Is It Bad To Keep a Harness On a Cat? (Or in a Stroller?)
If you are thinking about a cat harness, or just curious, you may be wondering if it is a bad idea or not. Or, if cats would prefer other methods, such as a pet stroller.
Is it bad to keep a harness on a cat?
It is not bad to keep a harness on a cat. In fact, some cat owners deliberately leave the harness on for days to get the cat used to it. However, some cats will be fine with it, and others will not appreciate it.
So, now you know it’s not bad depending on the context. But, do these cat harnesses hurt? Is a pet stroller better than a harness? Keep reading for these answers, and so much more.
Should cats wear harnesses?
Harnesses are a good idea if you wish to take your cat out on a leash. Using a leash without a harness is not regarded as safe. The harness will keep your cat secure and stop it from choking on the leash. For this reason, they are quite helpful.
Some would regard the harness, in general, as a bad idea. And, some would say it’s a great way to allow an indoor cat to experience the outdoors without the risk of escape. So, it’s regarded as a controversial topic.
I remember seeing my friend’s mum out in the park and seeing her child walking and enjoying the park. The thing that I noticed was the baby harness attached to her toddler. Some onlookers were looking at her with judging eyes.
For me, I could see the practicality of it. She didn’t want to keep her child stuck by her side all day and wanted to give it freedom. I think the smile on the kid’s face was enough for me to understand her logic.
It’s the same concept for cats. If they were stuck indoors most of their life, they will appreciate the outdoors, even if it is aided with a car harness.
Does a harness hurt a cat?
If the harness is well fitted then it will not hurt the cat. But, if it is not then it will. It is not much different from a cat’s collar, it needs to be fitted well. There will also be an adjustment period for any cat to get used to the harness.
I remember heading out to a work party and loving the environment. Drinks, good people, and lots of laughter. But, at the back of my mind was the pain of my shoes pulsing around my toes.
In reality, I should have changed them. but not only was it inconvenient, but it would also have ruined my ensemble. The point is, I should have spent the time to make it fit better.
It’s the same concept as a cat harness (click here if your cat hates them), it’s important for the cat owner to spend the time and make it fit better.
Is a cat stroller better than a harness?
A Harness is helpful but some say it’s not that comfortable for cats. A pet stroller on the other hand will allow a cat to relax while it is on the move. In a way, it is the same concept as traveling in a car with a cat carrier.
The point is for some cats they may appreciate a pet stroller better than a harness. Whereas others may the complete opposite. The best way is to try each one and see how your cat reacts.
What are the advantages of Pet Strollers, compared to Harness?
Pet strollers are a great way to transport your cat in comfort. You may need to transport your pet for a number of reasons such as a stroll to the mall, long walk through the park, joint pain, arthritis, after hoping off a plane with your cat, taking your cat to your RV, recent surgery, etc.
With cats in particular, strollers work well. Because, unlike dogs who love walking on a leash, cats do not naturally take to leashes at all.
The stroller is a great way to make your life easier when you need to get from A to B and need to keep your cat happy.
My Best 5 Cat Strollers (Harness Alternatives)
With that being said, let us look at some of the best cat strollers out there that offer your cat the best comfort.
01. AT3 Generation 2 All Terrain Pet Stroller by Pet Gear
The AT3 Generation 2 All-Terrain (Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad) is by Pet Gear. They are one of the industry’s well known and established manufacturers of pet equipment. They have been established since 1936. The AT3 is designed for pets that are up to 60 pounds in weight.
It comes with a large-sized storage basket, shock absorbers at the rear, foot brake with quick-lock, front locking swivel wheel for easy mobility, and a parent tray for convenience.
One of the things I like about this stroller is the No-Zip easy locking latch. Rather than messing about with a zipper, you can use the latch quickly. This works great when the weather is not great and you just want to get moving.
How Easy is it to push the AT3 Generation 2 All-Terrain uphill?
It is almost effortless to push the buggy, even when they are going uphill. You may be skeptical about ordering a premium buggy but it seems to be a quality product.
Is the handle of the AT3 Generation 2 All-Terrain high enough?
The handle is high enough to help avoid any discomfort or back ache. Obviously, that is quite a subjective statement but worth noting anyway.
Is the Mesh Window secure enough?
The mesh window does look a little flimsy, probably one to look out for. However, the company appears to deliver good customer service in the event that anything happens to it.
02. Guardian Gear Promenade Pet Stroller for Dogs and Cats
The Guardian gear promenade (Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad) is a lightweight stroller for cats that can hold up to 25 pounds in weight. It has the following features:
- Swivel style wheels at the front
- Rear wheels have a locking mechanism
- Two holders for your cups, e.g. coffee
- Handles with pads for a comfortable grip
- Small storage area for small items
- Foldable for easy storage
The stroller comes in a vibrant pink color for those that love the color.
Does this stroller have great durability and build quality?
Lightweight design that comes with convenient cup holders. This stroller is known for its comfort and great durability.
03. Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller, Zipperless Entry, Sky Line
As stated earlier, Pet Gear is a well-established manufacturer in the pet space. This rose-colored No-Zip NV Pet Stroller (Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad) is suitable for pets up to 70 pounds in weight and has the following features:
- No-Zip Easy Locking feature
- Elevated Paw Rest
- Front-locking wheel
- Panoramic view window
- Bolster Pad
- Weather Cover
- Air Tires
No-Zip Easy locking feature
As stated earlier, the No-Zip feature allows you to fasten the stroller with no hassle. Allowing you to get rid of the hassle of messing with zippers.
Elevated paw rest
It also features an elevated paw rest. This allows your cat to look out of the stroller with ease. Your cat can look out of the stroller using the front bar for support.
Front-locking Wheel
It features a front-locking wheel to allow you to maneuver easily if you are jogging or walking.
Panoramic view window
This feature allows your pet to be safely seated while getting a great full view of their surroundings.
Bolster Pad
The Bolster Pad is well-manufactured pad to help your cat have a comfortable journey in the stroller.
Weather Cover
Weather cover to keep your cat well covered from rain or any other harsh weather conditions.
Air Tires
Air Tires help to give you a comfortable ride in the Stroller. If you go over bumps or uneven pavement the air tires will help to absorb the impact.
Is it the Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller easy to assemble and close?
Like most things, we want an easy life, and if we can assemble and close the stroller easy it does just that.
Will your cat be safe and secure in the Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller?
Safety and security is one of the most of important factors. It is reassuring that it is possible to attach your cat to a small leash that comes with it.
04. Gen7Pets Monaco Pet Stroller for Dogs or Cats
The Monaco Stroller (Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad) is Gen7Pets’s first premium stroller offering. It is their most luxurious range and can accommodate pets up to 60 pounds in weight. It comes in dress blue, black geometric, red geometric and has the following features:
- lightweight aluminum oval-style frame
- No-Zipper opening
- Removable and foldable basket
- Shock-absorbed Wheels
- Soft inner pad
Lightweight Aluminium oval-style frame
The lightweight Aluminium frame has an oval-style frame. It weighs in at just 17lbs. It also has an ergonomic handle for comfort and ease of use.
No-Zipper opening
As seen on the Pet Smart range previously, this Gen7Pets model has a Zipper-less canopy. Meaning you will not to play around with opening and closing the stroller, making life easier.
Removable and foldable basket
The basket is easily removable and foldable for easy storage. This also eliminates the need to empty the basket before closing the stroller.
Shock-absorbed Wheels
The wheels are built with shock absorbers to allow you to go over rough terrains, such as stones and uneven ground, and keep your cat safe and comfortable.
Soft inner pad
The soft inner pad will give your cat the ultimate comfort during your journey.
05. Pet Gear Jogger Pet Stroller
The Pet Gear Jogger (Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad), is another premium offering from the well-established Per Gear company. This stroller can accommodate pets up to 70 pounds. It comes with the following features:
- Air Ride wheels
- Removable Liner
- Large storage basket
- Rear shock absorbers
Air Ride wheels
If you are jogging or heading over rough terrain Air Ride tires are a great feature. They will keep your cat comfortable under these conditions.
Removable Liner
Having a removable liner is a great feature that will allow you to keep your cat clean when using the stroller.
Large storage basket
Comes with a large storage basket for your convenience.
Rear shock absorbers
To make sure you get the best travel experience the stroller comes with rear shock absorbers. This will be good for jogging or traveling over rough terrain.
Is this Pet Gear Jogger Stroller Well constructed?
The stroller feels solid and not flimsy like other cheaper alternatives. The height of the handle is good, making it easy to grip.
Is the bottom canister of thePet Gear Jogger Stroller big enough?
Getting an idea of the size is important, it may be difficult for you to get to the bottom canister due to the positioning.
