How to choose a cat harness is one of the most commonly-asked questions by new cat parents. Your curious cat likes to climb all over the place, so keeping them safe when you’re out together can be tricky. Kip cat and dog boarding has multiple locations around Australia, including Brisbane and Hunter Valley, and we’ve got years of experience keeping your fearless feline feeling safe and loved. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose a cat harness, give you some examples of the best cat harnesses and let you know how to put a harness on your cat. We hope this article will help you know how to choose a cat harness that’s fantastic for your feline. 

Cat Harness

First thing’s first: what do you need to know about choosing a cat harness? You might be looking for a cat harness because you’ve got an active, outgoing feline master who demands you accompany them on their daily survey of their kingdom. Or perhaps you’ve got to take a scaredy-cat to the vet. Maybe you just want to be able to take your terrific tabby travelling. Either way, we’re here to help with some great cat harness tips.

There are, of course, lots of things to consider when choosing a cat harness outside of how it looks! Our feline friends are all different and can be sensitive and picky. So, you may need to do some harness experimentation. In general, though, some of the main points to remember when thinking about buying a cat harness are:

• Fit
• Leash type

Fit

It might go without saying but it is important that you make sure you buy a cat harness. Dog harnesses are made for the broader shoulders and build of a dog and can be easy for your feline to free themselves from. Cats also have more delicate throats than dogs. Harnesses made specifically for cats have more cushioning to protect this area and offer a better, more streamlined fit. Remember also that your cat moves differently to a dog. Cat harnesses allow them to move freely the way they like to, which in turn makes them more likely to let you put them on a leash.

There are many different types of cat harness. The most popular, however, are h-harnesses and figure-of-eight. What the best one for you and your feline is depends on what you’re looking for. Expect to experiment with different types – cats can be stubborn, after all! 

Leash Type

You can buy different leash types for your cat’s harness. Some are more rigid than others. If you’re worried about meeting other cats when you’re out then you might find a firmer leash works better for you. A firmer leash will make it easy to control your kitty and keep them safe from less friendly fellow felines. On the other hand, more adventurous cats might prefer a more flexible leash. We’ll leave the leash experimentation up to you.

Cat Harness Australia

You need to consider the climate when choosing a harness for your Aussie kitty. Vest harnesses are great for cat harness Australia when the weather is hot, allowing them to keep cool while they move and enjoy the nice weather. On the other hand, jacket cat harnesses Australia can be used when the weather is cooler. 

The material makes a difference, too. Mesh harnesses help to keep your kitty cool but tend to pick up dust and sand. Harnesses made with nylon are sturdier but can dig in to your cat’s delicate coat. Keep these things in mind when kitty harness shopping.

Best Cat Harness

What the best cat harness is for your feline depends on many things. There’s no need to get overwhelmed, though. We’ve narrowed down the things your harness needs to have to be crowned the best cat harness for your feline ruler. Apart from your cat’s willingness to try a harness, some of the best cat harnesses are:

• Safe
• Well-made
• Comfortable

Safe

Of course, the best cat harness is a safe one. One that your cat can’t crawl out of. Buying a harness made for cats ensures you get one that is streamlined to a cat’s body. It’s best to buy a harness that’s snug, but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your cat. Your feline may still be firmly fixed on freeing themselves, but it’ll be a harder task with a harness that’s made for them! 

Well-made

We all want the best for our feline friends, and their harness is no exception. Even if you only use the harness a couple of times a year to take kitty to the vet, you need to know you can rely on it to do the job. In general, the best cat harnesses cost $20-35. Buying from a local pet store helps ensure the harness will be good-quality. Make sure to ask about the store’s return policy, too, in case your kitty decides it’s not for them. Research cat harnesses in advance to decide what’s the best type for your cat or you can ask your vet for recommendations. 

Comfortable

Even the most willing harness-wearing cats don’t like to have their movement restricted. If that’s the case for your kitty, consider experimenting with different harness types. It’s also a good idea to consider how the harness is attached. Many kitties are sensitive to the noise Velcro makes. You can help your cat get used to this type of harness by making the Velcro noise during playtime, for example. 

How to Put on a Cat Harness

Asking how to put on a cat harness is often another way of asking how to persuade your feline master to allow you to put a harness on them. But that title isn’t as catchy. How to put on a cat harness depends, of course, on the cat. To avoid getting mauled, you might consider the slow and steady approach. Get your kitty used to the harness by making it a part of playtime or mealtimes. Once they’ve had a few days of this, gently put the harness on their back and reward them with food or play. The next step would be finally attaching the harness to them and, again, rewarding them. 

You can also consider the type of harness, too. Some harnesses are easier to put on than others. Step-Ins are probably the easiest to attach but can be easier to wriggle out of. Figure-of-eight are some of the more difficult to attach, but also among the most secure. Be patient with your feline friend and work together to figure out which harness is best for you both.

Escape Proof Cat Harness Australia

Ah, the big question – How to find an escape proof cat harness Australia. Our feline rulers can be fiendish and sly and put the great Houdini to shame with their twisty tricks. If you’re despairing trying to keep your kitty under control, don’t panic. We’ve got some great escape proof cat harness Australia tips. 

The first thing to remember, though, is: no harness is ever going to be 100% kitty escape proof. If your cat is determined to launch their rendition of The Great Escape, you’d better believe they’ll succeed. You’ll also need to remember to update your harness as kitty grows (remember to buy a harness for cats, not dogs) or when the weather changes. 

The next thing to remember is: training is important. Even if your pussycat lacks patience, you don’t have to. Part of having an escape proof cat harness Australia is patience. With patience (and, of course, time), you can persuade your precious pussycat prince or princess to wear a harness. Make wearing one a part of your kitty’s daily routine. Allow them to get used to wearing one in the comfort of their own kingdom (or, as you know it, your home). Then, take them outside. By slowly introducing them to the idea of the harness, you stand a better chance of success. 

Wow, there are a lot of things to think about when choosing a harness for your cat. But we hope this article has helped you narrow down the things to consider. Perhaps one of the most important takeaways from this article is that you’re going to need patience. A lot of it. You likely already know that, being a cat servant, after all. Don’t get discouraged if harnessing your cat takes longer than you expected. And, remember, some cats just won’t take to harnessing, even if you give it all you’ve got. If that’s the case, just jot it down to experience and enjoy being a loyal subject to your cat ruler. 

As a new dog owner there’s no shortage of unknowns and confusion, and sooner or later you find yourself asking how often you should wash your dog. Here at Kip we’ve got plenty of experience with dogs getting dirty after an action-packed day and so we know a thing or two about washing them afterwards. Our dog boarding at Kip Hunter Valley dog hotel and Kip dog hotel Brisbane offer five-star wash and grooming service for your pampered pooch. Our experienced staff know there’s no single answer to how to primp your pooch. There are a number of things to think about; your canine’s coat type, lifestyle, allergies – the list goes on. But don’t stress. We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to keep your canine clean.

How Should You Wash Your Dog?

When it comes to tub-time, most experts recommend using products specifically formulated for dogs. Using human shampoo can harm your hound, as human skin has a much more acidic pH than dog skin. As such, human shampoo is more acidic than dog shampoo and should be avoided.

There is a right and a wrong technique to wash your dog, too. Some tips when washing your woofball include:

• Checking the water’s temperature
• Brushing their coat out before and after bathing
• Using a gentle rinsing method

We all know our doggies can be sensitive souls, so things like too hot water or a strong shower spray can upset them. To reduce the risk of ear infections after bathing it’s recommended that you regularly clean your dog’s ears using an ear-cleaning product and dry them fully afterwards. 

We’re also all for non-slip mats. Available from most pet stores or regular superstores, a bath mat can help ensure a pleasant bath time for your pup without slips and trips.

Another great tip is a lick pad. This aptly-named gadget is a wonderful way to wash your pup whilst keeping them distracted and happy with a snack. Spread some peanut butter on the pad, stick it to the wall in your bathroom and let pup lick away whilst you wash away pup’s pong. 

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?

Now to the big question: how often should you wash your dog? Obviously you should always try to wash them if they smell or are dirty, regardless of how little time has passed since their last bath. After all, cuddles on the couch are a whole lot nicer when your pup’s smelling peachy. 

So, what other factors should you consider when you’re looking for a standing slot in your dog’s diary? In general, we recommend you consider the following:

• Lifestyle
• Coat type
• Allergies/skin conditions
• Season

Lifestyle

If your pup is the playful sort who’s prone to getting dirty, you’re probably going to want to wash them more often than your coach potato canine. If you’re looking to become a pet parent but aren’t sure you can handle frequent bathtimes, consider the following. You could get an older dog, as they’re less likely to want to run around getting dirty. If you’re set on getting a puppy, then you could look for a more sedentary dog breeds. Greyhounds or Mastiffs are great for prospective pet parents looking for low-maintenance dogs. There’s no shame in choosing a canine based on these factors. After all, you want to know that your new furry family member will fit in and enjoy being with you as much as you enjoy being with them. 

Coat Type

Your canine’s coat type is important, too. It’s not a simple case of the more fur your furball has, the more often you bust out the shampoo, though! Hairless breeds can be quite labour-intensive when it comes to bath time. The hairless Chinese Crested, for example, needs a bath every two weeks, can you believe it?! The Siberian Husky, on the other hand, only needs a rinse once a month or less.  

Allergies/Skin Conditions

Medicated washing can help relieve your poor pooch’s allergies/skin conditions. Often, your vet will prescribe medicated shampoos or creams specifically for your dog, so you don’t need to worry about what pooch products to buy. In the case of ticks and fleas, some dogs may not respond well to taking medications. In this case, regular baths can help control the creepy crawlies.  

Season

The season also plays a role in how often you should wash your dog. You should bathe your scruffball more often in the winter and spring. Why these seasons? Harsh winter weather can dry out your four-legged friend’s skin and make it itchy. Regular baths with moisturising dog shampoo can help ease this itch. As for spring – dogs tend to shed fur once warm spring weather arrives, since they don’t need such a thick coat anymore. You can help control your fluffball’s fluff by washing them often.

How To Know If You’re Washing Your Dog Too Much

By now, you know why it’s important to wash your dog and how to do it. But how exactly do you know if you’re washing your dog too often? 

Your precious pooch’s skin produces protective oils that keep its coat healthy. Washing your dog too often can strip the skin of these oils and leave your doggy feeling down. A sure-fire way to tell if you need to cut down on the tub-time is if your dog’s skin is:

• Itchy
• Inflamed
• Sore

It’s always good to consult your vet to track down the cause of any of these skin symptoms. They can rule out ticks/fleas and allergies and guide you in finding the right tub-time timetable.  

Dog Wash Near Me

One thing’s for sure – not all dogs love bath time and not all dog owners are confident enough to do bath time at home. Your four-legged friend deserves the best, so if the idea of doggie bathtime makes you wobbly, you might be better off calling in the professionals. If you’re close enough to a Kip it’s always a great idea to come in for a quick dog wash, but if you’re a bit further afield then searching for dog wash near me is a quick and easy way to see all the nearby available dog bathing experts, as well as more information such as customer reviews and website links. Remember, though, that dog wash near me searches will show you doggie bathing salons, as well as mobile dog washes. So, if you’re after a doggy hairstylist and grooming expert that’ll come to you, you may wish to search for mobile dog wash. 

Mobile Dog Wash

If your dog wash near me search doesn’t give you the results you need, try looking for a mobile dog wash. There’s no shame in calling in the experts. After all, you want to give your pooch the best care you can, and if that means hiring an expert to come to you, then so be it!

Mobile dog wash salons are great for the times when you just can’t face bathtime or don’t have the time to get down to a local salon. These grooming experts will come to your home, so they’re super convenient, particularly if you have a doggy that doesn’t like to travel. Many mobile dog wash experts offer a range of services, from wash, blow dry, nail trim and even flea and tick treatments. 

Mobile Dog Wash Prices

Mobile dog wash prices vary, depending on location and the services you go for, and it’s generally a good idea to request a quote in advance. In general, though, mobile dog wash prices tend to be around $30-$50 per hour. If that sounds a bit of a stretch, you can always go back to your dog wash near me search and see if any of your local pet grooming salons are willing to do a home visit. 

Why Dog Wash?

Bathing your furball is important, and not just for the reasons you might think. Dogs need a wash to help maintain their skin, coat and general health. Washing your dog can be great bonding time. It also is a great chance to check for any suspicious lumps or fleas in between vet visits.  

Washing your dog has many benefits. These include: 

• Getting rid of the pong following your pooch
• Removing dead skin, debris and loose hair to keep your dog looking dapper
• Following your pooch’s medical treatment plan (if they have a skin condition) 

Signs Your Dog Has A Skin Condition

One of the main reasons to wash your dog is if they’ve got a skin condition. Common skin conditions affecting dogs include ticks/fleas, impetigo and dandruff. Among other symptoms, hair loss, itching and redness can be a sign that your dog has a skin condition and needs to see a vet. 

Over-washing your dog can actually cause some skin conditions. Washing your dog too often can strip doggy’s skin of its natural protective oils, causing dryness, irritation and inflammation – more on this later!

We hope this article has been helpful and you’re feeling confident about bathing your dog (and maybe even really looking forward to dog wash day!) If you have any doubt about the right splash-session schedule for your sweet pup, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet who’ll be able to help you.