Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness and Slim Leash

Today is the World's Largest Pet Walk sponsored by Pet Partners. This event is for everyone who wants to enjoy the health benefits of being active with pets, while also supporting Pet Partners! People may assume this day is for people who walk their dogs, but more and more people are taking their cats outdoors on leashes to experience the fresh air and to get exercise. In fact, cats who experience the great outdoors with their humans are known as "Adventure Cats." In addition to enjoying the outdoors, people travel with their pets on planes and in cars. For all of these occasions, it's important to consider training your cat to wear a halter in cases of emergencies to help to keep them from escaping. There are many different styles of harnesses that are used for cats and the challenge is to find one that is comfortable and safe for your cats.

Sleepypod has a long reputation for designing products that are safe, functional, and comfortable for cats. For a while, they were known primarily for carriers for cats (and other small pets), such as the Sleepypod Atom, the Sleepypod Air, and the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed. These items were designed to safely transport your cats in vehicles and planes. With the increase in pets going outdoors and the trend of "Adventure Cats" there is a need for a functional and safe harness. Cats are known to be escape artists when they are in a harness. Sleepypod designed the Martingale Cat Harness specifically for cats. This harness is unique, soft and breathable mesh that has a cinching feature to help prevent cats from escaping and it also reminds them not to pull when walking.

Placing the Sleepypod Martingale Walking Harness on Truffle's back to help her become accustomed to it.

Martingale Cat Harness

The Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness is made of laminated, triple layer mesh for better durability that conforms to the body, yet is structured enough to retain it's shape. The straps are adjustable at the neck and the chest for added comfort and security.

The harness is available in five brilliant colors: Glacier Silver, Midnight Blue, Pink Peony, Jet Black, and Strawberry Red. A few of these colors match the Sleepypod carriers. A unique feature of this harness is in it's strength. It's durable, yet lightweight, so it won't weigh your cat down. The stitching on the harness is robust so it withstands daily use. The harness can be hand washed in cold water and hung up to dry. The Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness retails for $26.99 on the Sleepypod website.

There are three sizes for the harness:

• Small: Neck 7" - 9.5"; Chest 11" - 14"
• Medium: Neck 9.5" - 12"; Chest 14" - 18"
• Large: Neck 12" - 14.5"; Chest 18" - 21"

If this is the first time using a harness on your cat, you should take things slowly. Not all cats will acclimate to wearing the harness at first. Be patient and follow some of the steps in the video below from Sleepypod. Watch closely and many of you may recognize the cat in this video!!!

Sleepypod Slim Leash

Sleepypod has also designed the Slim Leash for use with the Martingale Harness. The Slim Leash is "skinny but might" and is six-feet long. The leash includes a waster bag slot and utility ring and is composed of high tensile strength nylon webbing and high strength, aircraft grade snap hook that will withstand more than 500 pounds of force. The leash features an intuitive, push-on snap hook that is designed to assist those with arthritis or hand-mobility issues. The leash is made of vibrant colored yard that is individually dyed then woven together to craft the high-density webbing's unique luster and colorways. The slim leash is available in four colors: Charcoal, Pink Peony, Blue Lagoon, and Brilliant Copper. The Sleepypod Slim Leash retails for $29.99 and is available on the Sleepypod website.

Truffle becoming accustomed to her harness with the leash attached.

Our Review

Truffle and Brulee are indoor-only cats, but I want to get them accustomed to wearing a harness with a leash attached in cases of an emergency. We live in the South about 2 hours from the coast and we do feel the effects of hurricanes at times. Luckily, we've never had to evacuate, but the time could come. I haven't traveled on an airplane with the girls yet, but I'd want a leash to keep them safe when going traveling. Also, I'd like to be able to let them sit on the porch with me when I'm relaxing and taking in the fresh air. They are both 10 years old and they've never worn a harness, but I wanted to let their first experiences be with the Sleepypod Martingale Harness because of the reputation of Sleepypod.

When I originally measured the girls for the correct size, I ordered a small because of their weight (8 pounds) and the measurement of the tape measure. What I didn't take into account was the larger than normal amount of fur they have being purebred Persian Cats. When I received the small harness, I had difficulty getting the band secured under the belly because of all of the fur. I knew this wouldn't be safe because the Velcro may become unattached because there wasn't enough surface area covering their abdomen. We decided to try the medium and it was much better. 

Brulee demonstrating a view of the Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness from the side

I did follow recommendations on getting my cats accustomed to the harness. Both Truffle and Brulee are 10 years old, so I need a lot of patience. I originally placed the harness next to the girls so they could become familiar with the smell. I then laid the harness on their backs. I then opened up the sides and let the harness rest on their backs and sides. I've gotten to the part of actually putting the harness on them with the stereotypical result of them falling on their side. After I put the harness and leash on Truffle in the first graphic in this post, she literally fell off the side of the desk on her side and into my arms. Brulee fell off of the side of her small tree (pictured above - she wasn't hurt!) I'm still working with them with the harness. I don't really plan on taking them outside on a regular basis, but do believe it's important to have them comfortable with a harness and leash in case of an emergency.

I'm confident that many of you who take your cats outside on a harness and leash would enjoy these Sleepypod products.

Giveaway

We're excited to announce that one of our readers has the opportunity to win a Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness and Slim Leash. No purchase necessary. The giveaway is open to residents of the United States 18+ years, except where prohibited by law. The giveaway will run from September 25 - October 5, 2021, ending at 11:59 pm ET. One winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter (powered by Random.org) and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize and a new winner will be randomly chosen. To qualify for the giveaway, a comment must be left on our blog post.  Other entry options are available after a comment is left.  Please check your email and be sure to add sweetpurrfections@sc.rr.com to your address book!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Paula A. Gregg, Ph.D.

9/25/2021