How to Fit a Cat Vest Harness

Fitting a cat into a vest harness works more or less the same as fitting a dog into the same style of harness. Using a harness to walk or restrain a cat also offers similar benefits as with a dog: You have full control of the animal's movement, and because the harness fits around his body instead of just his neck as a collar does, you don't need to worry about strangling your pet. Cat harnesses will be relatively small and light compared to a dog harness, and you may find that cats aren't as willing to be harnessed as dogs typically are, so make sure to stay calm and allow extra time so that the experience isn't traumatic for you or your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat harness Light leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the harness out and locate the metal ring or webbing strap that you're going to hook the cat leash to once the harness is on. This part of the harness should go on the back of the cat; use this fact to identify the loop that goes around his chest and another that goes around his body.

    • 2

      Adjust the smaller of the harness loops so that it fits over the cat's head. Slide this loop over the cat's head so that the leash attachment is on his back. With some harnesses, there may be a clip that you can use to fasten this loop around your cat's neck or chest without having to slide it over his head.

    • 3

      Lift one of your cat's legs, being careful to bend his joints according to his anatomy, not against it--you should be able to more or less tuck the back of his paw against his chest. Slide the harness around in front of your cat and let his leg down through the leg loop as if he'd just stepped into it.

    • 4

      Locate the remaining leg loop or strap. Some harnesses will have a fastener that lets you simply draw a strap around his other leg and attach it to the back of the harness; with other harnesses, you will need to fold his leg carefully against his body, bring the harness loop around into position and then let his leg down so that he effectively "steps" into the second leg loop of the harness again.

    • 5

      Check to make sure that the harness fits around the cat's chest and ribs; make sure that it won't pull on his neck. Tug lightly at any connectors to ensure they're firmly fastened. Most cat harnesses are adjustable, and this is the time to make any changes to buckles or straps so that the harness sits comfortably on the cat without sagging and it free of loose material that might let him get tangled up or wiggle out of it.

    • 6

      Attach your leash to the ring or strap on the back of the cat's harness.