greater, the cat will slip out of the harness during a walk. First, the animal is allowed to sniff the accessory, only then can it be put on.
At what age should a pet be trained to wear a harness? Many veterinarians recommend accustoming a cat to a leash from 2–3 months, since kittens easily get used to new things, which means that even in adulthood, walking on a leash will not cause discomfort.
How to train an adult cat? The animal needs to wear the product for several minutes, gradually increasing the time, so that the pet will get used to the unusual sensations. For your first walks, you should choose deserted places. There should be no cars or many other animals here.

The cat should not be walked without necessary vaccinations, because she can get infected on the street.
Small kittens should not be walked because they the immune system has not yet formed.
For cats over 10 years old, walking outside is not recommended, since such adult animals will not be able to get used to the harness, and walking itself will lead to severe stress.
Pets who have recently been ill or have undergone surgery do not need to be walked. This also applies to pregnant cats.
You should not try to train and walk animals that are very cowardly or too aggressive.

So that the walk brings the cat only positive emotions, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of his character. You should also make sure of the quality of the harness and learn how to put it on. Thanks to this, the cat will be able to explore new territories without causing the owner to fear for the safety of his beloved pet.

What is a harness

A harness is a structure that covers the body of an animal and consists of a pair of collars. One of them is attached to the neck, the other - to the stomach. On the upper neck collar there is a ring to which the leash is attached. It is located between the shoulder blades on the cat's back. Such a device takes into account anatomical features representatives of cats, eases the impact on their spine.

The harness is designed for safe walking of animals, visiting veterinary clinic or exhibitions. Usually a set of harnesses is sold along with a leash. This device allows you to control the cat's behavior by adjusting the length of the leash. This is especially true when unforeseen situations arise, such as the appearance of vehicles, dogs or street cats. The cost of harnesses ranges from 160 to 1260 rubles and depends on the material of manufacture and the model of the product.

If you live in an apartment, keeping pets becomes much more difficult. It’s a little easier with dogs, put on a leash and take them outside. But for cats, a slightly different design is needed that will not embarrass freedom-loving animals, and this will be a harness for a cat. What is it and how can you use it? We invite our readers to figure it out.

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What is a harness?

In this video, the young craftswoman shows how to make a winter version of the harness.

Therefore, making a harness for your kitten with your own hands and at home is simple and fun. Plus, with the help of a vest, the animal will remain clean during the dirty season, because it is easier to wash a thing than a woolen friend.

How to make it?

Cat walking on a leash

Tools and materials

Leather strap 1 m long;
Velcro 2 pieces;
Carbine;
Leash;
Centimeter or tape measure;
Scissors and chalk;
Needle and thread and awl.

Step-by-step instruction

Three measurements are made. One around the neck, the second somewhere in the middle of the chest. When measuring, be sure to insert 2 fingers between the centimeter and the cat, so the kitten will be more comfortable and comfortable. We also measure the distance between the neck and the chest strap, this will be the third measurement.
Three blanks are cut from a long strap. To do this, add 2 cm to the measurements that were taken.
Now you need to mark with chalk the middle of two large harness blanks and sew to these marks the smallest strap, which will subsequently be on the cat’s back. Where the needle cannot cope, you can make a puncture with an awl. The result should be a shape resembling the letter “H”.
Then Velcro is sewn onto the ends of the straps that will be worn around the neck and back. A carabiner for a leash is sewn onto the middle bar. The cat leash is ready.

Harness-vest for walking

How to properly put a harness on a pet?

It’s worth noting right away that furry pets will not be very happy that they are wearing something that prevents them from running away and jumping in the trees. Some veterinarians recommend using leashes for cats as early as 4-6 months of age. The kids get used to it faster, and then they will calmly allow themselves to be dressed at the first call of the owner. If the leash was bought or sewn with your own hands for an adult cat, then you will have to be patient, the animal will get used to it for a week, but then everything will be fine.

Handsome cat in a vest resting

The main thing is to learn how to quickly put leashes on cats.

First, fasten the strap around your neck like a collar.
Then, straightening the upper part, attach the strap under the chest.
Make sure that all parts of the harness are straightened, otherwise they may rub the cat’s skin.
I attach the leash itself. As you can see, leashes for cats are not something scary or unusual, the animals are comfortable in them, and it is quite difficult to escape from the owner.

Photo gallery

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Video “How to quickly and well put on a cat leash”

In this video I show how to quickly and painlessly put a harness on a cat.

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