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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A cat owner has shared why it's time to start harness training your cat, and the compilation video has racked up over 1 million views on TikTok.
The "pawrent" of Atlas (@atlasthetuxedo), a 9-month-old tuxedo kitten, decided to harness train him since they live on a busy road where a lot of unleashed dogs roam. "I wouldn't change my decision for anything. Because of his harness, he gets to see more of the world. He's seen castles, beaches, lochs and so much more," the owner said.
"If he was just a normal outdoor cat, he wouldn't have seen any of this. He absolutely loves car rides and will stick his head out of the window like a dog. He totally thrives outdoors with his harness on," the owner told Newsweek.
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The video shows Atlas having the time of his life on his leash, running across the beach and climbing trees. The text overlaid on the clip says: "This is your sign that harness training IS worth it."
The video has received 1.2 million views and 125,600 likes so far.
Expert Insight
Nita Vasudevan, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, said that harness training can be an excellent way to enrich your cat's life while keeping it safe.
She told Newsweek: "Outdoor experiences provide stimulation that helps reduce boredom and stress in indoor cats. A harness allows your cat to safely experience the outdoors without the risks of free roaming. Walking your cat strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Cats who get more physical activity outdoors may have an easier time maintaining a healthy weight."
However, Vasudevan cautions that not all cats will enjoy harness training. She said that some cats may dislike the harness or feel stressed outdoors.
Training a cat to accept a harness and leash, she said, is a gradual process. If not properly fitted, a cat could slip out of the harness. Even when the cat is on a harness, outdoor exposure could pose risks from fleas, ticks or other animals.
Vasudevan recommends selecting a well-fitting, adjustable harness designed for cats. She advises owners to allow their cat to sniff and explore the harness indoors before putting it on. Also, put the harness on the cat indoors for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the duration.
She also suggests attaching the leash indoors and letting the cat drag it to get accustomed to the feel. Once the cat is comfortable, owners can start with short, quiet outdoor sessions in a secure area.
"Harness training is one of the safest ways to let your cat enjoy the outdoors, as it minimizes risks associated with free roaming. However, alternatives like building a catio or supervised time in a fenced yard can also work well, particularly for cats who resist harness training. Ultimately, the best option depends on the cat's temperament and the owner's environment," Vasudevan said.
Social Media Reacts
Social media users were quick to chime in, with many curious about how they could harness train their cats.
"How do you harness train? I've tried with all my cats but they're just traumatised and won't move," asked one viewer.
"My cat won't listen and go on walks with me when outside, not with toys, not with treats. It's like he's in his own world. Any tips?" said another cat lover.
"My cat is harness trained! I love it! I just couldn't keep her indoors all the time. It took some time but she's so good. I also put an AirTag on it just in case," shared another viewer.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones. Send them to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.
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