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.
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Placing the Sleepypod Martingale Walking Harness on Truffle's back to help her become accustomed to it. |
Martingale Cat Harness
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"
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.
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Truffle becoming accustomed to her harness with the leash attached. |
Our Review
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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.
It sounds an ideal companion piece for the travelling companion. Well made, functional and comfortable, definitely seem to be terms that can be applied to this.
ReplyDeleteUsing one for emergencies is, I think, a very good reason to have a companion trained to wear these. It certainly creates more opportunities for the otherwise housebound feline.
Lovely review!
Purrs
ERin
That does look like a nice one and it was cool to see the commercial with Summer too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice harness. Summer did so well in the commercial.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an excellent harness! And the kitties all did so well modeling it!
ReplyDeleteHey, I recognize the kitty in that video! MOL Just be consistent with the girls in their harness training, make it fun quality time with you, and dole out lots of treats. It really does make a difference.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice!
DeleteI totally need this! I’ve been wanting to try this harness ever since it first came out. We have a variety of harnesses but none of them are really right for Minnie. And Plush would do well with this too.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea the girls were so small! I think Latte might enjoy walking on a harness outside. Bear and Ellie likely wouldn't want to for recreation - but Latte might!
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful harness! I used harnesses with my Huskies, but never thought about cats and I think it's a terrific idea! So much more secure for our pets. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI haven’t used harness/leash with my cat yet. I just adopted her though and I would be interested in trying it.
ReplyDeleteIt was awesome to see Summer in that video! My kitties are indoors only, like yours, but I do like to have them harness trained in case of emergency. It's nice to have the harness when going to the vet too. Dexter could really use a new harness. Perhaps I will work on getting one of these for him.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried a harness with my cats yet, but I would like to.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great product. Both of our cats are indoor cats, but Pippen LOVES spending time outdoors hanging out with me in the hammock birdwatching or even camping. We have tried a few harnesses with her and found that while some work great, many leave us disappointed. I think we'll have to make a point of getting our hands on this one to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like such an awesome harness and so comfy, I use a slim leash with Layla and love them
ReplyDeleteI don't use a leash on my cats. That's kind of why I'm here. When we walk our new puppy our cats seem to stare longingly out the window. They deserve to take walks as well. I just wish I hadn't waited so long.
ReplyDeleteWe are training our kitty on the leash since we started rv living.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very nice and useful item though I think my cats are to old for it now. =^..^=
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