Thinking about harness training your cat? Whether you're dreaming of leafy backyard strolls or a safe way to take your cat on travel adventures, using positive reinforcement is the most effective way to turn harness time into a rewarding experience—not a stressful one.

 

Here’s how to do it, step by step.

   
1. Choose the Right Harness

Start with a cat-specific harness—lightweight, snug but not tight, and designed for feline bodies (not dogs). Look for styles like H-style or vest-style that are escape-resistant.

Pro tip: Let your cat sniff and investigate the harness before you attempt to put it on.

  

  
2. Pair the Harness with Treats from Day One

Before it even touches your cat, reward them every time they interact with the harness in a positive way. Sniff it? Treat. Rub against it? Treat. Sit near it? Jackpot!

This creates a positive association with the harness, rather than suspicion or fear.

 
3. Desensitise in Small Steps

Instead of jumping straight to wearing the harness, break it into manageable stages:

• Day 1–2: Place the harness near their food or bed.
• Day 3–5: Briefly drape it over their back (no buckling). Treat immediately.
• Day 6–7: Gently fasten the harness for just a few seconds. Reward and remove.
    

Each step is about building comfort and trust—never rush or force it.

  

 
4. Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

Once your cat is okay wearing the harness, increase the time they wear it indoors. Use treats, toys, or gentle play while it's on to keep it a positive experience.

If they freeze or try to back out, remove it calmly and go back a step next time.

 
5. Move to a Leash - Gently

After a few successful harness sessions, attach the leash without tugging. Let your cat move at their own pace. Encourage movement with toys or by calling them. Always treat frequently during this stage.

Avoid pulling the leash - cats aren’t dogs, and will resist if they feel controlled.

  

6. Take Your Cat Outdoors - When Ready

Once your cat is okay wearing the harness, increase the time they wear it indoors. Use treats, toys, or gentle play while it's on to keep it a positive experience.

If they freeze or try to back out, remove it calmly and go back a step next time.

  
7. Celebrate Small Wins

Every positive moment—wearing the harness for a few minutes, exploring a new surface, or walking a few steps outside—is a big achievement for your cat.

Keep rewarding, stay patient, and celebrate progress (even if it’s slow).

  

  
So, are you ready to start harness training your cat?

Not every cat will take to a harness straight away, and that’s perfectly okay. But with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, most cats can learn to enjoy (or at least tolerate) harness time—and that opens up a world of safe adventures.

  

SOURCES

Ellis, S.L.H., 2009. Environmental enrichment: practical strategies for improving feline welfare. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 11(11), pp.901–912. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.09.011>
International Cat Care, 2025. All Advice Articles. Available at: <https://icatcare.org/cat-advice/all-advice-articles-page>
International Cat Care, 2022. How to harness train your cat. International Cat Care. Available at: <https://icatcare.org/advice/how-to-harness-train-your-cat/>
McMillan, F.D., 2017. Mental health and well-being in animals. Wallingford: CABI Publishing.
Overall, K.L., 2013. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. 1st ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Yin, S., 2009. Low stress handling, restraint and behaviour modification of dogs and cats: Techniques for developing patients who love their visits. Davis, CA: CattleDog Publishing. Available at: <https://cattledogpublishing.com/publication/low-stress-handling-restraint-and-behavior-modification-of-dogs-and-cats/>