Slap for a cat: types, subtleties of choice and rules of schooling
Cats are considered playful animals that adore long walks in nature. Most of the owners of these "Fuzzies" live in apartments. In order to protect their pets from escaping, they restrict their access to independent going out. To the cat had the opportunity to walk, in this case, use special leashes that can be purchased at any pet store.
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 during its walk on the street. A cat leash looks exactly the same as a dog leash, the only thing that is fixed not on the neck, but between the shoulder blades of the animal. The harness is used in cases where the cat needs to be brought out of the house. It can be not only a walk in the fresh air, but also a trip to the summer cottage, a visit to a 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 enters an unfamiliar environment and starts to panic from fear and climb to a height, after which it is extremely difficult to get a pet from a tree or other place. In addition, cats can in such situations and simply run away, hiding in a quiet hiding place and then they can not be found.
The same applies to trips to the country, where free-range walking is allowed only a few days after the pet gets used to the new environment. To speed up this process, the owners need to stroll the cat daily on a leash, gradually familiarizing it with the surrounding terrain. The main advantages of cat's slates include:
- the possibility of a comfortable and safe walk with the animal on the street, which will provide both the pet and the owner with positive emotions and well-being;
- having control of the cat, he will not be able to escape and climb a tree;
- the ability to adjust the distance between the animal and its owner;
- investment trips to the cottage, exhibitions and a veterinary clinic.
As for the shortcomings, they also exist.
- Cats at the sight of shleek can panic, break out and become nervous. Animals try to get rid of the leash in any way and often harm themselves.
- The leash and harness must be securely fixed, otherwise the pet will be easily released and run away. Then find it will be difficult.
- Models made of cheap fabrics and low-quality material, quickly torn. Shleyki same well-known brands serve for a long time, but are expensive.
- It is not recommended to use these devices for kittens that are not 5 months old. Their bodies are not yet adapted for private access to the street, and they can easily “catch” any infection.
In addition, experts advise to abandon walks on a leash in the following situations:
- in the absence of the necessary vaccinations in the animal;
- after a previous illness or surgery;
- during estrus.
Before you decide to buy a cat harness with a leash, It is important to take into account the fact that many pets hardly adapt to unfamiliar conditions, therefore such walks are contraindicated for some of them.. From them there will be no benefit, and stressful situations will adversely affect the immune system of the animal and cause cardiac pathology.
It is also impossible to take overly aggressive cats on the street, since there will be only one problem from them (fights cannot be avoided). This also applies to pets older than 10 years who had not walked on a harness before. Their best not to try to teach her.
Kinds
The harness is usually sold with a leash. They consist of two collars, one of which is fixed on the cat's neck, and the second on the stomach. It is therefore very important when choosing a particular model to pay attention to the parameters of the animal and buy the harness that would not be too small or large. The leash is attached to the harness with a special ring. Its maximum length can reach 2.5 m, there are also models with a length of 4 meters.
To date, the sale can be found a huge range of feline slates, which differ in the material of manufacture. Most often, this accessory is made of thick fabric and tarpaulin, but it is best when the leather harness. In addition, products can differ in color and decor options, models decorated with stripes and rhinestones are very popular. To participate in exhibitions, owners of pets, as a rule, acquire original harnesses. For ordinary walks, however, one can opt for cheaper options.
The most common types of shleek include the following.
- Harness coveralls. They are considered universal, as they allow to additionally protect the cat from cold and pollution. On the back of the accessory is placed a ring, with which you can attach the leash. Thanks to the chic selection of colors and design, harness-overalls are easily selected for every taste.
- Harnesses in the form of vests. Such models are equipped with fasteners to which you can quickly attach a leash. They are reliable in operation, but not suitable for summer, as it will be hot in your pet. In addition, many experts believe that such vests limit the freedom of movement of the cat.
- Leash collar. It is ideal for docile and calm cats. To pet felt comfortable in it, you need to properly select the size. The harness should not be loose around the neck or squeezed. The accessories of this type in the form of the eight are very popular. Products consist of two loops fastened among themselves, one of which is put on a neck to the pet, and the second on front paws on the case.
The junction of the loops falls on the back (between the shoulder blades), the ring for fixing the driver is fixed to it. The hinges have a convenient adjustment, which is carried out with the help of special fasteners. This allows you to customize the size of the harness to the specific dimensions of the cat.
This model has one main advantage - it completely eliminates the possibility of strangling the pet. In addition, the product has a low cost and low weight, animals do not slip out of it.
There are also on sale and V-shaped dog collars. They are similar to the usual harness, the only thing that the straps are interconnected under the breast.
How to choose?
Choosing a walking harness for a cat should be guided not only by personal preferences, but also take into account that the accessory is comfortable and safe for the animal. If you pick up poor quality or not corresponding to the dimensions of the pet product, it can quickly tear. Therefore, when choosing a vest or harness, you need to pay attention to the following indicators.
- The size of the cat. Measurements should be taken from the animal in advance. The chest girth is usually measured (behind the front paws).
- Material. The harnesses should be made of dense, but not coarse material. In addition, the accessory should be easy to wash off. Nylon products are considered to be a good choice; they do not rub the cat's body and fit snugly. Nylon harnesses allow you to securely fix the animal and are suitable for too active and young pets.Cats aged can buy accessories made of cotton, because during walks they do not show much activity. For the "fluffy", which have delicate skin, fit harnesses on a fleece or felt lining.
As for the beautiful leather shleek, they are expensive and unsuitable for pets, as they can rub the neck and too bulky.
- The size of the leash. It is best to purchase a leash with a width of up to 15 mm and a length of at least 2 meters. It should be easy to unfasten. Usually, all these parameters are indicated on the product packaging.
In the event that the time of purchase falls on the spring or summer, it is best to give preference to the strap of the straps. Well also fit models in the form of vests, made of mesh transparent fabric. In them, the cats will be comfortable and cool. For winter, you need to buy models of overalls, it will not only protect the walk, but also protect the pet from the cold.
How to properly assemble and wear?
After the cat's harness is purchased, the most important thing remains - to assemble it correctly and put it on the cat.
Immediately it is worth noting that the unaccustomed pet at first will oppose in every way and will not want to wear this accessory, so the owners will have to be patient, and everything will definitely work out.
A harness with a leash is assembled according to the instructions in the instructions attached to the product. Wear a harness on the cat should be phased in, adhering to the following recommendations.
- First of all, the product must be placed next to the pet. He sniffs it, carefully examines and makes sure that an unfamiliar thing does not harm him. Well, if the pet will play for some time with a harness.
- Then the “fluffy” should be picked up, calmed, stroked and affectionately talked with him, after which you can begin to wear the product. At first, one of the loops should be thrown over the neck (with a carabiner up), and the cat's feet should be gently inserted into the second loop. In the case when a model with a clasp is purchased, the pet's paws must be alternately tucked into the loops, adjust the strap under the belly and fasten the clasp on the back.
It is important to make sure that everything is fastened securely and not twisted. In addition, you should make sure that the accessory does not press the skin of the pet, if necessary, further adjustment is performed on the straps.
- The process is completed by fastening the leash to the ring, after which you can safely go for a walk.
How to teach a cat?
Choosing and purchasing a cat shlyi is considered only the first step to the implementation of joint walks. The main obstacle to this can serve to teach a cat to a leash, which is very difficult and not so fast. To accelerate this process will help the gradual adaptation of the animal to the "innovation". To do this, you need to do everything so that the pet perceives it as a game and is not nervous. It will be good if you start teaching a cat to a harness from an early age, then less effort and time will be spent, and the animal will not get stressed.
If the owners have no experience in teaching the cat to the leash, then the experts recommend to adhere to the following recommendations.
- The first few days you just need to put a harness with a leash next to the animal, this will allow the cat to get acquainted with the subject and get used to it. In addition, the product is saturated with the smell of a pet and will not seem dangerous to him.
- Then you can begin to wear a harness on the cat. Moreover, if he struggles and gets nervous, he should be distracted with a toy, a treat, or just a stroke. This procedure must be repeated every day, allocating a little time for it. As soon as the cat gets used to the harness painlessly, then you can attach a leash to it.
- Starting a walk on a leash is best at home. Pet can not be pulled in different directions. The owners need to be patient and give the cat time to get used to the new feeling. If you constantly pull the leash, the pet simply lies on the floor and does not want to move.
- When walking around the house was successful, you can go out with the cat. At first, choose a deserted place to which the cat needs to be delivered in a basket or carrying. After the owner came to the place of the walk with the cat, they open the carrier and wait until the pet independently gets out of it. The favorite will choose the place for his walks, the owner just needs to follow him.
- Since various situations can happen on the street, it is recommended to put a pendant on the cat's collar with the content of the contact information of the owner and the address of the animal. If it is lost, the search will be faster.
- You can not go for a walk with kittens, whose age is less than 6 months. The babies still have weakened immunity, on the street they can quickly become infected. The same applies to older cats who have never seen a leash in their lives. It is necessary to abandon walks with an animal whose postpartum or postoperative period. It is not recommended to take pets to the street with a cowardly and aggressive character.
- As soon as the walk took place in deserted places, you can gradually go with your favorite to squares and parks. At first, you need to hold it on your hands, then gently lower it to the ground and observe the behavior. If the cat behaves frightened and wary, you should not worry, this is normal. Pet takes time getting used to the new terrain.
- It is impossible to force the animal to walk while walking, the owner should only walk next. It is necessary to come to terms with the fact that it is not the owner, but his pet who is walking. Over time, the situation will change for the better, and walking in the fresh air will turn into real pleasure.
In the next video you can get acquainted with how to properly wear and train the cat to the harness.