5 Best Cat Harnesses (2024 Reviews)

Is your cat tired of staying inside? We all want our cats to be happy and healthy. That may mean taking them outside for fresh air or exercise. Going outside with a cat can be easier said than done. Safety should be at the top of your list when it comes to your cat’s health.

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There are ways you can protect your cat’s health and safety while letting them enjoy the great outdoors by your side. Your cat should not have to be sentenced to a strict life indoors if they have an interest in being outside. A cat harness and leash are a great way of allowing your cat some fresh air and outdoor exercise. No more long days of staring out the window looking at a world that they cannot enjoy.

5 Best Cat Harnesses

1. Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking

Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Harness with Leash Set for Small Cats – Now, your indoor cat can bravely explore the outdoor world with maximum comfort and safety.

Placing a harness on your cat is not only ideal for walking, exercising, or going on a trip, but it’s also a great idea any time you’re taking your sensitive kid to an unfamiliar place, like the vet or groomer.

The harness is made of premium pet-safe materials, so your cat will wear it like a champ. All of the features are thoughtfully designed for a secured and comfortable wearing experience.

When you talk about cat harnesses, the first concern is for the safety of your cat. Mostly, the Rabbitgoo cat harness with leash gets a lot of positive feedback for being escape-proof. As with all cat harnesses, measuring your cat accurately for the proper size is important.

The harness fits comfortably and is ideal for kittens as well as adult cats. This harness is constructed of soft nylon mesh for a cool comfortable fit. The leash is also made of nylon for strength and durability.

The harness has 4 adjustable straps allowing for a correct fit for your cat. Secure closure is provided by the sturdy safety buckles that are on both sides of the harness. The harness system comes with a 5-foot nylon leash.

The leash clips to the vest-style cat harness with a metal clip. The reflective strips keep your cat visible in the dark. This is the perfect vest for pets that have never worn a cat harness in the past.

Manufacturers Specs

• Sizes Available: XS: Fits Average Cats (Chest: 13.5″-16″) and S: Fits Larger Cats (Chest: 18″ – 20″)
• Material: Nylon body and leash, plastic buckle, metal clip
• Leash Length: 60 inches

What We Like

• Easy-to-follow instructions included
• Well padded harness
• Slips on and fastens easily
• Excellent Functionality
• Reasonably Priced

What We Don’t Like

• Reports of cats escaping

Summary

Lots of 4+ star reviewers call this a great cat harness. They find it safe and sturdy when properly fitted to your cat. The rabbitgoo cat harness is a great option for keeping your cat close by and safe while walking outdoors.

2. GAUTERF Kitten Harness with Leash Set

PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Cat Door

• REFLECTIVE STRIPS and MATERIAL: Made of high quality soft mesh fabric, comfortable and breathable. The traction rope is a double-sided reflective strip effect. 360° total reflection of light enhances safety during night walks. The walk-in harness allows your pet to practice walking, Walking, hiking, training, outdoor recreation etc.
• ADJUSTABILITY: Adjustable cat and dog harness, with 2 reflective adjustable shoulder straps and 2 adjustable shoulder strap sliders, the pet harness can be adjusted according to the size of the dog and cat make it more comfortable to wear.
• DOUBLE SAFETY: extended version of the Velcro adhesive block and harness switch closure, Heightening and widening version Velcro adhesive block, portable adjustment size and adjustable slide block to make the cat difficult to escape, and is equipped with a double belt buckle that can be used to hang the pet leash. Apply to cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, etc.

Here again, we really want to look at safety first when it comes to our pets. The GAUTERF cat harness has all the necessary safety features to keep your cat secure and comfortable. This harness also includes reflective tape to keep your cat visible even in the dark.

The harness is constructed of high-quality lightweight mesh, making it breathable and comfortable. The chest strap and shoulder strap are both adjustable allowing for the proper fit for your pet. These multiple adjustment locations make it so your cat can be fitted for maximum comfort.

The plastic squeeze buckles ensure secure closure of the garment but allows for quick and easy opening with a simple squeeze of the buckle. The leash quickly clips to the harness with a metal clip.

This vest and leash is a great solution for your cat or dog. They can be bought in a color that lets people know right away if your pet is a boy or a girl.

Manufacturers Specs

• Sizes Available: XXS (fit kitten 1-2.5 Ib) to XL (Chest: 18.5″ – 21″)
• Material: High quality soft mesh, plastic buckles, metal rings and clips
• Leash Length: 47 inches

What We Like

• True to size
• Slips on and fastens easily
• Fits comfortably
• Available in 6 sizes
• Available in 14 colors
• Reasonably Priced

What We Don’t Like

• Possibility of size not being true
• Possibility of the slide adjusters on the shoulders loosening

Summary

If you are looking for quality, functionality and variety in size and color, the GAUTERF Cat Harness with Leash Set could be an excellent option for your pet.

3. Escape Proof Cat Harness with Leash

• Both chest and neck strap are soft and adjustable with Magic Tape enclosure. Measure your pet chest girth and neck girth, choose the RIGHT size for your pet, please refer to the second photo for size chart.
• Escape proof cat harness with durable and strong Magic Tape, NO more plastic buckles. Please NEVER leave your pet unattended outside.
• Padded harness is more safe than traditional leash, it will also makes your cat feel comfortable.
• Extra layer mesh underneath makes better ventilation.
• No harness is inherently 100% escape-proof. Only collar which may present a choking hazard can make it. Your cat is not a dog, he/she need to get used to the harness if he/she never wear harnesses or garments. You need to learn how to control the leash. Watch video online on Amazon will help you.

If you are looking for the best cat harness no escape, this cat harness with leash can work. This vest is constructed with a chest and neck strap. Both the chest and neck strap are soft and adjustable with a Magic Tape (no buckles) enclosure.

This harness is padded making it safer and more comfortable than a traditional leash. This vest is constructed with an extra layer of mesh for added ventilation.

If you are looking for a cat vest to “dress your cat up”, this is a great option. It comes in fabric patterns from polka dots to camo.

Manufacturers Specs

• Sizes Available: XS 2-4LBS to XL >11LBS
• Material: High quality soft mesh, Velcro, metal rings and clips
• Leash Length: Not listed

What We Like

• Sturdy construction
• Velcro for easy on and off
• Fits snug and secure
• Available in 5 sizes
• Available in 9 colors
• Reasonably Priced

What We Don’t Like

• Possibility of size running small
• Some reports of cats escaping
• No return/refund policy

Summary

Quality, functionality and style make this vest a fan favorite. The Escape Proof Cat Harness with Leash could be an option for your cat.

4. Voyager Step-in Air Cat Harness

• ALL WEATHER MESH: Made with a soft, breathable air mesh, this lightweight pet harness is perfect for walks all year round.
• REFLECTIVE BANDS: Two reflective bands on the sides of this harness enhance your pet’s visibility for those early morning and late evening strolls.
• THREE SAFETY FEATURES: Our hook and loop fastener, buckle and double D-rings work together protect your pet in three layers of security.
• STEP IN, CLIP & GO. Step into your next walk in this simple and easy-to-wear vest harness.

This vest may not be a good fit for a kitten, but it is a snug and secure choice for your adult cat. Make sure you measure your cat for proper fit.

This vest is constructed with soft breathable mesh making it perfect for walks all year round. It is completed with reflective tape to allow your cat to be seen in darker environments.

This vest is a step-in style and has 3 layers of security to keep your pet protected during every walk. Your pet can step out in style in one of these 23 colors.

Manufacturers Specs

• Sizes Available: XXXS (Chest: 9.5 – 10.5″) and XXS (Chest: 10.5 – 13)
• Material: Soft breathable air mesh, metal rings and plastic buckle
• Leash Length: Not Included

What We Like

• Lightweight mesh construction
• Step-in style for easy on and off
• Fits snug and secure
• Available in 2 sizes
• Available in 23 colors
• Reasonably Priced

What We Don’t Like

• Not available for small cats
• Possibly not true to size
• Buckle may be difficult to open

Summary

Overall, the Voyager Step-in Air Cat Harness gets high reviews and works for both cats and dogs. It is available in a variety of colors so your cat can walk in style.

5. PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness

• Quality and performance driven products for your pet
• Tested for safety and health
• Provide a better quality of living for your pet with Petsafe
• Age Range Description: All Life Stages
• Nylon harness and bungee leash for small cats or kittens
• Sternum slide adjusts to ensure a perfect fit
• Safe restraint with no pressure on the delicate throat area
• 4-foot bungee leash stretches to 6 feet for gentle “give” when walking
• Fits cats with 9-11 inch girth; limited lifetime warranty against defects

Not sure your cat will wear a vest or fabric harness? The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash can be the perfect solution.

This harness consists of nylon straps and metal and plastic rings and buckles. The custom design of this harness creates a safe and snug fit for your cat with several adjustment points.

One of the best features of this system is the bungee cord leash. It gives when the cat pulls preventing sudden stops when your cat comes to the end of the leash.

This harness is designed to fit most cats and is available in several colors.

Manufacturers Specs

• Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large
• Material: Nylon straps, plastic and metal fittings
• Leash Length: 4 feet, stretches to 6 feet

What We Like

• Lightweight and well-made
• Detailed instructions included
• Snug, secure and easily adjustable
• Limited lifetime warranty against defects
• Available in 3 sizes
• Available in 6 colors
• Reasonably Priced

What We Don’t Like

• The leash is a little bit too short
• The harness may not hold adjustments

Summary

This harness has a lot of five-star reviews on Amazon along with a lot of pictures of the cats wearing their new harnesses. If your cat does not like a vest style harness, the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash.

The Complete Guide to Buying a Cat Harness

You may be wondering why you would even need a cat harness. Your cat may stay inside and have no desire to go outdoors.

On the other hand, your cat may sit in the window and watching longingly as the wind blows the leaves. Your cat may be curious about what’s on the other side of the door.

It is possible your cat may “need” to go outside. He could be going to a vet appointment and need to be on a leash to stay safe. Maybe you are going to be traveling and you would like your best friend (your cat) to accompany you as you travel.

It is possible your cat is a walker and would love to go for a walk with you. Cats can always benefit by getting fresh air, even if they just go outside on a porch or a patio. These are all reasons your cat may need a cat harness and leash.

What is a Cat Harness?

A cat harness is an apparatus that consists of straps and mesh fabric that fits around your cat’s body. It goes around their neck and back and then is connected to a leash.

Cat harnesses come in two different styles: a classic “H” style harness and a vest style garment.

The “H” style harness goes around the cat’s waist and neck to distribute the pressure evenly on the cat’s body. The vest style harness goes on similar to how a human wears a vest.

Most cat harnesses are sold as a system. They include a harness and a leash. Cat’s should not be walked with just a cat collar and a leash because of the amount of pressure it puts on their throat.

If your cat is going to be venturing into the great outdoors, a harness and leash should be part of their wardrobe.

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How to Put on a Cat Harness

We all know cats don’t like to wear things, but it is possible your cat will begin to associate their harness with going outside and learn to love it…maybe. But before they can go outside they need to wear the harness.

Here are some tips for how to put a harness on a cat. Getting your cat used to the harness is important. You may let them “check it out” before putting it on them.

Putting it next to them while they sleep can help let them know they do not need to fear their new equipment. Be very easy when you are putting the harness on the cat so that they do not become fearful when they see the harness.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting the harness on the cat. Not all harnesses are the same. If you have an “H” style cat harness, you can follow the below video.

How to Measure a Cat for a Harness

It takes 2 measurements for knowing what size harness your cat needs. You will need a cloth tape measure or a piece of string that you can measure with a ruler.

Take the measurements while your cat is standing up and make sure his fur is compressed to get the true measurement that is needed.

Take the front measurement by measuring from the shoulder blades to the breast bone and back. The back measurement is taken by measuring from the shoulder blades behind the front legs and behind the elbows. Check out the video below.

What is the Safest Harness Style?

The most important thing to keep in mind is there can be no pressure on the cats throat or neck. The quality of the harness will play a big part in the equipment’s safety.

The style you choose will depend on your cat’s “attitude” as well as what you plan to do with the cat when it is harnessed.

If walking your cat will be your most common activity with the harness, a figure 8 harness is a good option for safety.

The harness will tighten slightly as the cat pulls keep them from being able to slip out of the harness.

Features are important when it comes to outfitting the cat with a harness. The vest style harnesses with buckles and clips are the safest.

They are adjustable and will keep your cat secure. They can also provide comfort by being wrapped around the cat’s chest.

Harness Features

There are several features that you need to consider when making your cat harness choice. Harnesses can have metal, plastic and Velcro on them. They can be a strap apparatus or a vest that is constructed of lightweight mesh fabric.

And lastly, kitty harnesses can be purchased in many colors and fabric patterns. This should be secondary to the other items, but who doesn’t want their cat to show off their personality?

Comfort

For your cat to be comfortable in their harness, it is important that you buy the correct size for your cat. The material is also something to consider and you may not know until you buy a harness that your cat hates the material.

Finding the most comfortable harness for your cat may take more than one purchase to make your cat happy. When it comes to cats, their personalities are definitely NOT one size fits all.

Style

Vest style cat harness – this style of kitty harness has the most fabric and is considered the most secure type of apparatus.

But for some cats, the bulk of the vest can be a bit much. If the risk is high if your cat escapes, this style is best for avoiding escape attempts.

Step-in style cat harness – not all cats can deal with having something put over their head. This is where a harness that the cat “steps into” can be handy.

It is secured in place after the cat has stepped into it. The chance of “escape” can be greater with this style of cat harness. Be aware of the potential of any dangers if your cat would happen to escape.

H-style cat harness – this harness is the most simply designed as well as the most cost-effective. It can be as simple as straps that go in front of and behind the cats from legs. It is secured along the cat’s back with buckle or another type of closure.

The thinner straps do not appeal to all cats. Any or all of these styles of cat harnesses can work for your cat. Keep in mind the choice in style that you make will depend on your cat as well as where he is going to be wearing it.

How Can I Tell if the Cat Harness Fits Correctly

If a harness fits too tightly it could impact your cat’s breathing. On the flip side, if the harness fits too loosely, your cat could slip out of the harness and take off.

The best way to check for a proper fit is to slide two fingers between the harness and your cat’s body. If your fingers feel comfortable, you are good to go. If they feel tight, the harness is tight as well.

If your fingers can move too easily or more than 2 fingers can fit, the harness is mostly too loose and your cat could be at risk of slipping out of the harness.

How to Leash Train Your Cat

One of the biggest reasons owners buy cat harnesses and leashes is so their fur babies can enjoy the outdoors.

While you may have a cat that is content with lying in the sun, you may also have a cat that wants to see the wonders of the great outdoors.

The best way for your cat to enjoy the outside and stay safe is to learn to walk on a leash.

Follow these simple steps to teach your cat to walk on a leash. Make sure you begin with outfitting your cat with a well-fitting cat harness and a lightweight nylon or cloth lead. Now it is time to get started.

1. Get your cat used to wearing the harness and leash inside – Slowly and gently place the harness on your cat without the leash. Treats will be a great motivator during this process.

Reward the desired behavior and then remove the harness. Gradually lengthen the amount of time your cat wears the harness so they get used to it.

2. Get your cat used to walking on the least indoors (no tension) – Once your cat becomes comfortable with his new harness, attach the leash to the harness.

Follow your cat while holding the leash with no tension as he walks around. Remove the leash and harness after a short amount of time.

Repeat this process over the next few days until your cat feels comfortable and walks freely.

3. Get your cat used to leash tension indoors – Allow your cat to walk indoors with the leash dragging behind him. This will allow your cat to feel some tension on the leash and get comfortable with the feeling.

Always supervise your cat during this step and never let him out of your presence wearing a harness and leash.

4. Walk your cat indoors – dress your cat in his harness and leash and follow him as you did in step 2. After your cat is used to walking, gently try to lead him in a different direction with the leash.

Your fingers or treats can be used to lure the cat in the direction you would like him to move. Be sure and reward your pet for following your lead or for walking on his own.

5. Go outside…and have fun – Pick a day with good weather to take your cat on his first walk. Walk your cat to the door and open it. Encourage him to venture outside.

If your cat is hesitant, throw a treat a few feet in front of him and see if that encourages him to proceed forward. If your cat is hesitant or fearful, stop for today and try again on another day.

Start slow and strive for a positive experience. Even a few enjoyable minutes is a first good step. Keep the treats handy and practice regularly and before you know it you and your cat will be going on your first hike.

About Escape Proof Cat Harnesses

Many of the above cat harnesses are great escape proof cat harnesses. But every single one of them has at least one owner that reports their cat “escaped” from the harness.

An escape can be caused for several reasons. One reason is the harness is not the correct size. Make sure you take proper measurements to ensure you purchase the correct size harness for your cat.

Another reason for escape is the harness was not put on properly. The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you exactly how your brand of harness should be worn by your cat.

The style of the harness you purchased may not be “right” for your cat. Cats have their own personality and what works for one cat may not be right for other cats.

A different style of harness may work best for your escape artist. The vest type cat harness is your best bet for a cat that escapes.

Final Thoughts

Years ago, it would have been unheard of to put an indoor cat on a leash and take them for a walk. Cats either lived inside or outside. They did not live in both worlds.

Today it is common to have our pets by our side even when we are outside and enjoying recreational activities.

Just check out Adventure Cats and see what these cats are doing while wearing their cat harnesses.

A cat harness can help your indoor cat enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors while keeping them safe at the same time.

It is time to include your cat in your outdoor activities!