It’s a terrific idea to teach your cat to wear a leash so you can let them enjoy the outdoors without worrying that they’ll run off or get lost. You’ll need a harness for any leash activities because cats should never have leashes attached to their collars for safety reasons (cats can quickly wriggle out of collars).
We talked to Jackson Galaxy, a cat specialist and the host of the Animal Planet program “My Cat From Hell,” about the qualities to look for in a cat harness in order to guide our research on cat harnesses. “There are supporters of numerous different kinds of harnesses. The ones that cover the top of the cat’s chest and are more like vests are the ones I prefer.” Although vests or jackets are the safest options, some cats will only put up with H-style harnesses, often known as figure-eight types, which have fewer straps and loops.
We looked at dozens of harness possibilities to come up with this list, but you need also think about what kind of harness your particular cat will endure. The top cat harnesses are listed here.
Best Overall: Travel Cat Reflective Cat Harness and Leash
What We Like
- Very hard for cats to slip out of
- Doesn’t need to be put over the cat’s head
- Several ways to adjust the size
What We Don’t Like
- Not all cats tolerate vest-style harnesses
Our best pick, the Travel Cat Reflective Harness, mixes a safe, adjustable fit with feline comfort and additional safety features. Jackson Galaxy, a cat behavior specialist, suggests this vest-style cat harness (and is one of the products he sells on his site).
The straps and an adjustable Velcro clasp allow you to fit your cat’s body into any of the four sizes that are available. It is simple to put on and suitable for cats who don’t like having items put over their heads because the harness slips over their front legs and fastens at their shoulders. It contains a reflective strip that makes it easier to see your cat in dim light. It has a matching 3.9-foot leash and is constructed of breathable mesh that comes in a variety of colors.
Price at time of publish: $29.99
Closure Type:Buckle | Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large | Colors: Black, Grey, Orange, Red, Cash Print, Groovy Print | Reflective: Yes | Leash Included: Yes
Best for Travel: Rabbitgoo Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash Set
What We Like
- Comfortable fabric
- Many ways to adjust the fit
- Reflective strips
- Leash included
What we Don’t Like
- Not all cats allow a harness that slips over their head
Even if you don’t intend to regularly walk your cat, having a collar and leash on hand can be a smart idea in case you need to transport your cat somewhere without a box. We appreciate this selection because it combines sturdy construction with features to keep cats comfy. It is another vest-style harness. This features pressure-distributing chest and back sections made of breathable mesh. A sturdy D-ring is located on the back panel, where you may attach the provided leash. Reflective strips make kitten more noticeable at night, and the stronger stitching should let it survive for a very long time. The vest is offered in 10 different colors and two different sizes.
Price at time of publish: $17.98
Closure Type:Clip | Sizes: X-Small, Small | Colors: Black, Emerald, Grass Green, Grey, Light Blue, Light Purple, Navy Blue, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Orange, Red, Rose Red | Reflective: No | Leash Included: Yes
Best Budget: PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness Collar with Leash
What We Like
- Low price
- Clips on both the neck and chest strap
- Leash included
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in one size
- H-style harnesses can be easier for cats to escape
A less expensive harness can be a better choice if you only sometimes take your dog to the vet or the airport. Although the H-style PupTeck Adjustable Cat Harness is incredibly cheap, cats can more easily get out of it. It is composed of nylon and includes two straps with buckles that can each be adjusted to fit the body dimensions of your cat. You can choose from a wide range of vibrant hues.
The PupTeck is simple to use, but since it only comes in one size, larger-than-average cats might not be able to utilize it. It could be used as a trial harness to gauge your cat’s interest in exploring the outdoors and to assist in training them to do so.
Price at time of publish: $12.99
Closure Type:Buckle | Sizes: One Size Adjustable | Colors: Black, Colorful, Orange, Pink | Reflective: No | Leash Included: Yes
Best for Kittens: Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash Set
What We Like
- Single clasp is easy to use
- Reflective strips
- Extra small sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Fewer ways to adjust the size
This somewhat updated version of the Rabbitgoo harness (our choice for Best Travel) is simple to put on, so you can slip a wriggly kitten into it fast if you want your kitten to begin getting used to a harness at an early age. Cats with a 9 to 12 inch chest girth should wear the small size. There are larger sizes available if you want the same design, but since there aren’t many adjustment points, you’ll probably need to buy another harness when your cat ultimately outgrows this one. The step-in type vest is challenging for cats to get out of, and the mesh fabric’s breathable construction means it won’t get too hot.
Price at time of publish: $14.98
Closure Type:Buckle | Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Colors: Black, Blue, Bright Yellow, Forest Green, Grey, Lemon Yellow, Light Blue, Olive Green, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple | Reflective: Yes | Leash Included: Yes
Best Escape-Proof: Kitty Holster Cat Harness
What We Like
- Easy to clean
- Hard for cats to wriggle out
- Four sizes available
What We Don’t Link
- Doesn’t come with leash
- Not all cats tolerate this style of harness
Both cat specialists and cat owners love the Kitty Holster. The toughest to escape from for cats is a jacket-style harness, although not all cats can stand having so much of their bodies covered. In the event that a cat pulls on the leash, they are effective at evenly distributing pressure across the animal’s body. There are four sizes of this harness, which fastens with Velcro and can also be used to partially alter the size. It also has a plush lining and is available in a variety of colors and designs.
Price at time of publish: $27.15
Closure Type:Pull On | Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Colors: Black, Purple, Green, Tiger Print, Red Bandana, Grey, Denim, Butterfly Camo Print, Blooming Gold Print | Reflective: No | Leash Included: No
Cutest Style: Yizhi Miaow Cat Harness and Leash
What We Like
- Hard for cats to wriggle out
- Four sizes available
- Comes with matching leash
What We Don’t Like
- Not all cats tolerate this style of harness
This adorable cat harness mixes adorable designs and lace trims with the security of a jacket style. It comes in sizes XS, XS, S, M, L, and XL. Plaid, polka dots, camo, and a sailor-style vest are just a few of the numerous designs that are offered. Each design includes a matching leash, and there are two different D-rings on the harness so you may choose the position that is most comfortable for you and your cat. It has Velcro for closure.
Price at time of publish: $16.99
Closure Type:Hook and Loop | Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Colors: Black Plaid, Blue Camo, Blue Plaid, Camo, Grey Camo, Pink Plaid, Polka Dot Black, Polka Dot Blue, Polka Dot Pink, Sailor Suit Red, Sailor Suit Navy | Reflective: No | Leash Included: Yes
Best Velcro: Hipet Velcro Cat Harness and Leash
What We Like
- Easy to put on
- Comes with leash
What We Don’t Like
- Not all cats tolerate this style of harness
This alternative from Hipet will cover a little less of the cat’s body if you’re searching for a harness that employs Velcro (also known as hook and loop) to close for a cat that won’t tolerate the full jacket-style harness. You can change the fit using the two hook and loop straps, but every time you use them, make sure the fit isn’t too loose or your cat can try to escape. With matching leashes and four sizes, the harness is available in four vibrant designs. It is constructed of breathable mesh and includes two D-rings to which the leash can be attached.
Price at time of publish: $12.99
Closure Type:Hook and Loop | Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Colors: Blue, Dark Green, Gold, Florescent Green, Pink | Reflective: Yes | Leash Included: Yes
Best for Large Cats: Rose and Bramble Shop Escape Proof Cat Harness
What We Like
- Custom made to fit
- Easy to put on
- Available in a lot of colors and prints
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with leash
Even though there are many of harnesses available in large and x-large sizes, some owners of larger breed cats still struggle to locate accessories that will suit them. Jackson Galaxy suggests looking for a specially constructed cat leash before using a dog harness.
We like this one from RoseandBrambleShop on Etsy. Each harness features hook and loop fasteners and is created specifically to match your big cat’s measurements. You might want to look around the store to discover the pattern you like most because they come in a variety of prints, from large graphic motifs to small florals.
Price at time of publish: $23.92
Closure Type:Hook and Loop| Sizes: Small, Medium, Large| Colors: Multiple | Reflective: No | Leash Included: Yes
Buyers Also Like: PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Nylon Cat Harness & Bungee Leash
What We Like
- Leash included with bungee
- Easy to put on
- Multiple points for adjustment
What We Don’t Like
- No reflective component
With a special bungee construction that stretches from 4 feet to 6 feet, the matching leash for PetSafe’s Come With Me Kitty H-Style harness allows cats to have a little bit more freedom while remaining safe. The suit is available in a range of hues and sizes, and movable points along the belly and sternum allow for a more personalized fit that can change as your cat gains or loses weight. By inserting your cat’s head through a little loop with snap closures along each side of the body, you can put the harness on them easily as well. Customers give it good marks for being simple to use and for having a high acceptance rate from cats who don’t tolerate a vest-style harness.
Price at time of publish: $16.95
Closure Type:Snap | Sizes: Small, Medium, Large| Colors: Black, Purple, Dusty Rose, Red, Navy Blue, Blue Glitter | Reflective: No | Leash Included: Yes
Final Verdict
The Travel Cat Reflective Cat Harness and Leash is our top recommendation for a cat harness. We also appreciate the Kitty Holster Cat Harness because it will be difficult for cats to escape from it.
What to Look for in a Cat Harness
Fit
According to cat behavior expert Jackson Galaxy, a suitable fit is crucial for cat harnesses so your cat can’t wriggle out of it. Many harness manufacturers will request that you measure your cat’s chest and neck, he adds. Think about that really.
A cat’s ability to turn their head should not be restricted in any way by a properly fitted harness. Similar to a collar, the harness should allow you to fit two fingers (but no more) between it and your cat’s body. To get an even better fit, several harnesses incorporate adjustable straps.
Style
Cat harnesses come in three primary varieties: figure eight, vests, and jackets. Cats that really detest having anything on their backs may handle figure eight harnesses better despite the fact that they are the lightest and easiest for cats to escape from. Vests and coats are preferred by Galaxy over figure-eight fashions.
Vests typically come in breathable materials and cover more of the cat’s back and shoulders. Cats have a much tougher time escaping from them. The best jacket-style harnesses are the most difficult to escape from and cover the majority of the cat’s back. Some cats, nevertheless, truly don’t like this look. Galaxy says, “I try to keep away from the belly,” and adds that he wouldn’t strap a cat into a collar that went all the way down to the groin.
According to Galaxy, “You have to consider what your cat may or may not go for, and you may have to do a little bit of trial and error.”
Closures
Different closure places will be more comfortable for various cats. You should consider their temperament and what they could be able to endure the best. Additionally, some cats dislike the sound Velcro produces, and in some circumstances, it has even been known to cause seizures. You should stay away from leashes that employ this type of closure if that is your pet.
FAQ
How do you measure a cat for a harness?
You must use your cat’s neck circumference and chest girth measures to establish the appropriate harness size. Take these two measurements in relation to the cat’s body using a flexible measuring tape (the kind a tailor would use). Right behind the front legs, gauge the cat’s chest circumference. You should gently press the fur of your cat if it is very fluffy. Then, compare these figures to the manufacturer’s size chart to see if they have any extra sizing advice tailored to their product.
How do you get a cat used to a harness?
It takes a lot of time to break a cat in to a harness, so do it gradually in a relaxed setting. According to Galaxy, you want to create a strong, favorable association between the harness and the reward. He suggests selecting a special reward to utilize solely during training. Put on the harness first, then make the necessary fit adjustments. It’s acceptable for them to back out of it or fall over on their side, he explains. Before you take it off and give them their reward, try to leave it on them for at least five minutes. At first, don’t fasten the leash. “It’s another source of weight, and their back feels odd again.”
Increase the time your cat wears the harness gradually throughout your subsequent sessions. The next phase, according to Galaxy, is to go forward. “You want them to begin experiencing it and the sensation of walking in this thing. You should then use your treat once again.” Introduce the leash indoors once your cat is comfortable using the harness by itself. You’re prepared to go outside once your cat feels at ease using the collar and leash while moving around the house.
Galaxy emphasizes how crucial it is to remember that not every cat is suitable for going outside. Don’t push it if your cat becomes accustomed to the collar and leash but becomes frightened or distressed once outside due to the cold. Check out Galaxy’s video on the issue for more information on how to decide whether taking your cat for walks outside is a good idea.
Can you put a dog harness on a cat?
The use of harnesses designed for small dogs on cats works well for some cat owners. Jackson Galaxy explains, “I have a cat that is bigger than a dog, and one of the dog vests fits her better.” But you need to exercise extreme caution. Dog harnesses, he continues, may feature wider openings for the legs than cat-specific models: “If they can get a leg out, it’s not even an issue of them escaping, it’s a matter of them killing themselves if they flip out.”
