8 Of The Best Cat Harnesses Of April 2024 Plus Our In-Depth Guide (2024)

Best cat harness? Is there such a thing? Many people, even cat owners, believe that cats don’t like to be walked.

True, there are some furry felines who just love to be contrary — little escape artists who, the moment you put harnesses on them, will flop down and pretend that they hate the outside world — but there are many others who enjoy the outdoors even with a leash on.

And still many more adventurous ones who love to travel long distances alongside their owners.

Cat Harnesses Top Picks

Best Cat Harness? Here are our 8 Top Picks

There are many reviews, our top picks, and helpful information in this article for all cat owners who are seeking the best cat harness for their beloved pets. However, if you just want to cut to the chase….

1. Yizhi Miaow Escape Proof Harness and Leash
2. Eagloo Cat Harness
3. JSXD Escape Proof Dog Cat Harness and Leash
4. INVENHO Mesh Cat Harness And Leash Set
5. GAUTERF Universal Harness
6. PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness
7. PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness
8. Rabbitgoo Leash and Harness Set

Now that we’ve established why harnesses are extremely important, it’s time to select the best cat harness or harnesses for you. There is no one right choice as each cat differs from another. One harness that seems best for one of your cats might fail with another.

Since there are hundreds of kinds out on the market today, we’d like to make the choice a bit easier. I have carefully selected eight of the best rated cat harnesses on Amazon. These are harnesses that have received sold a lot and have received plenty of good ratings in return.

Listed here is a rundown of each of their features and our take on these harnesses. And below that, I’ve also included a guide section about how to carefully select a harness and what to look for in one.

1. Yizhi Miaow Escape Proof Harness and Leash

This leash and holster harness combo by Yizhi Miaow is a must-have for fashionista cats.

Features:

• Made of a breathable cotton or canvas material for the harness and nylon for the straps
• Contains two strong, adjustable Magic Tape enclosures for a secure fit
• Harness is padded for additional comfort
• Leash is 47 inches long
• The holster cat harness is machine washable
• Available in extra small (8-10” chest), small (9-11”), medium (11-13”), large (13-15”), and extra large (15-18”)
• Has mesh underneath for better ventilation
• Available in black plaid, camo, polka dot black, polka dot blue, polka dot pink, sailor suit navy, and sailor suit red prints

What I like about it:

This leash and harness for cats feature some of the best prints I’ve seen so far. Put this on your kitty and watch him turn into an extremely fashionable feline that will turn all the other cats in your neighborhood green with envy.

Yizhi Miaow’s leash and holster harness offers a secure hold on cats and spreads the pressure around the body, so that your cat feels no discomfort at all.

What needs a bit of improvement:

The closure system is dependent on the Magic Tape enclosure, which isn’t really a problem when it comes to securing your fur friend inside the holster cat harness, but cats with long hair might have a problem with fur sticking onto the velcro.

2. Eagloo Cat Harness

This harness by Eagloo offers owners great control over their enterprising cats, whether it’s in the daytime or nighttime.

Features:

• Made of air-mesh fabric and polyester straps
• Contains two adjustable and quick-release buckles and four straps for easy wear and fitting
• Double-stitched for extra durability
• Features a bright reflective strip at the back
• Available in extra small (fits a 12-18” chest) and small (fits a 16-21” chest) sizes
• Recommended for cats with slim necks
• The harness comes in black, green, pink, and red colors

What I like about it:

This harness by Eagloo is completely adjustable based on size, so you can easily get the most suitable fit for your cat. There’s a nice selection of color options to choose from, and the reflective stripe running along the back of the harness ensures that you will be able to spot your cat even in extreme low light conditions.

The harness is built with soft edges and cushioning to keep your cat in comfort, while the lightweight and air-mesh fabric allows the cat’s body to breathe in hot weather.

What needs a bit of improvement:

It is built a bit too big, even when purchasing the extra small size, because this harness also works for dogs. So if your cat is of a small to average size, he will easily get free.

3. JSXD Cat Harness And Lead Set

JSXD Escape Proof harness and leash set is a stylish and comfy product that won’t let your wandering kitty cats escape.

Features:

• Made of high density fabric cloth material.
• Contains 1 quick-release buckle and an adjustable hook and loop
• Velcro, hook and loop bonding is added at the top for added security
• Available in one size only: Neck 7.9-9-4″ | Chest 9.4-11.0″
• Comes with a matching lead
• Harness comes in 4 color combinations
• Comes with a small bell

What I like about it:

This harness has only one size but it is quite flexible so it will fit well most cat sizes, from wee kitty cats to adorable, chonky felines.

The combo of buckle and velcro assures you that this will be one difficult harness for even the most enterprising cat to get out of.

It is lightweight, and the matching harness and leash set is certainly fashionable to look at. This harness offers so many cool colors and patterns to choose from that it might be a little hard to decide which one to go with.

Another plus is the reflective design which makes your pet kitty highly visible even during night walks. And don't forget about the bell!

What needs a bit of improvement:

Its advantage is also kind of a disadvantage. The combination of velcro and buckle closures, which offer greater security than a simple closure system, can take some time to attach and put on your cat.

4. INVENHO Mesh Cat Harness And Leash Set

The mesh harness and leash by INVENHO is a fresh and inexpensive set that works for both intrepid cats and playful puppies.

Features:

• Made with lightweight and breathable mesh and nylon straps
• Contains an easy-to-use snap buckle
• Has adjustable straps and padded vest for comfort
• Features a reflective material on the chest
• Available in extra small (9.5 to 13” chest), small (13.5-17.5”), and medium (17.5-21.5”) sizes
• Harness comes in pink, blue, red, and black colors

What I like about it:

IVENHO’s harness and leash doesn’t put any pressure on the neck at all and instead spreads it around the body. The padding helps add comfort, while the breathable mesh material keeps a cat’s body from heating up from long walks under the sun.

The reflective material is a nice touch, and I love that the product comes with a seatbelt so your cat is protected in the car and off it. Plus, this harness is sold with an inexpensive price tag, which makes it one of the best harnesses for cats in terms of price and value.

What needs a bit of improvement:

It’s somewhat tricky to get the vest over a cat’s head and around the neck because the material doesn’t stretch, so you have to make sure to check your cat’s neck size (Measure the diameter of your cat’s head and check it against the brand’s harness sizing guide) as well instead of just his girth.

5. GAUTERF Universal Harness and Leash Set

This versatile harness is offered in a wide array of sizes to follow the growth of your little escape artist from small kitty to adult cat.

Features:

• Made of stylish corduroy or soft mesh material
• Contains two adjustable buckles and a traction button for the leash
• Has an adjustable velcro block as an extra escape-proof measure
• Features a reflective strip design around the waist and a 3M reflective feature at the chest
• Available in double extra small (8-9.2” waist), extra small (10-11.3”), small (12-14”), medium (14.5-16.2”). Also in large and extra large.
• The corduroy version of the harness is offered in brown, blue, pink, and red colors
• Mesh version comes in gray, dark gray, blue, cream, black, orange, red, and pink shades

What I like about it:

There are so many colors to choose from! And aside from the usual mesh, a corduroy version is also available, which looks really premium and stylish. A matching colored leash completes the fashionable set.

It’s very easy to put on or off a cat’s leg holes, and the velcro located at the back of the vest offers an added safeguard against your little fur Houdini’s escape attempts. The harness also seems very well-made.

What needs a bit of improvement:

The brand’s sizing guide is somewhat off, and the vest is not as escape-proof as one might wish, although this still largely depends on the cat.

6. PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness

PUPTECK’s product is one of the best cat harnesses in the H-style. Keep your cat comfy and relaxed as you go outdoors with this harness on.

Features:

• Made of thick nylon for the lead and harness
• Contains two snap-lock buckles, a D ring, two adjustable buckles, and metal buckle
• Available in one size only – adjustable from 10-17” for the neck
• Lead length is 47.2 inches
• Comes in black, black and blue, blue, colorful (mixed shades), orange, pink, purple, red, rose, reflective black, and reflective red

What I like about it:

This harness offers plenty of freedom of movement for one of the best walking experiences ever. There is just enough fabric to secure the cat to you, but not so much as to hinder their natural motions and movement.

The harness is very easy to put on and take off. It looks simple, but the nylon is quite thick and sturdy, enough that it won’t break even if your cat determinedly pulls at his leash. There’s also a wide range of colors to choose from, including some done in reflective shades.

What needs a bit of improvement:

This harness is only available in one size. The connecting strap between the neck and chest loops can seem too short if you have a big-sized cat.

7. PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash Set

Maximum control plus perfect protection is offered by the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty harness.

Features:

• Harness and bungee leash are both made of nylon
• Contains three adjustable buckles and two snap buckle closures
• The sternum slide gives an adjustable fit
• Comes with a bungee leash
• Available in small (9-11” chest), medium (10.5-14”), and large (13-18”) sizes
• Comes in black/silver, dusty rose/burgundy, electric lime/green, lilac/bright purple, red/cranberry, and royal blue/navy colors

What I like about it:

The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty harness and bungee leash is one of the best rated harnesses on Amazon, and it is easy to see why. This H-style harness for your cat comes with thin yet strong straps that will allow your plucky feline’s body plenty of freedom to move.

I also like the bungee leash, which offers a bit of give in case your little Houdini cat tries an escape attempt and sharply tugs on the leash. The bungee leash absorbs the shock, reducing the amount of pressure on you, and pulls your daring cat right back to you.

What needs a bit of improvement:

The two-clasp closure system of PetSafe Come With Me Kitty harness is a bit difficult to use. Once you have one end clasped, the other half is all over the place until you can get the second one done up too.

8. Rabbitgoo Leash and Harness Set

This leash and harness combo by Rabbitgoo provides lightweight comfort that your cats will love.

Features:

• Made of breathable mesh for the harness and nylon for the leash
• Contains four adjusting straps, two safety buckles, and metal leash clip
• Features reinforced stitching for extra durability
• Available in extra small (13.5-16.0” chest), small (18-20”), and small plus (12.6-22.8”) sizes
• Contains bright reflective strips around the edges
• Leash and harness come in pink, black, red, and emerald colors

What I like about it:

This leash and harness set is one of the best when it comes to weight. Rabbitgoo’s product is lightweight and comfy, and the breathable fabric allows cats to enjoy their exercise and recreation time outdoors.

The reflective accent is also a nice touch that offers another layer of security for you and your cat in case you decide to bring him outside for a nighttime walk.

What needs a bit of improvement:

It’s a bit difficult putting Rabbitgoo’s harness over a cat’s head. This area of the harness does not adjust, and bigger cats may not even get their head to fit in.

Is the Cat Harness a Good Idea?

Whether you are walking your cats just around the block or enjoy traveling long distances with them, one of the most important things in your arsenal as a cat owner should be the cat harness. Attached to a leash, cat harnesses allow your cats to safely explore without being out of your sight or reach.

As previously mentioned, cats can be little escape artists who are also very curious. A bad mixture if you happen to be outside. If they find something interesting enough, they’ll most probably try to get out of your control and follow that something wherever it goes. It’s even more worrying if they happen to do that in a new and unfamiliar location. (How will the cats get back? Where do you start to look?) This is where the harness comes in.

Choosing The Best Cat Harness for You

There is no one best cat harness that will fit all kinds of cats. It’s really more of a trial and error thing to find out which is the best cat harness for you and your pet/pets. But to make it easier for you when shopping for one, these are the features to look for:

• Material – If you live somewhere that has a hot or humid climate, it might be best to consider getting a harness that will let your cat’s body breathe. One that’s made of nylon might make your cat’s body uncomfortably hot.
• Adjustable – Choose a harness that can adjust to any slight cat weight or growth changes. Some cat harnesses feature adjustable straps for this, which I think is an excellent idea. You don’t want to keep buying a new harness every time your cat loses or gains some weight or grows just a bit more.
• Escape proof – This is probably the most important feature of a harness. Check the harness to ensure that it is working as it should and that there’s no weak spot for your cat to exploit in his attempt to go wandering outdoors on his own.
• Sturdy – Make sure that all the joints, buckles, and security features function properly. Each part must be attached securely to the others to ensure that it won’t easily rip off if your cat attempts to struggle out of its harness. The best cat harness is sturdy and well-made.
• Easy to clean – The material must be easy to wash off. Plus points if the cat harness does not stain easily or is machine washable.
• Easy to put on and use – The cat harness should be easy to figure out how to use. You don’t want to spend your day wading in pages of instructions on how to fit it and use it on your cat.
• Comfort and fit – Next to being escape proof, your cat’s comfort is the second best feature a cat harness must provide. It shouldn’t have any dangling parts that may get in your cat’s way or any piece/part that will cause irritation or pain where it is placed. The harness shouldn’t be too tight to cause discomfort or too loose to let the cat escape.
• Style – This is actually more important than you think. Some cats prefer one style of harness over another, depending on how much contact it has with the body. For example, one cat will love an H-style design because the harness leaves most of its body free to move. Another will prefer a vest-style one for its comfort and even pressure.

Styles of Cat Harnesses

While there are many different harnesses for cats on sale in the market, they usually fall into one of two categories: the H or vest-style harness. What’s the difference between these two?

• Vest-Style Harness – Just like what its name suggests, a vest harness (also called jacket or holster cat harness) covers more of the body, typically extending to the waist or hips. It’s harder to get out of compared to other kinds of harnesses because cats usually can’t wriggle their way out of this.
• H Harness – The H harness is so-called because it’s shaped just like the letter H. This offers the least amount of contact with the cat’s body and is usually fastened using at two points on the cat’s side. However, it can apply a bit of pressure on some areas of the cat, particularly during sudden movements such as twists and turns.

I hope this article and guide has helped you in your quest to get the best kitty harness for you and your fur friend. As pet parents, our number one priority is the safety of our pets. A cat harness is one of our first and best lines of defense. Keep your cat safe and make sure to pick a good harness for your cat that you and he will both be happy with. Happy adventuring!

Dangers of Letting Cats Roam Outside Without Harnesses

Aside from getting lost while in unfamiliar locations, cats roaming outdoors without your supervision and without harnesses are often subject to danger. These are just a few:

• Dogs, wild animals, feral cats, and more – Let’s face it. As tough as your cat is, it is still no match for big dogs and wild animals. Dogs are a big threat to cats, and then there are coyotes, foxes, feral cats, and more. Aside from animals, there are also humans to worry about. Some people not only dislike cats but will actively harm them given the chance.
• Animal control – Your cat might be mistaken by animal control people and identified as a stray. Aside from being taken to the animal shelter by mistake, your cat may also be taken in by someone else.
• Accidents and injuries – Cats may get hit by oncoming vehicles. Rarely do kittens or cats survive accidents caused by vehicles.
• Diseases – Cats who are left to roam outdoors by themselves are more susceptible to diseases such as roundworms, rabies, feline distemper, and feline leukemia virus. They can also get ticks or fleas, which are hard to get rid of.

FAQs

How is a cat harness supposed to fit?

The best harness is something that your cats will find comfortable to wear but won’t allow them to escape. It must have a snug fit, be light, sturdy, and able to handle the most rambunctious of cats.

How do I know what is the best cat harness size to buy?

The best way is to have the correct balance of comfort and escape proof characteristics. To get this, measure your cat’s middle, making sure to get a snug fit. Add a couple of inches to that measurement to ensure your cat’s comfort.

It’s also a good idea to check with the brand, as each cat harness typically has its own set of fitting guidelines.

What is girth measurement?

Girth measurement is the size of your cat’s middle. Most cat harness brands include the girth measurement along with the neck measurement in their sizing guides to help you get the best fit.

Is there really such a thing as an escape proof cat harness?

Yes. Many companies advertise that their cat harnesses are escape proof, but most of the time these claims are not true. But there are a few that won’t let your cat go adventuring by himself. This will still depend on the cat, though.

Some cats are just plain brilliant and will escape no matter what type of harness you put on. For this, I suggest testing your cat harness in an enclosed environment first before using it on your cat outside.

Can I use a dog harness on a cat?

Some cat harnesses are actually compatible with little dogs so yes, in that same regard, you can use a dog harness on your cat. Quite a few companies also market harnesses that can be used for both cats and dogs. Just remember to choose one that’s right for your cat’s size and weight.

Take care to remember that you can’t put a leash directly on a cat’s collar, unlike with dogs. A cat’s neck is especially vulnerable, and putting pressure around the neck can cause choking or injury when the leash is pulled.

How do I get my feline buddy to put his cat harness on?

With a bit of training. Some cats won’t take to harnesses right away, so consider putting on the cat harness on your contrary kitty for a few minutes each day to let him get used to the feel. Lengthen the time your cat is wearing the harness until you can get him to at least 30 minutes without him trying to take it off.

Once your cat is used to wearing a harness inside your home, attach the leash to the harness, take your cat out into your backyard, and do a few practice walks to see how he likes it. He might just want to sit it out at first, and that’s fine. Don’t force him to walk. When he feels comfortable enough, he will want to explore his surroundings.

You may also want to associate walking outside with something positive by scheduling walks near snack time. Don’t forget to praise your cat and provide him with a treat after each successful walk with a harness on. Pretty soon, he might be the one begging you to take him out.