For the longest time, it has always been the same scenario – the dog goes for a walk and the cat stays on the sofa. The dog explores the outside world and the cat just stares from the small window.
That was then. Nowadays, cats go for walks too.
Thanks to harness manufacturers that have finally figured out how to outsmart cat’s super quick and flexible moves and their ability to get out instantly even in the tiniest spaces.
Best Cat Harness – Your Aid in an Escape Proof Walk With Your Cat
With the best cat harness, you won’t be worrying about your cat escaping as you take your morning walk together.
Cats and Harnesses
Walking a cat is not so much like walking a dog. They are determined, mischievous, and quick. They hate the feeling of being restrained that an ordinary harness will not withstand their quirkiness.
This is the same reason that you always need to be alert and prepared when walking them outside. Cats are like little Houdinis.
Their agile and flexibility should never be underestimated as they can easily slip out even from the best harness if they feel they need to.
With that said, choosing a cat harness must be based on careful considerations which we will go through by the end of this write-up.
Best Cat Harnesses (No Escape)
Allowing your cat to explore the outside world will make him more physically active since it is the equivalent of human exercise.
At the same time, it also provides him sensory and mental stimulation that in turn will positively influence his mental wellbeing.
Unfortunately, not all cat owners have a backyard where their cats can freely roam around. And, this is when the harness comes helpful.
We’ve searched the best harnesses for cats and hopefully, it will help in narrowing down your choices with the many choices out in the market.
#1. Soft Mesh Cat Harness by PACCOMFET
Specifications
Type: Vest
Material: 100% polyester, covered with breathable mesh
Sizes:
- XS (Chest Girth 10″-15″, Neck Girth 8.0″)
- S (Chest Girth 12.5″-16.5″, Neck Girth 9.0″)
- M (Chest Girth 14″-19″, Neck Girth 12.2″)
- Colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow
Washable: Yes
Especially suited for cats, Soft Mesh Cat Harness by PACCOMFET has a tight sizing that has just the right measurement.
All sizes fit comfortably and snugly around the chest and neck according to the size of the cat. The vest that is comfort padded is made of soft mesh fabric and is something that most cats will welcome against their bodies.
The soft polyester beneath its mesh fabric lets air circulation to help make cats feel innate and natural.
You won’t worry about having to slip over your cat’s head since it has a plastic snap-on closure by the next portion of the vest – one of the many features people find essential in a harness.
Pros
- Breathable and cushioned
- Lightweight and adjustable
- Different sizes and colors to choose from
Cons
- Frays after a few uses
Still More Questions
#2. Luxury Cat Harness by Dexil Limited
Specifications
Type: Vest
Material: 100% polyester
Sizes:
- Small – Medium (13-18inch (33-45cm)
- Large – Xlarge (15-24inch (38-60cm)
Colors: Candy Pink, Royal Blue, Flash Red, Liquorice Black, Sunburst yellow
Washable: Yes
Luxury Cat Harness by Dexil Limited features 3 rd D-ring on the front. This is for attaching the leash in a convenient way. It is made of waterproof polyester and incorporates padding for a more comfortable fit.
Not only does it keep the cat comfortable, but it also stipulates warmth during the cold winter months.
Luxury Cat Harness by Dexil Limited is ideal for a feline who prefers less fabric to cover their body. It fits snug with adjustable clips that you can secure upon wearing. Make sure to check the security closures, you wouldn’t want your cat escaping from you.
Pros
- D-ring in the front that trains your kitty not to pull
- Adjustable clip at the chest
- Water-resistant
Cons
- No neck adjustment
Still More Questions
#3. Escape Proof Cat Harness by Houndnine
Specifications
Type: Vest / Holster
Material: Durable nylon mesh fabric
Sizes:
- Medium
- Large
Colors: Black
Washable: Yes
A walk with your cat will be comfortable and escape free with Escape Proof Cat Harness by Houndnine.
Made with durable nylon mesh fabric, this harness is breathable and adjustable. It is easy to wear with all the adjustable clips that snap into place.
When worn, the harness wraps around your cat’s body providing a comfortable and secure feeling from the larger and wider well-padded fabric.
The holster style appeals to most cats since even in its tightest fit, they still feel they have a little room they can wiggle in, plus the texture is safe for them.
Pros
- Durable and easy to wear
- Safe and secure
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Won’t fit small cats
Still More Questions
#4. Cat Jacket by Mynwood
Specifications
Type: Vest / Holster
Material: Quality cotton, handcrafted, triple sewn with velcros
Sizes: adjustable to fit different cat sizes
Colors: Black
Washable: Yes
Who would know better how to make an effective harness than a cat owner.
They know exactly how cats move and they identify which to work on for the harness. Maria, owner of Mynwood designs based on research, personal experience, and opinions from other cat owners.
Her cat jackets are made of quality cotton, are triple sewn for toughness, and has reversible black cotton material that is fastened securely around the neck by long Velcro strips.
One of the most top-rated, this jacket is very easy to put on and does not cause discomfort and irritability for pets.
Pros
- Strong yet flexible design
- Handcrafted with cat-safe materials
- Lightweight and easy to put on
Cons
- More expensive than other harnesses
Still More Questions
More Helpful Resources Right Here…
#5. Escape Proof Cat Harness by Pupteck
Specifications
Type: Vest / Holster
Material: Breathable air-mesh fabric
Sizes:
- Small (Chest girth: 10.5 – 12.1 inches, Neck girth:7.0 – 8.7 inches)
- Medium (Chest girth: 11.1 – 14.5, Neck girth: 8.6 – 9.9 inches)
- Large (Chest girth: 14.1 – 16.1 inches, Neck girth: 10.1 – 13.1 inches)
- X-Large (Chest girth: 15.6 – 18.1 inches, Neck girth: 12.1 – 15.1 inches)
Colors: Black, blue, pink, pink dots, plaid, purple, red, blue dots, black, black and blue, and black and white
Washable: Yes
Pupteck has under their line of cats harness both holster style and strap style. As if the wide range of sizes they have for their holster type harness, you will surely be worry-free since all sizes are still adjustable to fit right to your cat.
Marketed as escape-proof by Pupteck, a lot of cat owners have backed it up based on their own experiences.
This harness incorporates with it a secure Velcro and soft mesh design that is intended to wrap around the cat’s neck and body. The portion that wraps the cat’s body gives a more stable “hug” texture than other cat harnesses.
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Soft and comfortable but sturdy and protective
- Comes with leash
Cons
- Specified dimensions are not 100% accurate
Still More Questions
#6. Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash by Petsafe
Specifications
Type: H Strap
Material: Nylon
Sizes:
- Small (Chest girth: 9 – 11 inches)
- Medium (Chest girth: 10.5 – 14 inches)
- Large (Chest girth: 13 – 18 inches)
Colors: black/silver, dusty rose/burgundy, electric lime/green, lilac/bright purple, red/cranberry, royal blue/navy
Washable: n/a
Brilliantly designed, Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash by Petsafe limits the amount of contact required between the harness and the cat while keeping them comfortable and secure.
The two adjustable points ensure a snug fit, while the harness positioned on the shoulders helps avoid feelings of restraint around the throat area.
One interesting feature is the leash that is included. The 4 ft bungee leash stretches to up to 6 feet for that gentle give while walking. Its elasticity provides the cat a soft stop in case of strict pulling.
Pros
- Comes with a flexible bungee leash
- Ideal for small cats and kittens
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- H Strap design may not be suitable for some cats
Still More Questions
#7. Voyager Step-in Harness by Best Pet Supplies
Specifications
Type: Vest / Holster
Material: Corduroy
Sizes:
- X-Small (Chest girth: 13 – 14.5 inches)
- Small – Medium (Chest girth: 14.5 – 17 inches)
- Large (Chest girth: 18 – 21 inches)
- X-Large (Chest girth: 21 – 23 inches)
Colors: black corduroy, chocolate suede, fuchsia corduroy, latte suede, red corduroy
Washable: yes
With three secure points – a velcro, a clip, and a Double D-ring leash attachment point, Voyager Step-in Harness by Best Pet Supplies has to be one of the most secured cat harnesses.
Made of plush material that looks cozy and warm, it is designed to sit at the cat’s chest, avoiding choking as it equally distributes pressure throughout the chest even when a pull can’t be shunned.
Voyager Step-in Harness by Best Pet Supplies is easy to put on. Simply slide in the legs of your cat into it and close it by its back, where the D-rings are located.
Pros
- Decent quality and a nice design
- Soft and comfortable
- Easy to put on and with reflective tabs
Cons
- Sizing tends to run too large
Still More Questions
Our Top Pick
With the many harnesses available in the market, it can be confusing to pick one for your kitten. What adds up to the confusion is whether the harness you are looking at is intended for dogs or cats.
Hopefully, our list narrowed down your choices. Let’s make it a little easier for you by revealing our top pick…
Soft Mesh Cat Harness by PACCOMFET
Simply because the simple but effective design got us. The air circulation that feels natural, the snug fit that doesn’t constrict, the comfort padded vest – these are just a few of its characteristics that not just cat owners love but cats themselves, too.
Why Should You Put Your Cat In A Harness
Having crates for your cat so you can bring them outside is essential but not too helpful when all you just need is for them to explore the outside world. This is one of the reasons you need a cat harness.
It also would be easier to bring your cat to the vet or to other places sans the bulky crate. While doing so, it allows your cat to be more active and stimulated.
What You Should Look For In Picking A Cat Harness
There is no 100% escape-proof harness, only ones that are difficult for the cat to escape from.
Look for one that is comfortable, does not hurt, and does not restrict your cat’s movements.
A good cat harness should not put pressure on the cat’s neck area to avoid chocking.
There are also factors to consider in picking the right harness for your cats. We’ve listed them down as they were also the basis in selecting the 7 harnesses that we included in this list.
Size
Be sure to check the size of the cat before getting a harness. Then you will be able to compare your cat’s size to the size chart of the cat harness. A harness to large will be too loose for your cat and they may easily get out of it even when it says “No Escape.”
On the contrary, don’t get a harness that is too small for their size just because you may think, it would be hard for them to slip out of. A very tight harness is not recommended since it will just bring discomfort and may just stress your cat out.
Type of Harness
There are different types of harnesses available for cats – V-Harness, H-Harness, and Jacket/Vest Harness.
Climate plays a big factor in picking the type of harness. Jacket harnesses are ideal for colder regions as it will not just keep your cat from escaping when outside in the cold, but keep them warm too. For hotter regions, V or H-harnesses are better as they work well with ventilating the cat.
Type of Material
The rule of thumb is to never buy a cat harness whose made of materials from which your cat may be allergic to. Characteristics like sweat absorption, cushioning, breathability, durability, etc., are based on the materials used.
For chewers, be sure to get a harness made with strong material that can’t be easily chewed by your cat.
Attachment Type and Position
A lot of harnesses have their metallic D-Ring equipped on top of the cat harness. This ring is for the attachment of the harness to the leash. There are also harnesses that use O-rings. The majority prefer D- Rings since they evenly distribute strain on the straps unlike round shaped rings.
Ventilation
Harness should not make your cat feel too warm nor too cold. Ventilation should be in just an adequate amount so they can wear it for a period of time without getting irritated. Improved airflow is ultimately good for your cat’s health, especially if you are in hotter regions.
Those that are made with mesh fabric or breathable materials provide good ventilation
Cushioning
Another important consideration is the proper cushioning. This is what makes the cat feel comfortable as it lessens the pressure applied by the harness to their body. Cushioning keeps away discomfort and keeps the amount of sudden impact force on a minimum scale especially when you abruptly stop the cat during walks.
Tips Before Walking Outside In A Cat Harness
1. Before taking your walk, train your cat to get used to the harness first. Wear them inside the house a few minutes before going outside.
2. When walking, it would be best to stay behind your cat. Most cats wriggle out of the harness when they are behind you since they can easily pull away.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why do cats fall over when they wear a harness?
There was this YouTube video of a cat falling over as soon as the harness was worn. Check it out on this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVLm76b3WRs.
The reason for this is the feeling of having a harness triggers a survival response in cats that they would engage to if grabbed by a predator. You can overcome this instinctive behaviour by motivation, treats, or lots of praises.
Q: How do I stop my indoor cat from escaping?
Some cats are not satisfied being confined inside and would always attempt to explore the outside world.
Distract their urge to go outside by paying attention to the reason why they want to go outside in the first place.
Most of them want to practice their animal instinct outside, to feel they can hunt or scratch their paws on trees. Provide them scratch posts and cat trees where they can practice just that.
