A cat charity has urged owners not to use trendy harnesses on their cats – amid fears they leave felines feeling scared.
In recent months, a number of TikTok users have posted videos of themselves taking their cats out for walks whilst the animal wears a harness and lead.
The leads are becoming increasingly popular as owners fear the animal will get injured if they allow them to roam free.
However, the equipment prevents the animals’ natural fight or flight response, according to Cats Protection.
‘Taking your cat for a walk on a harness and lead is not recommended,’ said a spokesperson for the charity.
‘It is likely to be very stressful and scary for them.
‘Harnesses can be uncomfortable for cats or allow escape.
‘Most importantly, cat harnesses prevent the flight response and feeling trapped can significantly escalate stress in cats.’
Cat harnesses are becoming increasingly popular, according to a survey by Cats Protection.
A survey by the charity found that almost one in six (15 per cent) cat owners use a harness to take their cat out – up from 10 per cent a year ago.
This certainly seems the case on TikTok, where several owners have posted videos of their cats out for walks wearing harnesses.
‘She wanted to go outside so bad but HATES her harness,’ one user wrote alongside a video of a cat hissing.
Another TikToker posted a video of their cat being dragged along the ground, writing: ‘We got my cat a harness leash and took him for a drag.’
And one posted a video of their cat trying to escape, along with the caption: ‘When walking your cat goes horribly wrong.’
Meanwhile, actress Bella Thorne has previously spoken about taking her cat, Louis V., on walks around her neighborhood on a lead, claiming he has ‘learned’ to like it.
‘I walk him on a leash – I’m one of those people. He’s learned to like the leash,’ Bella told E! News.
On the issue of cat harnesses, Cats Protection explained that cats are a territorial species and prefer to be allowed to choose how they roam, rather than planned leisure outings or excursions away from their familiar home.
When a cat does need transporting, such as for a vet visit, a safe and sturdy cat carrier should be used, rather than a cat backpack or harness, the charity advises.
This isn’t the first time that experts have warned against cat harnesses.
Last year, the RSPCA explained that some cats are frightened by the experience of being on a lead.
‘It may be more difficult for them to be able to move away or hide from stressful situations — like being approached by a dog off the lead,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We understand social media has helped fuel the trend, but it’s important to consider whether this is the right thing for your own cat.’
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