Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
A great cat harness is essential whether you’re traveling with your cat, going hiking, or taking a trip to the vet. A good cat harness enables your adventure-loving feline to safely explore the world outside your front door.
As an increasing number of cats spend time exploring the world beyond the windowsill, choosing a great cat harness becomes an ever more serious endeavor and a real issue for a growing percentage of the cat guardian population.
For years, the need for good cat harnesses has been overshadowed by the popularity of dog harnesses, but we’re finally starting to see a few manufacturers recognizing the unique needs of cats and designing harnesses made specifically for them.
In this article, you’ll learn what it takes to make a great cat harness and how to choose the perfect one for your feline explorer.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks For The Best Cat Harnesses
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we’ve compiled below where we’ve highlighted the features of each product featured in this review. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Kitty Holster Cat Harness
- Made from 100% breathable cotton
- Wide, comfortable straps
- Difficult for cats to escape from
Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness
- Made from high-quality triple-layer mesh
- Martingale cinching feature for added security
- Breathable materials for comfort in all situations
PupTeck Checkered Frills Soft Mesh Dog Vest Harness
- Wide, comfortable straps
- Comes with a matching leash
- Highly secure vest-style design
PetSafe Come with Me Kitty Harness & Bungee Leash
- Perfect for indoor cats and kittens
- Comes with flexible bungee leash
- Dual adjustability for a perfect fit
RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness
- Fully adjustable neck and waist
- Air-mesh fabric for breathability and comfort
- Durable materials are machine washable
Puppia Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness
- Step-in design doesn’t slip over cat’s head
- Highly adjustable for safety and security
- Wide straps distribute weight across cat’s chest
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-In Harness
- Wide straps for comfort
- Made from soft, breathable mesh material
- Vest-style design easy to put on
Frisco Wrap Cat Harness
- Ideal for small adult cats
- Adjustable Velcro chest and belly straps
- Soft, breathable cotton materials
Why Should You Trust Us?
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
We are lifelong cat lovers and devoted cat owners, so we’ve had plenty of time to learn what it takes to make a great cat product.
We’ve done extensive research on cat harnesses, read hundreds of customer reviews, and tested several options ourselves to get a feel for what it takes to make a cat harness truly great, and have read reviews for all the most popular models on the market. You can see the full video review below:
What Should You Look For In A Cat Harness?
The Best Cat Harnesses Are Safe And Secure.
Cats are nimble, quick, and can slip out of almost anything you put on them, so it’s important to choose a harness that’s secure enough to keep your cat safe.
Because the selection of cat harnesses is relatively limited, you might feel tempted to opt for a small dog harness instead of one made specifically for cats. Some small dog harnesses work well for cats but remember that a small dog has a very short torso compared to a cat. Because they’re designed to fit a dog’s shorter torso, dog harnesses often squeeze uncomfortably in your cat’s armpits.
It’s always important to check the manufacturer’s size chart and sizing instructions to find the perfect harness for your cat. A well-fitted harness should be snug, but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your cat’s body.
Seek out harnesses that feature adjustable neck and waist straps. These allow you to fine-tune the fit for your unique feline to ensure optimal safety and security.
The Best Cat Harnesses Are Well-Made.
It’s easy for cat harness sellers to order cheap dog harnesses at wholesale, sell them at low prices, and still make a profit. But these harnesses usually aren’t well made, and they are apt to fall apart within months of wear.
It’s important to choose a well-constructed cat harness that won’t fail you in the middle of an outdoor adventure. The best cat harnesses are intelligently designed and constructed with integrity.
The Best Cat Harnesses Are Comfortable.
Do you know any kids who are ultra-sensitive to the way their socks feel inside their shoes or who squirm at the touch of a tag in their T-shirt? Hypersensitive kids are the human version of your cat.
Felines are extremely sensitive creatures who require a perfectly fitted harness that won’t restrict their freedom of movement.
Look for harnesses with wide straps that distribute weight evenly across your cat’s body. Harnesses made with thin nylon webbing straps often have pinch points that can dig into your cat’s body, making them less comfortable.
In addition to being less comfortable, they’re usually less secure than those with wider straps. Opt for breathable soft mesh or cotton material instead.
The Best Cat Harnesses Are Appropriate For Your Unique Cat.
Every cat demands something slightly different from their harness.
Large cats like Savannahs, Maine Coons, and Norwegian Forest Cats will likely have a harder time finding a harness that fits their longer, wider bodies. Some cats are uncomfortable with the sound of Velcro and are better off using a harness made with buckles. Others hate having a harness slipped over their head.
Also Read: How To Train A Cat To Walk On A Leash
It’s also important to think about your cat’s lifestyle and where you’ll be using the harness.
If you’re looking for the best cat harness for hiking, your needs will revolve around security and breathability. If you don’t plan to take your cat on walks and just need a harness for trips to the vet’s office, you can get away with a lightweight, cheaper, and somewhat less secure harness.
Our Top Picks For The Best Cat Harnesses
Now that you have a better understanding of how we came to our top picks, you’re probably eager to see them! Here are our top picks for the best cat harnesses:
Here are our top picks for the best cat harnesses you should consider:
Your cat harness is a travel essential, and so is a great cat carrier. Click here for a guide to the best cat carriers.
Relevant Content:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of harness is best for a cat?
Every cat is different, so there may not be a one-size-fits-all best cat harness. When shopping for a harness, think about your cat’s size, activity level, and comfort to decide on a harness design. Be sure to take your cat’s measurements as well to pick the right size.
Are cat harnesses cruel?
There’s nothing cruel about buying your cat a harness, as long as you choose one that fits well and keeps your cat safe. It’s also important to use the harness appropriately – your cat shouldn’t need it unless you’re walking him outdoors.
Can I train my cat to walk on a leash?
Yes! Having a cat harness helps keep your cat secure during leash training sessions and the walks that follow. Check out our in-depth guide to training a cat to walk on a leash.