How to Install a Cat Harness

One of the easiest ways to exercise an indoor cat outdoors is to walk her on a harness and leash. Cat harnesses fit the feline̵7;s body around the head, neck and shoulders, providing an even distribution of weight, and help prevent escape. The figure eight harness tightens safely around your cat if she tries to bolt, and ranks as the No. 1 choice among pet owners for cat walking. Cat owners also like the step-in harness for its easy installation, though it doesn't rate as well as the figure eight in safety.

Instructions

  1. Figure Eight Harness Fitting

    • 1

      Adjust the collar on the figure eight harness so that it rests snugly against your cat̵7;s neck. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the nylon webbing neck strap and the cat's fur. Buckle the collar at the neck.

    • 2

      Slide the straps through the lock weave holes at the cat̵7;s shoulder blades to shorten or lengthen the loop that goes around her body. Take both ends of the straps draped at her right and left sides and draw them beneath her chest, just behind her front legs.

    • 3

      Clip the harness together.

    • 4

      Attach identification or medication warning tags to the collar. Clip your leash to the D-ring that sits between the cat̵7;s shoulders. Choose a light leash that matches the width of the harness.

    Step-in Harness

    • 5

      Open the step-in harness and lay it on the floor in front of you. The outline of the harness should form the shape of an eye. A strip in the center divides the harness into two triangles with D-rings attached to the triangles' outer corners. The center strip rests against your cat̵7;s chest, while the corners wrap around the cat̵7;s shoulders.

    • 6

      Place your cat in front of you. Step her left paw into the left triangle as you pick up the left corner of the harness. Drape the left corner over her left shoulder. Hold in place.

    • 7

      Step your cat̵7;s right paw into the right triangle. Pick up the right corner and bring it over her right shoulder. Clip the D-rings together with the attached clasp. The fitting should lay against your cat̵7;s fur tightly enough so that only two of your fingers can push between the nylon straps and your cat̵7;s body.

    • 8

      Attach your cat̵7;s identification tags to the shoulder ring just in case she slips out. When properly fitted this is unlikely, but it can happen.

    • 9

      Choose a light leash, approximately the same width as your harness, which can extend six to eight feet.