The 10 Best Cat Harnesses

Reviews

Reflective Travel Cat Harness and Leash

What We Like

• Very difficult for cats to escape
• Not required to be placed on the cat’s head
• There are several methods to change the size.

What We Do Not Enjoy

• Not all cats are comfortable with vest-style harnesses.

The Travel Cat Reflective Harness tops our ranking because it combines a secure, adjustable fit with feline comfort and additional safety features. Jackson Galaxy, a specialist in cat behavior, suggests this vest-style cat harness (and is one of the products he sells on his site).

It is available in four sizes, each of which can be modified to fit your cat’s body using the straps and Velcro fastening. The harness fits over the cat’s front legs and fastens at the shoulders, making it simple to put on and suitable for cats that dislike having items placed over their heads.

It contains a reflective strip that allows you to see your cat in low light conditions. It is constructed of breathable mesh, is available in many color options, and includes a 3.9-foot leash.

 

Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash Set by Rabbitgoo

What We Like

• Comfortable fabric
• Numerous options to alter the fit
• Reflective bands
• The included leash

What we Do Not Enjoy

• Not all cats will tolerate an over-the-head harness.

Even if you do not intend to take your cat on frequent walks, it is a good idea to keep a collar and leash on available in case your cat has to be out of its kennel during travel.

Another vest-style harness, we prefer this one since it combines a sturdy build with comfort-enhancing elements. This comprises chest and back sections manufactured from permeable mesh that disperse pressure.

The rear panel features a robust D-ring where the provided leash may be attached. Reflective stripes aid in cat’s nighttime visibility, while reinforced stitching ensures durability. The vest is available in two sizes and 10 color options.

 

PUPTECK Cat Harness Nylon Strap Collar Adjustable with Leash

What We Like

• Low cost
• Both the neck and chest straps have clips.
• The included leash

What We Do Not Enjoy

• just one size is offered.
• H-shaped leashes may make it simpler for cats to escape.

If you just require a harness for occasional excursions to the vet or to the airport, a low-cost harness may be your best option. The H-style PupTeck Adjustable Cat Harness is quite inexpensive, however cats may more easily escape from this design.

It is made of nylon and includes two adjustable straps with buckles to accommodate your cat’s unique body proportions. You may choose from a selection of vibrant hues.

The PupTeck is simple to use, however it is only available in one size, so it may not be suited for cats who are larger than typical. As an entry-level harness, it might be used to gauge your cat’s enthusiasm and train them to begin exploring the outdoors.

 

The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness Vest

What We Like

• Single clasp is user-friendly.
• Reflective bands
• Extra small sizes

What We Do Not Enjoy

• fewer options for adjusting the size

If you want your kitten to become accustomed to a harness at an early age, this somewhat updated version of the Rabbitgoo harness (our vote for Best Travel) is easy to put on, allowing you to swiftly place a wriggling kitten inside. The small size is appropriate for cats with a chest circumference between 9 and 12 inches.

It lacks many adjustment points, so you will certainly need to purchase a new harness when your cat outgrows this one; however, larger sizes are available if you choose the same style. The step-in type vest is difficult for cats to escape, and the mesh fabric reduces the likelihood of overheating.

 

Kitty Holster Cat Harness

What We Like

• Simple to clean
• Hard for cats to escape.
• Four sizes available

What We Do Not Connect

• Does not include a leash.
• Not every cat will accept this sort of harness.

The Kitty Holster is well-liked by both cat professionals and cat owners. This is a harness in the form of a jacket, which are the most difficult for cats to escape, but not all cats can endure having so much of their body covered.

However, they are effective in distributing pressure around a cat’s body in the event that it pulls on the leash. This harness is available in four sizes and secures using Velcro, which may also be used to alter the size to some extent. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns and has a comfortable inside.

 

Yizhi Miaow

What We Like

• Hard for cats to escape.
• Four sizes available
• Includes a matching leash

What We Do Not Enjoy

• Not every cat will accept this sort of harness.

This adorable cat harness combines the safety of a jacket design with adorable designs and lace accents. There are XS, XS, S, M, L, and XL sizes available. There are several other patterns available, including plaid, polka dots, camouflage, and a sailor-style vest for those who prefer a nautical motif.

Each model includes a matching leash, and the harness features two different D-rings for attaching the leash, allowing you to choose the position that works best for you and your cat. It secures with Velcro.

 

Hipet Cat Strap

What We Like

• Simple to put on
• Includes a leash

What We Do Not Enjoy

• Not every cat will accept this sort of harness.

If you’re searching for a harness that closes with Velcro (also known as hook and loop) for a cat that doesn’t like the full jacket-style harness, this choice from Hipet will cover a smaller portion of the cat’s body

The two hook-and-loop straps allow you to change the fit, but be sure to ensure that the fit is not too large every time you use it; otherwise, your cat may be able to escape.

The harness is available in four sizes and four vibrant patterns with matching leashes. It is constructed from breathable mesh and features two D-rings for attaching the leash.

 

PetSafe Accompany Me Cat Bungee Harness and Bungee Leash

What We Like

• Included leash with bungee
• Simple to put on
• Multiple points for adjustment

What We Do Not Enjoy

• No reflective feature

The matching leash for the Come With Me Kitty H-Style harness from PetSafe offers a unique bungee construction that spans from 4 to 6 feet to allow cats a bit more mobility while still keeping them safe. Adjustable points around the sternum and belly for a more customized fit as your cat gains or loses weight.

The harness is very simple to put on, since the cat’s head just slides through a tiny loop with snap closures on each side of the body. Customers rank it favorably for its ease of use and high acceptance rate among cats that do not tolerate a vest-style harness.

Conclusion

For the best cat harnesses, The Travel Cat Reflective Cat Harness and Leash is BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) top recommendation. We also appreciate the rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash since it is difficult for cats to escape.

Buyer's Guide

Fit

According to cat behavior expert Jackson Galaxy, the most crucial aspect of cat harnesses is a snug fit to prevent your cat from escaping. “Many harness manufacturers will ask you to measure your cat’s chest and neck.” “He claims. “Consider this seriously.”

A harness that fits properly should not hinder a cat’s mobility, particularly their ability to swivel their head. Similar to a collar, you should be able to fit two fingers (but no more) between the cat’s body and the harness.

Numerous harnesses have adjustable straps for a more precise fit.

Style

There are three primary types of cat harnesses available: figure eight, vests, and jackets.

Figure eight harnesses are the lightest and easiest for cats to escape from, however cats who loathe wearing anything on their backs may be more tolerant of them. Galaxy suggests coats and vests over figure eight designs.

Vests cover the cat’s back and shoulders more extensively and are often constructed of breathable fabrics. It is far more difficult for cats to flee.

The finest jacket-style harnesses cover the cat’s back most and are the most difficult to escape from. Nevertheless, some cats do not accept this style well. “I try to avoid the abdomen,” says Galaxy, adding that he would avoid placing a cat in a harness that extends from the neck to the crotch.

“You must consider what your cat may or may not enjoy, and you may need to engage in some trial and error,” adds Galaxy.

Closures

Different closure places will be more comfortable for certain felines. Consider their personality and what they may be able to accept best.

Additionally, some cats have an intolerance to the sound that Velcro produces, and in some circumstances it has been known to cause seizures.

If this is your pet, you should avoid harnesses with these closures.

FAQs

How is a cat measured for a harness?

To establish the proper harness size for your cat, you must take two measurements: the neck circumference and the chest girth. Using a flexible measuring tape (the type used by tailors), obtain these two body measures of the cat.

Measure the chest circumference of the cat just behind the front legs. If you have a really fluffy cat, you should press its hair lightly. Then, compare these measurements to the manufacturer’s size guide to determine whether there are any further sizing recommendations for their product.

How do you acclimate a cat to a harness?

It takes a great deal of patience to acclimate a cat to a harness, so introduce it gradually in a quiet and comfortable setting. Galaxy suggests creating a strong, positive relationship between the harness and the reward. He suggests selecting a unique reward to utilize exclusively during training.

Put on the harness and adjust the fit to begin. “It is acceptable for them to fall over on their side or back out of it,” he explains. “Try to leave it on for at least five minutes before removing it and giving them their reward.” Do not first attach the leash. It’s an additional source of weight and a strange sensation on their back.

In subsequent sessions, gradually extend the amount of time your cat wears the harness. Galaxy states, “the second step is taking a step.”

“You want them to start experiencing it and walking in this thing. The second time you utilize your goodie.” Introduce the leash after your cat is comfortable wearing the harness by itself.

Once your cat is comfortable wearing the collar and leash while wandering around the house, you are ready to step out into the world.

Galaxy emphasizes the importance of remembering that not all cats can go outside. If your cat becomes accustomed to the collar and leash, but seems frightened or distressed while outdoors, you should not force it. Check out his video for more of Galaxy’s tips on assessing if outside walks are appropriate for your cat.

Can a cat wear a dog’s harness?

Yes, some cat owners have had success with harnesses designed for tiny dogs. Jackson Galaxy said, “I have a cat that is larger than a dog, and one of the dog jackets suits her better.” But you must be really cautious.

“If they can get a leg out, it’s not even an issue of them escaping; it’s a problem of them harming themselves if they panic,” he says of cats.