It’s an amusing sight – a cat walking around in a harness, limbs splayed awkwardly as they wobble and teeter with each step. Their natural grace and agility seem to vanish, replaced by a silly, awkward gait. But why does this happen? What is it about a harness that turns cats into uncoordinated fuzzballs?
The reason behind this funny feline walk lies in anatomy, instinct, and psychology. Cats are complex creatures of habit, finely tuned by evolution into masters of movement and hunting. But harnesses restrain that athleticism, triggering an unfamiliar feeling. Understanding the root causes can help us better train cats to walk properly and feel comfortable in harnesses.
Anatomy
Cats and humans have some key anatomical differences that affect the way they walk, especially when wearing a harness.
Cats are digitigrade walkers, meaning they walk on their toes. Their back legs contain many bones and joints that allow them to leap and jump with ease. Cats also have loose skin around their torso that aids in movement. Meanwhile, humans walk plantigrade, flat on our feet, with most of our muscles concentrated in our lower legs. Our anatomies are optimized for stability and endurance.
When cats wear a harness around their torso and front legs, it interferes with their natural range of motion. The harness essentially forces cats to walk in a way their bodies are not designed to move. This explains why some cats will take unsteady, funny-looking steps when in a harness as they try to adjust to the restriction.
Instinct
Cats have a natural instinct to stay low to the ground and move carefully when in unfamiliar surroundings. This comes from their ancestry as predators that hunt small prey by stealthily stalking through grass and bushes. A harness lifts a cat upright and restricts their natural crouched posture, which can make cats feel exposed and vulnerable. Their instinct is to proceed cautiously, testing each step before committing their full weight, in order to avoid being seen by potential threats. A harness prevents cats from slinking low and forces an upright, restricted gait that clashes with every innate inclination they possess.
As evidence, consider this account from a cat owner: “I stopped trying [to walk my cat in a harness] and started walking in the normal forest a lot more with him without a harness or a leash, because that was something he seemed to enjoy more.” (Source)
In the unfamiliar setting of a walk in a harness, a cat’s instincts compel them to move in the careful, crouched way they are accustomed to stalking prey, despite the limitations imposed by the harness. This creates the conflict between instinct and restriction which makes cats “walk funny” with harnesses on.
Discomfort
One of the main reasons cats may walk differently when wearing a harness is physical discomfort. The harness straps can rub against the cat’s armpits and chest, irritating the skin and restrictive movement. According to How to Harness Train a Cat, “If the harness is too loose, it will slide and chafe under the arms.” A properly fitted harness that does not rub or pinch the cat’s body is important for comfort. The unfamiliar feeling of wearing a harness can also cause psychological distress in cats unaccustomed to them. With positive reinforcement training and gradual acclimation, most cats can get comfortable wearing harnesses for walking.
Restriction
One of the main reasons cats may walk funny in a harness is that it can make them feel restricted in their movements. A harness wraps around a cat’s body and limbs, which can limit their range of motion compared to being without one. This feeling of restraint goes against a cat’s natural instinct to move freely and can cause discomfort. According to source, some signs your cat is feeling restricted include straining against the leash, freezing up, or refusing to move. The harness may be too tight or the leash too short if this happens. Allowing some slack in the leash can help your cat feel less confined as they explore on walks. Proper fitting is also key – the harness should be snug but not overly tight. With time and positive reinforcement, most cats can adjust to the sensation of a harness. But forcing them to wear one despite signs of distress should be avoided, as it can cause fear and aversion.
Balance
Wearing a harness can make it challenging for cats to balance and walk normally. A harness wraps around a cat’s torso and shoulders, which can restrict their range of motion and ability to fully extend their front legs while walking. This can throw off a cat’s natural gait and make them walk stiffly or wobble from side to side.
Cats have an incredible sense of balance and agility thanks to having a flexible spine and excellent proprioception (body awareness). Their spines allow them to make subtle adjustments while walking to remain balanced. But a harness can limit these adjustments and disrupt their balance. According to a Quora user, “Cats are known for their agility and grace, so wearing a harness can disrupt their natural movement patterns.”
Trying to walk while having a harness wrapped around their chest and shoulders likely feels very foreign and constraining to cats at first. They cannot freely move their front legs and torso as they normally would while walking unencumbered. This forces them to walk in an unnatural and awkward way. According to a Reddit user, owners should let cats get used to the feel of the harness before expecting them to walk normally in it.
Training
Training your cat to walk comfortably on a leash and harness takes patience and time. Start by getting your cat used to wearing a lightweight harness indoors first. Give your cat treats and praise while having the harness on so they associate it with positive experiences. Try leaving the harness on for short periods each day, slowly increasing the duration. Once your cat is comfortable wearing a harness indoors without issue, attach the leash and let them drag it around while supervised. Finally, begin taking your cat outdoors on the leash and harness for short sessions, staying close to home at first while they get used to the sights, sounds and smells. Always reward and praise your cat during training sessions to reinforce the desired behavior. With regular, positive training sessions, most cats can learn to walk on a leash and enjoy the mental and physical stimulation. However, some cats may never take well to the harness, in which case alternatives like building an enclosed catio can allow for safe outdoor access.
Acclimation
It takes time for cats to get fully acclimated to walking in a harness. Many experts recommend allowing several days or even weeks for a cat to adjust. According to sources, the process usually takes more than just a few hours if you want the cat to truly accept the harness and walk comfortably in it.
The key is to introduce the harness gradually and make each session positive through treats, praise, and play. As one source suggests, “Keep this up for as long as it takes (often several weeks). Each time keep the harness on longer. But always remember to reward with treats and affection.” 1 With consistent, incremental training, most cats can learn to walk easily in a harness given enough acclimation time.
Individual Differences
Just as with people, every cat has their own unique personality that affects how they respond to walking on a leash and harness. Age is one major factor that contributes to individual differences. Kittens and younger cats tend to be more adaptable and open to new experiences like leash walking. Older cats who have never worn a harness before may resist and protest more.
A cat’s natural confidence level and temperament plays a role as well. Shy, anxious cats will likely need much more patience, training, and positive reinforcement to get comfortable wearing a harness and walking outdoors. Bold, adventurous cats may take to it with less coaxing.
Prior experiences can also shape a cat’s reaction. Cats who have been outdoor cats at some point may long for the freedom of roaming and dislike the restriction of the leash at first. Whereas cats who have been strictly indoor pets their whole lives may find the sensory experience of going outside overwhelming if not introduced gradually.
Cats who are more people-oriented and affectionate tend to be easier to leash train, as they derive security from human interaction and presence. Independent cats who are less attached to their owners may resist more. However, independent cats may also have stronger hunting/roaming instincts that make them highly motivated to explore the outdoors.
With patience and proper techniques, even cats that seem resistant can often learn to walk comfortably on a leash and harness. But their unique personality continues to be a factor in the experience. Knowing and understanding a cat’s individual character is key to making leash walks successful and enjoyable.
Conclusion
In summary, cats may initially walk funny in harnesses due to their anatomy and instincts, as well as feelings of discomfort and restriction from the harness. With proper training, acclimation, and patience however, most cats can get accustomed to walking in a harness comfortably. It’s important to introduce the harness gradually, reward good behavior, and accept that each cat will adapt on their own schedule. Proper harness fitting and style is also key to reduce restricting movements. With time and positive reinforcement, your cat can feel at ease exploring the outdoors on a harness and leash.
