Cat owners are more enthusiastic than ever to provide their house cats with an exciting outdoor experience, but delving into this new, undiscovered world may suddenly end in tears if your feline friend decides to run off and never come back.
Image credits: Ekaterina Sazonova
Luckily, we’ve learned never to do that without employing a simple, age-old method—a harness. A handy accessory indeed, but to get your feline friend to submit to such training, a cat harness must be functional, comfortable to wear, and, most importantly, escape-proof.
With a vast range of kitty harnesses to choose from, we felt it would be helpful to ask our vet expert, Dr. Linda Simon, to guide us through the best, time-tested cat harnesses that will allow you to enjoy a safe outdoor time with your furry companion.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Voyager Step-In Pet Harness $13.99
Runner-Up: Supet Cat Harness And Leash Set $12.97
Also Great: Dooradar Cat Harness and Leash Set $12.98
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Best Overall Cat Harnesses
As your feline companion can’t vocalize their requirements, we’re happy to take that burden off your shoulders. Our favorite harnesses are so comfortable that once your furry buddy tries them, you’ll want to use them daily.
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Voyager Step-In Pet Harness
Material: Mesh | Colors: 12 different colors | Sizes: Small or medium | Special Features: Reflective line and four straps
We absolutely love the Supet harness. It sports a range of top-notch features, including a comfortable vest that fits snugly against your cat’s body, four secure straps, and a reflective component that makes your feline visible even in dim light. The company offers a lifetime guarantee, which speaks volumes about their confidence in the product.
That’s also the sleekest-looking vest we’ve come across, and cats adore the sense of liberation it provides. With pressure evenly dispersed across the chest and neck, even the most rambunctious and lively kitty should feel well-supported.
What We Like:
• Very secure
• Comfortable design
• Great value
What We Don’t Like:
• Smaller cats may slip out
Supet Cat Harness And Leash Set
Material: Mesh | Colors: 12 different colors | Sizes: Small or medium | Special Features: Reflective line and four straps
We absolutely love the Supet harness. It sports a range of top-notch features, including a comfortable vest that fits snugly against your cat’s body, four secure straps, and a reflective component that makes your feline visible even in dim light. The company offers a lifetime guarantee, which speaks volumes about their confidence in the product.
That’s also the sleekest-looking vest we’ve come across, and cats adore the sense of liberation it provides. With pressure evenly dispersed across the chest and neck, even the most rambunctious and lively kitty should feel well-supported.
What We Like:
• Very secure
• Comfortable design
• Great value
What We Don’t Like:
• Smaller cats may slip out
Best Cat Harness and Leash Sets
It may seem like a fashion-conscious decision, but purchasing a lead and harness together is a sensible decision. When you buy a leash and harness together, you can be sure they will fit seamlessly.
Petsafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash
Material: Nylon | Colors: Red and black, silver and black, purple, blue, pink | Size options: Small, medium, and large | Special Features: Stretchy leash
The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness is popular among cat owners. It features quick-release snap buckles that make it easy to put on and take off. The harness is available in a large size that fits up to 18 inches around the chest. One of the best features of this harness is the two-color design that allows for quick identification of the belly strap. This is particularly useful when putting the harness on a fidgety cat.
The bungee leash is another highlight of this product. It prevents a sudden jerk when your cat decides to sprint away. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners with wrist pain. With the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash, you can have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is safe and secure while enjoying the great outdoors.
What We Like:
• Two-tone colors
• Quick release
• Adjustable belts
What We Don’t Like:
• Some owners found sizes smaller than expected
Dooradar Cat Harness and Leash Set
Material: Nylon | Colors: 11 colors | Sizes: XS-M | Special Features: Super soft fabric
If you’re introducing your little one to the great outdoors, you’ll want to choose a comfortable, safe, and user-friendly harness and leash set. The Doorador fits the bill perfectly. Its good-quality material supports your cute little fluff balls, making them snug and cozy. The leash is of ideal length for your baby’s first outdoor adventures, giving you the confidence to go for a stroll in your yard or even venture further afield.
Tip: If your kitten is between sizes, choose the smaller size.
What We Like:
• Gentle mesh material
• Generous color choice
What We Don’t Like:
• It may be a little tricky to adjust at first
Best Harnesses for Small Kittens
Starting on the right paw is key in harness training, and choosing the correct harness will set you and your little bundle of joy up for success. Use plenty of training treats to encourage your little ones as they learn how to get used to being restrained. Remember: It’s an awfully strange experience for wild-natured felines.
Kitty Holster Cat Harness
Material: Cotton lining | Colors: Range of prints and colors | Sizes: XS-XL | Special Features: Double D ring
This small Kitty Holster is a pet parent-approved harness suitable for older kittens and small cats. Its lightweight and breathable cotton material ticks all the boxes, making it ideal for more sensitive cats.
There are no buckles or snaps, and the holster comes in lovely patterns, but our favorite is adorable tiger stripes. The velcro is robust and fit for purpose, and it’s an absolute doddle to use; you can't get it wrong.
What We Like:
• Simple design
• No buckles
What We Don’t Like:
• The odd velcro placement on the bottom
Fida Cat Harness and Leash Set
Material: Nylon | Colors: Red, blue, pink, black, and white | Sizes: XXXS-S | Special Features: Hook and loop fastener, buckle, and double D-rings
The Fida Cat Set is an excellent choice for a first harness, as it comes with a comfy mesh vest and a four-foot-long lead. Kittens usually prefer harnesses that don’t constrict their necks, as they might get scared and pull away if they feel any pressure.
This harness has a double D-ring, a hook and loop fastener that adjusts, and a buckle, making it very secure, even for the most adventurous cats. While your kitty might initially struggle with being restrained, with some practice and patience, you’ll find that they’ll quickly adapt to this harness and enjoy their time outdoors.
What We Like:
• Range of extra small sizes
• Reliable security features
• Comfortable fit
What We Don’t Like:
• The lead be a little longer
Best Lightweight Cat Harness
The ideal cat harness should be so light that your furry friend doesn't even realize they’re wearing it. That way, they can explore their heart’s content without being bugged by a strange-looking accessory.
Pidan Cat Harness and Leash Set
Material: Zinc alloy polyester | Colors: Rainbow, blue, grey, and yellow | Sizes: One size | Special Features: Button to adjust the length of the rope
This Pidan harness is made from ultra-light materials and provides good security while matching your cat’s style and charm to become an eye-catching accessory.
Despite its lightweight design, this adjustable cat harness is sturdy and keeps your cat safely attached to their leash. However, it is best suited for shorter-furred breeds such as Siamese and Bengal.
Note: If you have a very large cat, you may need to consider a different option, as it only fits chests up to 17 inches.
What We Like
• It fits nicely to a cat’s body
• Attractive design
• It comes with a matching leash
What We Don’t Like
• Lack of vest may be a dealbreaker for some cats
Best Escape-Proof Cat Harnesses
Many cat owners we consult with know that safety is crucial when choosing the harness for their feline. If you are dealing with little escape artists, you’ll appreciate a harness that fits snugly while leaving no chance of getting away.
Comfort Soft Mesh Cat Harness and Leash
Material: Nylon | Colors: Blue, green, pink, and red | Sizes: Up to 10 pounds | Special Features: Breathable mesh vest
Comfort Soft vest-style harness is ideal for smaller cats who could easily slip out of a regular harness. Not only is it simple to put on, but it also provides a comfortable and snug fit. The harness and leash come in matching colors and are sold as a set, making it perfect for fashion-forward pet owners.
Note: This harness is suitable only for cats weighing up to 10 pounds.
What We Like:
• Made with soft and breathable material
• Pressure placed over the chest instead of the neck
What We Don’t Like:
• Not suitable for larger cats
• Some owners find it difficult to adjust
OutdoorBengal Houdini™ Cat Harness and Leash Set
Material: Soft mesh | Colors: Black | Sizes: Medium | Special Features: Padded chest area and adjustable straps
Our guide wouldn’t be complete without the Houdini™ Cat Harness from OutdoorBengal. This highly-praised cat harness is virtually escape-proof. The harness has a secure buckle and two metal loops that provide extra safety, with a quick-release mechanism that prevents your cat from getting tangled up.
The set also includes a six-foot leash, perfect for cat lovers who want their feline companion to enjoy a bit of independence in a secure environment. It’s fantastic for walks and hikes further away from home. Though it only comes in one size, it’s ideal for most average-sized cats.
What We Like:
• It provides no way for the cat to escape
• Don’t sit too high around their neck
• Allows for a good range of motion
What We Don’t Like:
• Lack of design and color choices
How to Choose a Perfect Harness for Your Cat
Make sure the harness is adjustable. Pick a harness to accommodate your cat’s changing body size, especially young ones. Your feline may not be fully grown until it reaches 12 months, so you’ll need a harness with some room for adjustment.
Consider using a bungee leash to provide shock absorption. An elastic leash minimizes the risk of injury or muscle strain if your cat suddenly runs or pounces. However, a shorter and firmer leash is usually preferred for younger cats as it offers greater control over their movement.
Choose a harness with a breathable mesh. Choose a breathable harness, especially if your cat has thick fur or you live in a warm climate. Also, make sure the fabric doesn’t irritate your cat’s skin if it rubs against it.
What to Look for When Buying a Cat Harness
We’ve closely evaluated a vast range of leash and harness options using these five criteria:
Comfort. Comfort must be a top priority, as your cat isn’t likely to submit to the harness more than once if it is ill-fitting or causing pain. While it must be snug, it can’t be too tight and should not pull on your cat’s skin.
Adjustability. We need an adjustable strap or buckle since the weight and size of an adult cat can vary slightly with the season and shedding of fur.
Material. When choosing a material, such as nylon, leather, or polyester, consider your preference based on its texture and ease of cleaning.
Safety. Possibly, the most vital consideration you will have for your beloved pet is their safety. It is especially true if you have an escape artist on your hands. Harnesses with metal D rings or sturdy buckles will be a good choice.
FAQ
Are any cat harnesses actually escape-proof?
Any cat can slip out of a harness, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if the harness is too loose or large around the neck and chest. We recommend measuring your cat first and starting harness training at home. This way, you can ensure the harness is secure and fits properly.
Is it OK to leave a harness on a cat all the time?
We would never recommend this, even if your cat dislikes having their harness taken on and off. The skin must breathe, and keeping it on the cat permanently invites problems like skin inflammation or potential infection.
How do I measure the size of my cat?
For accurate pet measurements, we recommend using a soft measuring tape. If you don't have one, a string can be used as an alternative, which can be measured with a ruler afterward. While measuring, pull the measuring tape or string tightly enough so that the fur lies flat and the measuring device is as close to the skin as possible.
How tight should my cat’s harness be?
A general rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers between your cat and their harness.
What if my kitty is still growing?
It’s best to introduce a harness to your cat at a young age instead of waiting until they are fully grown. It will help them get used to the idea of wearing a harness. If your cat is still a kitten, you may want to start with a kitten harness and switch to an adult one later.
