If you have a kitty who loves exploring in nature’s big backyard, the best cat harnesses will help keep them safe and sound while the two of you embark on exciting adventures together. While we often associate harnesses with dogs, many outgoing and active breeds relish the chance to feel the grass beneath their paws.
When it comes to how to get a cat used to a harness, we have to admit, this can take some time. But with patience, consistency and lots of positive reinforcement in the form of the best cat treats, most felines will grow to be comfortable wearing a harness — and some will even love it!
To help you find the perfect harness for your cat, we’ve researched lots of different options and brought you the cream of the crop. We also spoke to expert vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to get her thoughts on what type of harness is best and how to measure your kitty to ensure the perfect fit.
The best cat harnesses
Best overall cat harness
This is our top pick for a cat harness if you happen to have a little escape artist on your hands! It features four adjustable straps which allows you to get just the right fit for your feline friend. Plus, both sides have a sturdy safety buckle for extra security, so you can rest easy knowing your kitty will never get lost on your adventures together.
Available in a range of colors and sizes, the harness is made from breathable air mesh to ensure your cat stays cool and comfortable when you're out walking. Soft and lightweight, it's suitable for daily wear and the vest design distributes leash pressure across the chest and shoulders to prevent neck strain.
Easy to put on and take off, the harness comes with reflective strips that will ensure your cat stays visible in low light.
Reasons to buy: Easy to put on, snug and comfortable fit, reflective strips for enhanced visibility, leash included.
Reasons to avoid: Some users found the sizing runs larger, so be sure to measure your cat well before ordering.
Best budget buy
Want to keep your kitty safe and secure when you're out for a walk but don't want to spend a ton of cash doing it? Enter the pidan cat harness and leash set. This little beauty manages to be super affordable while still being durable, so you can rest easy knowing you'll have full control over your feline when you're out and about.
With an eye-catching multi-colored design, your kitty will be turning heads for all the right reasons. Plus, it's lightweight, comfortable to wear and adjustable, making it suitable for kittens all the way through to senior cats.
This 2-in-1 set comes complete with a leash which you can easily fasten to the sturdy metal ring at the back of the harness. The buckle snaps the harness easily into place and from there you can adjust the silk polyester straps to get the perfect fit.
Reasons to buy: Inexpensive, chic design, good quality.
Reasons to avoid: Some users found that the harness was not a good fit for their cats.
Best high-visibility harness
They'll be no missing your feline friend as they strut their stuff in the great outdoors thanks to this high visibility harness made from super reflective material and available in a choice of four neon colors.
Crafted from soft and breathable cotton, this harness is gentle on the skin and won't restrict your cat's natural movements. Designed with adjustable velcro fasteners and a sturdy D-ring that you can attach a leash to, it provides a snug and secure fit.
Suitable for all breeds, sizes and ages, this vibrant harness is more expensive than many others on the market but the fact that it will make your cat super visible in low -light conditions makes it well worth the investment.
Reasons to buy: Outstanding visibility in low-light, comfortable to wear, breathable.
Reasons to avoid: One of the more expensive harnesses on the market.
Best for adventurous cats
A great choice for cats that love exploring in nature's big backyard, this ‘H’ style harness is lightweight and provides plenty of freedom. The bungee lead allows your cat to wander ahead and find their own path while still being safely attached and without any excess pressure on their neck.
There are multiple color combinations to choose from and three size options: small, medium, and large. For extra security and comfort, each size features multiple adjustment points, allowing you to alter the size by up to four inches, so the harness sits snugly but never too tight.
A mid-priced product, it’s not the cheapest option on the market despite its simple construction. But unlike some harnesses, this one comes complete with a lead, saving on the cost of buying one separately. In fact, for many users, the bungee lead is actually the main selling point, extending from four to six feet.
Reasons to buy: Long bungee lead, adjustable fit, lightweight, breathable.
Reasons to avoid: As the H-style harness is generally a little less secure than jacket or vest styles, we don't recommend this product for cats who are easily spooked.
Best holster-style harness
Made from 100% cotton, this harness is both lightweight and breathable, great for cats who are just getting used to wearing a harness for the first time, and perfect for wearing all day long without any discomfort.
Fitted as a vest, it doesn’t feature any fiddly straps or clips, it simply wraps around your cat and fastens at the chin and tummy with Velcro. The two Velcro fastenings even open in opposite directions, so you can do it up or take it off with one swift action.
The lack of adjustable straps does mean there is less leeway for tweaking the fit of the Kitty Holster, however users report a great fit if you take the time to follow the size guide and measure your cat.
Reasons to buy: Strong velcro, hard to get out of, machine washable.
Reasons to avoid: Not adjustable.
Best kitten harness
One of the problems with a lot of cat harnesses on the market is they're designed with adult cats in mind, so what do you do if you have a kitten? Well, thankfully this little beauty has been designed specifically with our youngest feline friends in mind and comes in sizes ranging from XXXS to S.
Available in five color choices, the Fida harness and leash set is made from three layers of soft and breathable air mesh, so it's ideal for daily walks or training sessions. Comfortable, lightweight and quick-drying, the step-in design makes it easy to get on and off your kitten.
Once your kitten is in the harness, you simply wrap it around their body and fasten it using the sturdy buckle. From there, you can adjust it to get a secure fit. The harness also features reflective strips to ensure your kitty stays visible when you're out and about.
Reasons to buy: Good range of sizes, leash included, excellent value for money.
Reasons to avoid: Some users report the harness sizing runs big, so be sure to measure your kitten well.
How to choose the best cat harness
Choosing the best cat harness comes down to a combination of you and your cat’s needs. Owners of confident cat breeds that prefer being outdoors who have some experience with harnesses and aren’t prone to being spooked will often find that an H-style harness will fit the bill. However, if you’re training your cat for the first time or shopping for a more timid kitty, a more secure jacket or vest style will offer some extra safety.
If your cat is an expert at wriggling free, an escape-proof option is the way to go, but do be mindful that escape-proof isn’t a guarantee and always test the harness indoors first.
Measuring your cat carefully and referring to the size guide is an important step, and take a little time to consider the materials too. Is your cat bothered by rustling fabric? Try cotton or mesh. Are they more sensitive? Padding could be the most comforting choice. Do they love to roll around? Check if your harness is waterproof and wipe-clean.
Finally, consider your lifestyle. If hiking with cats is on your bucket list, a sturdy, outdoorsy style is a must, but if you plan to potter in the garden, a simpler harness may do the trick. With these tips and our handy guide, you can’t go wrong when choosing a cat harness.
What type of harness is best for a cat?
"There are two main types of harness for cats, the H-style and the vest-style," explains Dr. MacMillan. "Some cats may prefer the H-style as it covers less of their body than the vest-style harness. The thinner straps can feel less restrictive to them. However, this also makes this type of harness less secure.
Vest-style harnesses are safer as your cat is less likely to wriggle out of it if they become scared by cars, dogs, or other hazards. The other advantage of the vest-style harness is that it is less likely to dig in, as any pressure is spread more easily around the cat’s body. So, I would always recommend that owners go for the vest-style harness unless they are very confident about their cat’s behavior in public spaces."
How do you get a cat used to a harness?
"It can take a long time to get a cat comfortable wearing a harness, so try not to rush the process," Dr. MacMillan advises.
"Start by letting your cat approach and sniff the harness. Reward and praise them for interacting with it. Practice touching the harness against your cat’s body, again offering a treat or praise. Then try and gently place the harness on them.
Only allow them to wear it for a short time before removing it. You can encourage them to move around in it by placing food or treats in the room. Once your cat is happy wearing the harness for short periods, you can try attaching the lead so that they start getting used to this sensation too. Once your cat has accepted this you can start going outside for short periods, ideally practicing in a secure enclosed area to begin with.
If at any point your cat seems stressed, stop. Take a step back and try again another day."
How do you measure a cat for a harness?
Figuring out how to measure a cat for a harness can feel daunting, but thanks to this simple advice from Dr. MacMillan, it doesn't have to be.
"You will need to measure your cat’s chest," she explains. "This should be the widest point, which is usually situated behind their shoulder blades. Wrap the tape measure around your cat so that it is snug, but not overly tight.
Depending on your chosen harness style you may also need a neck circumference measurement (where the collar sits) and a body length measurement (from the base of the neck to the base of the tail). You can then use these measurements to select the correct-sized harness for your cat.
Most harnesses are adjustable so you will need to make sure that it fits comfortably but securely when trying it on your cat."
Can you put a dog harness on a cat?
Ever wondered if you can pop your feline friend in one of the best dog harnesses? Dr. MacMillan has the answer:
"Technically a cat can wear a dog harness if it is properly fitted and secure," she says. "But be aware that dog harnesses can be bulkier and heavier than cat ones.
Also, cats are more agile and can escape more easily from harnesses than a dog can. I would always recommend that pet owners choose a cat-specific harness where possible."
Can my cat wear a harness all the time?
"It is not recommended to keep your cat in their harness all the time," says Dr. MacMillan. "Harnesses can be uncomfortable when left on for extended periods. They also get in the way of grooming, which can lead to matted fur and a stressed cat.
The other issue is safety. If your cat is left unsupervised in a harness, they could accidentally get a leg caught up which could leave them hurt or distressed. This is much more likely in poor-fitting accessories but could potentially happen with any harness."
Kathryn has a wealth of experience when it comes to researching and writing about the best products for pets. Plus, she's a pet owner herself so she knows how to cut through the noise and find the products that will really make a difference in the lives of our fur friends (and the humans who love them!)
Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
