Best Cat Harness: 10 Best Harnesses for Cats Review

Cats do not require daily walks. But sometimes, you want to show your pet the outside world in hot and sunny weather. Cats are curious, and since they are interested in everything new and unusual, a short walk on the street is an excellent opportunity to become even better acquainted with the surrounding nature.

Cats are very active animals, and sometimes they need regular walks in the fresh air, and most are also not opposed to frolicking in the green grass. However, if you live in an apartment and do not have the opportunity to let the animal out on the street, this can be an issue. Thus, walking a cat on a leash is a great way to safely allow it outside for some exercise. However, for such walks, you must use a special harness that will both prevent your furry friend from getting lost outdoors and provide protection.

Kittens are the easiest to teach to walk in a harness because everything is new and exciting to them. They perceive each walk as a fun game. Adult animals can also be trained to walk with special harnesses, but to get the perfect walk, you must give your pet a lot of patience and attention. A great harness can prevent your furry pet from running away during the first walk, as well as make it as safe as possible for the entire time during which you will walk.^[2]

The 10 Best Harnesses for Cats Reviews

We’ve reviewed dozens of products based on factors such as size, material quality, and ratings to find the best, highest quality, and safest one on any budget.

1. PetSafe Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash

This model is designed specifically for cats. The lightweight nylon strap is easily adjustable and is sold complete with a leash. This model is designed to make your cat feel comfortable. The belt fits snugly, but nervous and evasive cats can get out of the leash.

Key benefits:

• Comes with a bungee leash.
• Double adjustment for a perfect fit.
• Designed specifically for cats.
• Great for daily walks.

2. Eagloo Cat Harness Escape Proof Soft Mesh Harness

This harness is made from a lightweight, soft, breathable fabric with an air mesh. Thanks to its elasticity, the product helps effectively prevent injuries, providing additional comfort and protection.

This vest is not bulky and will not constrain your pet’s movements or overheat your favorite pet.

Key benefits:

• Made breathable fabric with an air mesh.
• Prevents suffocation or injury.
• Reflective belts ensure safety.

3. PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness Nylon Strap Collar with Leash

The product provides the same comfort and safety, but it is also cheap. The harness is made of nylon and has two belts with buckles that can be individually adjusted to adapt to unique body size. You can choose from a variety of bright colors.

Key benefits:

• Nylon leash and harness for your pet weighing up to 12 pounds.
• The size is adjustable.

4. Dexil Luxury Cat Harness Padded and Water Resistant

This comfortable harness is specially designed for cats. With this harness, you can walk pet and not be afraid that it will run away.

This model is equipped with an additional D ring on the front panel for comfortable use. Chemical and strength tests are certified for retail use. 

Key benefits:

• The harness body features wide straps that won’t put uncomfortable pressure on body.
• Lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for all seasons.
• Extra front D ring for no pull option.

Best Harnesses and Leashes

1. Bond & Co. Donut-Print Hooded Cat Harness and Leash Set

This high-quality harness with a donut print hood is sure to attract the attention of passers-by. This model is available in several prints. Sold complete with a leash and a fabric hood that protects ears.

This model is attached with Velcro, so you need to make sure that your family friend is securely fastened before you go for a walk.

Key benefits:

• Soft, breathable mesh construction makes it perfect for all weather.
• Reliable fasteners with buckles, hooks and loops.
• Distributes pressure across chest with minimal pressure points.

2. Good2Go Black Big Cat Harness and Leash Set

Soft, breathable technology vest with mesh supports the pet’s posture. A webbed nylon leash and two adjustable safety belts help your cat feel safe.

Extremely popular among outdoor cat walkers, this lightweight harness offers a winning combination of soft, lightweight, mesh construction.

Key benefits:

• Designed for large cats.
• Black mesh with soft lining for comfort.
• Includes a matching nylon leash with metal swivel snaps that easily attaches to the harness’s D-ring.

3. Good2Go Teal Cat Harness and Leash Set

This model is equipped with a lightweight, breathable vest made of technological mesh, which helps pets feel comfortable while maintaining their posture.

The webbed, nylon leash easily attaches to the D-shaped belt for added safety and protection.

Key benefits:

• Made of soft, technological mesh.
• Adjustable seat belt buckle.
• Includes a matching nylon leash with webbing for easy attachment.

Bests for Kittens

1. Kitty Holster Cat Harness

Even cats that hate other harnesses will love this light and comfortable model. Made of 100% breathable cotton with a washable, unpainted cotton lining, especially good for pets with allergies.

Key benefits:

• Easy to put on.
• Soft and made of 100% breathable cotton.
• Does not overheat the pet.
• Machine washable.

2. Comfort Soft Mesh Cat Harness

A high-quality, lightweight harness made of breathable mesh and durable nylon will help your pet stay safe.

The design distributes leash pressure evenly over the chest and shoulders to prevent neck strain or discomfort.

Key benefits:

• Made of high-quality, lightweight material.
• Thanks to the breathable mesh, the pet does not overheat.
• Evenly distributes pressure from the leash.
• Adjustable size.

3. Red Dingo Classic Nylon Cat Harness & Leash

Walk your furry friend outside safely in a versatile, good-looking belt and lead ensemble.

The tether is fully adjustable, allowing it to fit snugly. The side release clips have been redesigned, so they don’t release when pulled.

Key benefits:

• Reliable clips for safety.
• Adjustable sizes for a perfect fit.

Buyer’s Guide

However, we must not forget that a walk with a cat will be radically different from a similar walk with a dog, because at a time when the owner himself can guide the dog along the desired route, the cat will independently choose the route of the walk and the owner will not be able to manage it.

During the walk, it is desirable that the cat wear a specially made collar with a small plate attached to it, which provides information about the cat so that, if lost, it may be returned to the owner.

It is necessary to know that because the neck of a cat is much more tender than that of a dog, the muscles are quite weak. Thus, the best option is to attach the leash not to the collar itself, but to a harness. Thanks to this comfortable invention, each owner has an excellent opportunity to spend a lot of time with their pet outside and avoid injury to the animal if it decides to make a strong leap forward.

One of the most common types of harnesses for cats has a removable leash. Using such a harness, or vest is much safer and more reliable because the animal will not harm itself, escape, or get out of it. This type of walking gear is designed for the colder seasons. In the summer, it will be too warm and uncomfortable for your cat. Quiet for cats can be purchased in a collar with a leash, but this accessory is, in any case, should not choke the animal or feel free to hang out.

It’s harder to teach an adult cat to walk on a leash as they do not like even the smallest restriction of freedom. The ability to walk on a harness can be useful, not only during a day or evening walk with your furry pet, but also, for example, during visits to the veterinarian, on public transport, and at a cat show. ^[1]

It is best to familiarize your cat with the harness and leash at home. To do this, leave the harness where your cat sleeps so that the cat can get used to the smell and appearance of the accessory and not be afraid of it. After you see that your pet is no longer afraid of the harnesses and is used to its appearance, you can try to put it in a harness and leave it on for some time at home.

READ MORE: Do Cats Get Bored?

If your pet treats the harness favorably right off the bat, great! However, if it begins to express dissatisfaction, anxiety and even aggression, then you need to try to distract the animal.

Try to instill a positive experience in the cat by associating it with something it likes that is pleasant. To do this, you can try to put on a harness just before feeding the animal or before games and petting. Then your pet will be able to work out, on a subconscious level, that if the owner puts a leash on it, it means that something very pleasant is sure to follow.

After complete and unconditional habituation to wearing the harness itself, your pet is ready to go for a walk. The very first walk should be indoors, through each room, and it is important not to pull the leash but to allow the animal to choose the route of the walk itself.

If the first walk through the rooms is successful, you can take the cat outside for a walk. The continuation of a close acquaintance with the leash should take place in a fairly quiet and secluded place, where the cat’s first experience won’t be spoiled by many people, dogs, or the sound of traffic. If you need to take your pet someplace too far for it to walk, transport it in a carrier but put the harness and leash on in advance.

READ MORE: Best Cats Backpacks

Features to Consider before Choosing

A cat harness should be primarily convenient for your pet, and there are several main factors to consider: 

The durability of materials

A good harness for cats must be made of high-quality, durable materials that will not tear or fall apart at slightest movement. When purchasing, examine the harness seams, as well as all individual fasteners, to make sure they can withstand the tension.

Size

Changing the size is one of the most important aspects of choosing the best one. When walking, the belt should fit snugly around the pet’s body and not allow it to escape. It would be best if you also made sure that the harness is not too narrow and uncomfortable. You should be able to put one finger between neck and its belt. If more than one finger is inserted, the tourniquet is too loose. If you can’t fit one finger, the tourniquet is too tight.

Style

There are two main types of these products the classic “H” shape or the jacket style. Each has its own advantages. The “H” style has a neck strap and another belly strap. This type of collar can be adjusted and is easy and simple to put on your pet. The vest style is usually made of a mesh or other breathable material and is fastened around the chest, like a vest, and fastens at the back or on the chest. The leash of this style holds the cat more tightly and will not allow it to escape. 

Compatible with the leash

Some harnesses are already equipped with a leash, while others will require you to purchase a leash separately. Be sure that the harness you choose comes with an O-ring or other type of device that allows you to attach the leash.

Security features

Some harnesses are equipped with protective devices, such as a reflective tape or bell, which will allow you to find your pet if it escapes easily.^[3]

Types

1. Strap

Strap harnesses are usually made of nylon, which is very light and tends not to restrict the movements. On the other hand, it would be easier to slip out of it.

The most popular types of strap harnesses:

• Harness in the H style
• Figure 8 harness

This type of harness is best suited for the following types:

• Old cat
• Trained
• Calm

2. Vest/Holster/Jacket

Vest-type harnesses usually provide greater security because they hold the cat better. Although this does not 100% protect against escape, it restricts the cat a bit more, allowing you time secure your furry friend. On the other hand, more material can restrict the movements and make it feel more uncomfortable.^[4]

Vest type harnesses are best suited for the following types: 

• Young cats
• Rescue
• Nervous

READ MORE: How Much Exercise Does a Cat Need?

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. MacAlpine, All. “Fettered Felines: Take Your Cat for a Walk Outside.” The Humane Society of the United States, humanesociety.org/resources/fettered-felines-take-your-cat-walk-outside.
2. Reichle, Janice. “Birthing and Raising Kittens.” Cat Fanciers’ Association, 1990, cfa.org/birthing-and-raising-kittens/.
3. Wise, Steven M. “Animal Rights.” Encyclopedia Britannica, britannica.com/topic/animal-rights. 
4. “Enrich Your Cat’s Life | Petfinder.” Petfinder, 24 Oct. 2017, petfinder.com/homeforeverhome/cat/enrichment/.