You may have noticed your Persian stare longingly out of a window to the vibrant world just beyond the glass. If your Persian is longing for the sun and sky, a harness is the answer. But with many options available, you want to make sure to buy kitty the perfect harness.
If you continue reading, you will get an in-depth description of these amazing harnesses. Also, there are some tips and tricks to help your Persian once you pick the product you love the most.
The 3 Best Harnesses For Persian Cats
KITTY HOLSTER CAT HARNESS
The Kitty Holster Cat Harness is a highly rated, super lightweight harness your Persian. It is a well-known harness and featured on Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell” and CBS Sunday Morning.
Your Persian is secured into this harness with thick velcro straps that will not give with running, jumping or climbing. This harness will give you peace of mind knowing your Persian is secure inside the harness.
This harness, made of 100% breathable cotton, will be comfortable against your Persian’s skin. It won’t trap heat, meaning you will have a content kitty. Additionally, since it’s of cotton, you can throw it right in the washing machine.
You can get this product in four different sizes- XS, S/M, M/L, XL. There are enough options to suit Persians of all sizes.
The Kitty Holster Cat Harness secures by your Persian’s neck and along their ribcage, meaning no fighting to stick your Persian’s paws through armholes. It also has a conveniently located D-ring to attach a leash.
It comes in 7 different colors, including some out of the ordinary designs like denim, red bandana, and tiger print. With lots of options, you can pick the one that suits your Persian’s personality the best.
As an added bonus, 10% of profits from the purchase of this harness are donated. The proceeds go to Crazy K Farm Poultry and Livestock, a non-profit animal rescue. Any pet lover will be happy to know some of the proceeds go to a good cause.
PROS:
- Easy to put on
- Durable and comfortable
- Hard for the cat to escape
- High customer ratings
- Unique patterns
CONS:
- Fur can get caught in the velcro
- Loud velcro sounds could frighten your Persian
VOYAGER ALL WEATHER NO PULL STEP-IN MESH DOG HARNESS PADDED VEST
Yes, you read “dog harness” correctly. Female Persians range from 10-15 pounds while males can tip the scales at 20 pounds. It’s no secret that a harness marketed for dogs could be the ideal product for larger cat breeds.
This harness is made from breathable mesh. This means your Persian will be cool in the summer but will have a bit of insulation on chilly days. It also comes in five different sizes, from extra small to extra large.
You will also get comfort with the Voyager harness. This product evenly distributes pressure along your Persian’s body. This means there is no strain in any particular area. Additionally, since it does not rest on your Persian’s neck, there is no possibility of your Persian choking.
The Voyager harness is an excellent option for Persian owners concerned their pet may turn into an escape artist. This product has three layers of security- a convenient velcro strap, a plastic clip, and a double D-ring attachment.
There are 16 stylish color options you can choose from. Some options are bubblegum pink, turquoise, camo, and classic black.
This is a step-in harness. While you don’t have to put your Persian’s head through any holes, you do have to get their arms inside of the harness. Considering Persians have sweet temperaments, this should not be an issue.
PROS:
- Extremely durable
- Comfortable
- Three layers of escape-proof security
- High customer ratings
- A large variety of color options
CONS:
- Can be a little bulky
- Loud velcro sounds could frighten your Persian
- Cat may struggle to get into the harness
PETSAFE COME WITH ME KITTY HARNESS AND BUNGEE LEASH
Your Persian will be ready for outdoor fun with this product from Petsafe. The nylon harness is specially designed for cats and its budget-friendly.
When worn, the harness rests against the chest and shoulders ensuring your Persian will have no uncomfortable pressure around the neck or throat.
This harness is velcro free. It uses plastic clips as fasteners. You can purchase it in 3 sizes, small, medium and large. Additionally, there are two adjustment points along the straps which allows you to customize the fit that best suits your Persian’s body.
There are 6 dual color options you can choose from to show off your feline’s personality. Some options include black and silver, electric lime and green, and dusty rose and burgundy.
This harness also comes with a bungee leash, so you do not have to buy one separately. It is 4 feet long but can stretch up to 6 feet, meaning your Persian will have the freedom to roam but will never be too far out of your sight.
The Petsafe harness does not cover your Persian’s entire chest and back like a vest or a holster. This makes it a great options for cats who do not like to be covered up or weighed down.
PROS:
- Easy to put on
- Custom adjustability for a perfect fit
- Comes with a leash
- Least amount of material for your Persian to wear
- Comfortable
- High customer ratings
CONS:
- Limited escape-proof features
- The leash is limited to 6 feet
Read Also:7 Best Cat Trees for Persian Cats
TRADITIONAL COLLAR AND LEASH
You’ve probably noticed that the best options for your Persian are different than a standard collar and leash that dogs typically use. Always opt for a harness when it comes to your Persian.
Unlike dogs, cats have delicate throats. When you use a traditional collar and leash, this sensitive area gets all the tension. This means your kitty will be uncomfortable and is at risk for choking.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT HARNESS FOR YOUR PERSIAN CAT
Now that you have read about the 3 best harnesses for Persian cats, you may have an idea of which harness will best suit your Persian’s needs. However, before you buy it is important to make sure you are purchasing the correct size harness for your Persian.
If the harness is too big, you run the risk of having your Persian escape. If the harness is too small, your feline friend will not only be uncomfortable, but they could choke from having no room to breathe.
It is extremely important to accurately measure your Persian before you purchase anything. All you need is a flexible measuring tape. Persians are known for their gentle personalities. This makes measuring your lovable feline a piece of cake.
The first place you should measure is around your Persian’s neck.
Next, measure the girth of your Persian. Wrap the measuring tape along the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
The measuring tape should fit snugly around your Persian. There should be just enough room for you to easily fit two fingers between the measuring tape and your Persian’s body.
Periodically check the snugness of your Persian’s harness as well. You always want to make sure they are safe yet comfortable.
ACCLIMATING YOUR PERSIAN CAT TO THE OUTDOORS
A quality harness and a proper fit is only the first step when it comes to letting your Persian explore the great big world outside. You want to make sure your Persian is comfortable and confident before you open the front door.
First, let your Persian adjust to the feel of a harness indoors. your Persian may not like the feel of their new harness but remember, it takes time to get used to new scenarios. It is best for your Persian to get accustomed to the harness inside where it feels safe.
After your Persian is used to the harness, you can attach the leash and practice walking indoors. While practicing, allow plenty of time for pets and play. Use tension on the leash when your Persian pulls away from you. Ease up when your Persian is relaxed.
Reward your Persian when it walks without fighting you.
After a couple of days with indoor practice, it is time to bring your Persian outside. Put your Persian into its harness before you head outdoors.
It is ideal to stay close to home in the early stages of acclimation. Backyards or quiet parks are ideal starting points. Avoid large, open spaces or areas with a large number of people or cars while your Persian adjusts to being walked outside.
Always monitor your Persian’s behavior. If they appear to be stressed, offer praise and pets so your Persian is not discouraged. If your Persian is unhappy outdoors and does not respond to encouragement, it is best to head back inside and try again another time.
SAFETY TIPS
Now that your Persian is a true nature adventurer, it is important to take steps to keep your Persian safe. Below are some safety tips to keep your feline exploring for many years to come.
- ID your Persian. It is always better safe than sorry. There is the possibility of your Persian breaking away from the leash and bolting away. An ID tag or a microchip makes for a much higher success rate of your Persian being returned to you.
- Stay up to date on Vaccines. In the outdoors, your Persian is more prone to illness. your Persian can come into contact with disease from other cats, insects, or contaminated water and soil. Speak to your vet to find out which vaccines are necessary.
- Use flea and tick medication. Your Persian is more prone to parasites when walked outside. You can use preventative treatment in the form of flea collars, topical ointment, or pills.
- Watch for other animals. Most outdoor critters like other cats, raccoons or opossums are usually skittish and won’t bother your Persian if you are present. Keep in mind that dogs are not as shy. They may not intend to harm your Persian if they approach but use caution regardless.
- Watch what your Persian consumes. It is natural for your Persian to enjoy consumption of grass and leaves. However, some plants may be toxic to cats. If you are not sure if a plant is safe, do not let your Persian eat it.
- Mind the weather. Persians are not as hearty as some other breeds considering they are bred to be indoor cats. Don’t expose them to extreme temperatures.
- Always be present. The most effective way to keep your Persian safe outside is to exercise supervision. Keep your eyes on your Persian, because no one will protect your cat better than its favorite human will!
CONCLUSION
Picking the right harness for your Persian will ultimately come down to what features are most important to you. Each of the harnesses listed above has its unique strengths. It is important to take time and carefully evaluate each option.
If comfort is your main priority, I would recommend the Kitty Holster cat harness. It is lightweight, breathable, and very easy to put on.
If you want security, opt for the Voyager harness. Since it has 3 layers of security, you can have peace of mind knowing your Persian will now shimmy out of this harness.
If your Persian hates confinement, then the Petsafe harness is the way to go. It covers your Persian’s body the least while still providing security.
Choosing one harness over the others can be a daunting task if you are not sure which qualities are most important to you and your Persian. The good news is there is no wrong decision to be made.
All 3 products are not only high quality but raved about all over the web. Your Persian will be able to explore the outdoors comfortably and safely with any of the harnesses listed above.
