How to troubleshoot harness escapes
The Supakit cat harness is designed specially for cats. When used correctly with correct training, it should keep your kitty secure. If your cat has been able to escape from their Supakit harness, or you are concerned about the risk of escapes, here are the key things to check:
1. Harness training
It's essential to introduce your cat to their harness gradually, with training. Harness training helps cats become familiar and happy with the sensations of wearing a harness, in a way that is fun and stress-free. Once harness training is complete, a cat will associate their harness with positive experiences, removing the motivation to wriggle free.
If you see any signs of fear in your cat's body language when they are wearing their harness (e.g. flopping, preferring to crouch or walking unusually) these are signs that they would benefit from further harness training.
What to do:
- We provide a free 10 day harness training bootcamp to get your cat started with their harness in the best way! You can sign up here.
- For more in-depth training with our expert instructors, along with a course community where you can ask questions, check out our Complete Cat Harness Training Course.
2. The fit
Ensure your cat's harness fits them as outlined in the Supakit fitting guide. The Supakit harness is designed to fit closely to your cat's body to ensure an escape-proof fit. Check the fit of your cat's harness by putting it on indoors.
If you can fit more than one finger between the harness and your cat's body (with fur compressed), then the harness is too loose.
What to do:
- If you can, shorten the straps of your Supakit harness until you can only fit one finger snugly between the harness and your cat's body. Take care to ensure that the back straps pass close behind your cat's elbows, as this is essential for escape-proofing.
- If you have shortened all straps fully, and are still able to fit more than one finger between your cat's body and their harness when it is on, then your cat's harness is too large. If your harness is eligible for return, book in a return on your original harness so that you can reorder in the smaller size that you need.
3. Leash position
To ensure the escape-proofing features of the Supakit harness function correctly, it is important to maintain a good leash position whilst exploring with your cat.
What to do:
- When walking with your cat, if the leash is taut and under tension, make sure that you keep it in the safe zone to avoid escapes.
- If you accidentally find yourself with the leash taut in the red or amber danger zones, move towards your cat to release the tension on the leash, and reposition so that the leash is back in the safe zone.
4. Tethering
The Supakit cat harness is designed for use with a handheld leash, with an attentive human being at one end! We strongly advise against tethering for safety reasons, and it can also compromise the escape-proofing features of the harness due to low leash angles.
What to do:
- A tether creates a fixed point for a cat to pull against, which can lead to them pulling the harness off over their head. It is important that you do not tether your cat, so that you can be reactive to their movements and always maintain a good leash position. This will allow you to prevent these escapes.
Ready to start your harness training journey?
Give your cat the best start with their harness! Join our free 10 Day Harness Training Bootcamp, and take your cat from harness newbie to confident harness wearer in 10 days.