Hi Kym, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. What you’ve described is actually a very common first reaction for cats when they try a harness, many will “freeze” or move a little awkwardly at first because it simply feels different and takes some getting used to.
The good news is that with a little patience and positive reinforcement most cats adapt really well. Here are a few tips that can help:
1. Start small – Keep the harness on for just a few minutes indoors, paired with something positive like treats, mealtime or play.
2. Build up gradually – Increase the time slowly over several days so your cat gets comfortable at their own pace.
3. Encourage movement – Toss a treat or use a favourite toy to motivate those first steps.
You’re not doing anything wrong, your cat just needs a little extra time to learn that the harness means good things.
If you’d like, reach out to us at hello@catharnessaustralia.com.au and we’ll happily send over our full training guide and resources. We also offer free support from our team if you’d like extra help getting your kitty confident in the harness.
We’re here to support you both on your adventure journey