These are 2 of our favourite (or not so favourite words) when it comes to training our cats.
This may encourage them to panic and they may associate the life jacket with negative experiences. While it might be tempting to do so, do not toss your cat in the water or into deep water. We also suggest that you try this activity in various areas, starting with a small body of water (like a bath tub) and slowly making your way to bigger bodies of water like lakes. To help prevent the potential stress, encourage your cat to swim in a shallow calm area. It would be a huge shock to your cat if the first time they had to swim with the life jacket on, was when they accidentally fell off the boat. Once again, ensure that they receive treats to continue the positive conditioning. Once your cat has progressed to wearing the life jacket for an extended period of time, it is time to introduce the jacket while you are on the water.Īs a rocking boat may shock your kitty, we recommend putting the life jacket on your cat when the boat is in a calm area. Introduce the life jacket on a boat with minimum movement It may take a few weeks for this process but it will help ensure that your cat has a positive experience with the life jacket. Start with your cat wearing the jacket for short periods of time and slowly extend the amount of time they wear the jacket (and ensure they get a treat each time). Then fasten the jacket and give them a treat. Then place it on your cat (without fastening it) and give them a treat. Place it near your cat and when they investigate it, give them a treat. This will help create a positive association with the life jacket.Īt first, introduce the life jacket at home. By this we mean, slowly introduce the life jacket to your cat and give them a treat each time. Introduce the life jacket to your cat at homeĪs with harness training, we recommend that you use positive condition when introducing the life jacket to your kitty.
#CAT WATER PULL HOW TO#
How to Encourage Your Cat to Wear a Life Jacket While they may not look the best in photos, our suggestion is that you purchase a life jacket with florescent colours like yellow, green, orange or pink. While these may seem bulky, they are very helpful for your kitty.Ī brightly coloured life jacket or vest will help ensure that you can see your kitty if they do fall in the water. Many pet life jackets have a neck float, which helps keep your cat’s head above water. It is also important to ensure that the straps are easy to use. Ensure that all straps can be secured while your cat is wearing the life jacket.
While straps may look ideal for life jackets, loose straps can also trip your cat.
This will help you act quickly in an emergency. We also suggest practicing pulling your cat out of the water using this handle. It is ideal to have a handle between the shoulder blades of the lifejacket so that you can easily pull you kitty to safety, if they fall in the water. While it may be tempting to purchase the bulkiest jacket as it may appear to be the most buoyant, if they are uncomfortable for your cat, they may not be the best option as your cat will not enjoy wearing them. If you can, take your cat to a brick and mortar store which stocks the life jackets and try them on in store. To help choose the right fit for your cat, ensure that you check the manufacturers sizing charts and measure your cat while they are dry. However, life jackets that are too tight may also hinder their ability to move easily. If it is too loose, your cat may slip out of it while in the water and it may hinder their ability to swim. What Should We Look For in a Life Jacket for Our Cat?Īs with harnesses, a kitty’s life jacket needs to fit well.
It will also help you retrieve your kitty from the water. However, if you and your cat are doing any sort of water sport a life jacket will ensure that your cat floats if they fall in the water or jump in while attempting to catch that birdy. As cats are very particular about what they wear, it is no surprise that many kitties may not be keen to wear a life jacket – they can feel very restrictive and even feel like a strait jacket.
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