Cat harnesses have increased in popularity in recent years. Not every indoor cat has the luxury of a garden, and even those that do often aren't allowed outside if they have a tendency to escape! A safe way to take your indoor cat outdoors is on a cat harness.
Taking an indoor cat outside, even with a harness, does require preparation and caution. We found that the best cat harnesses keep your cat secure, but don't restrict their movements. We liked the Escape Proof Harness from Rabbitgoo which is secure, easy to use, and comes with instructions for any owner new to cat harnesses. Read on for more of our top 10 picks and a guide to help you pick the bests one!
We looked at the best cat harnesses on the market to bring you this top 10 list. There is a wide variety of styles, so you're bound to find something suitable for your cat!
$17.49
Sizes available | 2 |
---|---|
Colors | 7 |
Type of harness | Vest |
Features | Reflective strips, 4 adjustment buckles |
$13.99
Sizes available | 1 |
---|---|
Colors | 4 |
Type of harness | H-shape |
Features | Glows in the dark, adjustable straps |
$14.99
Sizes available | 4 |
---|---|
Colors | 8 |
Type of harness | Vest |
Features | Velcro fastenings, buckle at the neck |
$24.95
Sizes available | 4 |
---|---|
Colors | 8 |
Type of harness | Vest |
Features | Velcro fastenings |
$10.99
Sizes available | 3 |
---|---|
Colors | 2 |
Type of harness | Vest |
Features | Velcro fastenings |
$12.99
Sizes available | 1 |
---|---|
Colors | 11 |
Type of harness | H-shape |
Features | Reflective strips |
$18.99
Sizes available | 5 |
---|---|
Colors | 9 |
Type of harness | Vest |
Features | Velcro fastenings, adjustable |
$14.59
Sizes available | 1 |
---|---|
Colors | 2 |
Type of harness | H-shape |
Features | 2 adjustable straps |
$15.99
Sizes available | 2 |
---|---|
Colors | 2 |
Type of harness | Vest |
Features | Seatbelt buckle, reflective strips |
$10.88
Sizes available | 5 |
---|---|
Colors | 6 |
Type of harness | Vest |
Features | Reflective strip, 2 adjustable straps |
Image | 1 ![]() rabbitgoo | 2 ![]() Scirokko | 3 ![]() Pupteck | 4 ![]() Kitty Holster | 5 ![]() Pupteck | 6 ![]() Pupteck | 7 ![]() Yizhi Miaow | 8 ![]() pidan | 9 ![]() Awoof | 10 ![]() Supet |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Cat Harness With Leash | Cat Harness and Leash Set | Mesh Cat Harness With Leash | Cat Harness | Cat Harness With Leash | Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash | Cat Walking Jacket With Leash | Cat Harness and Leash Set | Adjustable Kitten and Cat Harness With Leash | Harness and Leash Set |
Features | A Sturdy but Lightweight Vest Harness | A Glow-in-the-Dark Harness With Adjustable Straps | A Soft Harness With Strong Velcro Fastenings | More Suitable for Short-Haired Cats | Strong Velcro Fastenings and Easy to Use | Quick to Fit and Adjustable | Cute Designs With Velcro Fastenings | An H-Shape Harness That's Adjustable and Secure | Adjustable Neck Strap That Can be Buckled into a Seatbelt | Full Coverage with a Reflective Strip |
Price | $17.49 | $13.99 | $14.99 | $24.95 | $10.99 | $12.99 | $18.99 | $14.59 | $15.99 | $10.88 |
Sizes available | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
Colors | 7 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 11 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
Type of harness | Vest | H-shape | Vest | Vest | Vest | H-shape | Vest | H-shape | Vest | Vest |
Features | Reflective strips, 4 adjustment buckles | Glows in the dark, adjustable straps | Velcro fastenings, buckle at the neck | Velcro fastenings | Velcro fastenings | Reflective strips | Velcro fastenings, adjustable | 2 adjustable straps | Seatbelt buckle, reflective strips | Reflective strip, 2 adjustable straps |
Link |
Now that you've seen some of our top picks, it's time to figure out why we chose them. You should be looking out for size, adjustability, and more.
Cat harnesses come in a variety of sizes for a variety of different sized-cats. It’s very important that you measure your cat’s neck and chest size so that you can get the right-sized harness. An ill-fitting harness can cause the cat distress or result in them escaping.
For the chest, measure snugly against the fur and for the neck measure where a collar sits. You should be able to get a finger or two between the cat and the harness. You want your cat to be secure inside the harness, but the harness shouldn’t be too tight.
Some harnesses fasten with Velcro, but this is loud and can scare some cats. If you think that your cat might be scared by this, choose a harness that fastens in a different way.
The material of the harness can also be an issue. Some cats don’t like mesh, whereas others don’t like thick and stiff fabrics around them. Basically, it might be a lot of trial and error!
If you can, try other items made of similar materials with your cat to see if they react badly to a type of material before buying a harness.
Cat harnesses come in a few standard styles. The first is a step-in harness. The cat steps into the harness and it’s then fastened around them. This avoids putting anything over their head, which can be traumatic for some cats.
Next is a vest-style harness. This is the most secure type, but can be bulky and too restrictive for some cats. If your cat is an escape artist or likely to try and run away, this is the most secure. It can also make some cats feel more safe and soothe their anxiety.
The third is an H-style harness. It consists of straps that form an H-shape and wrap around the cat's neck and chest. The thin straps of this style can make the cat feel like they’re being squeezed and isn’t for every cat. If you have a cat that likes to run away a lot, this probably wouldn’t hold them in!
It is very important to get your cat used to their harness before taking them outside with it. Although you can buy a harness that limits the chance of your cat escaping, if they get spooked and don't feel comfortable in the harness there is always the chance that they could. Following these simple steps will reduce that risk.
Introduce the cat to the harness at home and from a distance. Leave it near the cat’s food to form positive links. When the cat becomes used to the harness being around, you can bring it closer. With the cat on your lap, bring the harness over and drape it over the cat. If you’re able, put the harness on.
Then, move on to the cat wearing the harness around the house. It's not unusual for cats to be a little dramatic about wearing a harness, so don't be fooled if the cat instantly falls over or acts like it can't move! Once the cat is used to wearing the harness indoors, you will be able to take the cat outside.
This process can take days or even weeks depending on your cat. Remember to give your cat treats throughout this for positive reinforcement, and not to force them to do something they don't want to.
You can never have too many toys or gifts for your cat, so here's a few more your feline friend will love!
The most important thing to remember when buying a cat harness for your beloved pet is to make sure your cat feels comfortable at all times. Your chances of success with a harness will greatly increase if the cat feels secure and happy while wearing the harness and it will stop them trying to escape!
Whatever cat harness is best for your furry friend, we hope you have many fun-filled days outside together!
Author: Kellie Lacey
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications