Best Cat Harness for Walking Your Cat

Walking your cat can be an enjoyable and beneficial experience both for you and your cat. However, to keep your pet safe and happy, you need to use a leash and harness.

Finding the right harness for your pet can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, we are here to help.

We’ve looked at a lot of cat harnesses on the market in order to find the best ones. Below are the results of our research. But before we get into the top 7 cat harnesses you can buy today, let’s look at the different styles of cat harnesses you can choose from.

Different Styles of Cat Harness

Traditional H-style cat harnesses

The traditional h-style cat harness are often made from nylon. They consist of two circular straps connected by a flat strap that goes along your cat’s spine. The smaller circular strap goes around your cat’s neck while the larger one loops around its waist.

Traditional style harnesses are often very adjustable and they tend to be a bit cheaper than the vest style harnesses. However, they’re probably not as comfortable as the vest designs and they’re not as secure either. Nonetheless, they’re a good choice if you want to test out a cat harness, or only use it occasionally.

Vest style cat harness

Vest style cat harness is usually made from breathable fabrics such as mesh. These harnesses are worn on cats just like humans wear vests on their bodies. They fit around the chests of cats and clip either at the back or front. They are often much more secure than traditional style harnesses and are usually a lot more comfortable.

On the minus side, they’re less adjustable than H-style harnesses, making it harder to find the perfect fit. They’re also pricier but they’re the best option for those with cats that are also escape artists.

Step-in style cat harnesses

Step-in style cat harnesses allow your cat to put on the harness by stepping into it with both front paws with you securing it into place. This method avoids slipping the straps over your cat’s head, which is often traumatic for cats. However, step-in cat harnesses are not very secure and are best used in environments where your cat isn’t likely to attempt escape.

Top 7 Best Cat Harnesses 

1. PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash

Editor's Rating: 4.8/5 Overall Score

The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash product is definitely one of the best cat harness and leash products that you can buy today. It’s a fully adjustable “H” style harness and is made from high-quality nylon material. 

The harness is designed to apply pressure to a cat’s shoulders instead of the throat or neck. The two adjustment points on the harness allow for easy customization to your cat’s body type. The product is also quite escape-proof when you get a snug fit at the neck and stomach. In addition, it’s very easy to put on and take off.

Included in the package is a 4-foot bungee leash that offers a little give when your cat reaches the limit instead of just stopping them abruptly. The product comes in small, medium, and large sizes. It’s also very affordable for all the features you get.

The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash product has excellent reviews from thousands of customers on Amazon. If you’re looking to get your cat walking outdoors safely, this product is a great option to consider.

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2. Kitty Holster Cat Harness

Editor's Rating: 4.7/5 Overall Score

If a vest style harness is what you need, the Kitty Holster cat harness is an excellent choice. The product comes in four sizes and is available in seven charming style and color options, so you're sure to find one you like. You can choose between XS, S/M, M/L, or XL size, perfect for large cats.

The Kitty Holster cat harness is essentially an escape-proof vest that secures around your cat’s stomach and chest. It’s made of a lightweight, breathable, and machine washable cotton material which is comfortable and also durable. The soft lining combined with the Velcro fasteners makes for a very comfortable experience for cats.

The harness is a one-piece design with a nylon strap that secures the D-ring for easy attachment of a leash. The product has a lot of positive ratings from satisfied customers on Amazon.

While it’s a bit more expensive than many other budget options, you do get what you pay for. What’s more, 10% of the profits made from this product are donated to Crazy K Farm Poultry and Livestock animal rescue.

So if you’re looking for a comfortable, durable, vest style harness for your feline, then this product is a great choice to consider.

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3. PACCOMFET Soft Mesh Cat Harness

Editor's Rating: 4.7/5 Overall Score

If you’ve got a small cat and you need a super affordable vest style harness for your cat, Paccomfet have got you covered with their Soft Mesh cat harness. The product is available in extra small, small, and medium sizes. It also comes in six different color options.

The Paccomfet Soft Mesh cat harness is made from polyester and covered with breathable mesh fabric that most cats will have no issues with. As a result of its small size, you’ll want to get proper measurements of your pet to ensure that the harness will fit comfortably. 

The Paccomfet Soft Mesh cat harness product has quite a number of positive reviews from customers who praise the product for its durability and comfort. The product also comes in at a very affordable price, making it a no-brainer if you’ve got a cat with the right dimensions.

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4. Yizhi Miaow Escape-Proof Cat Harness with Leash

Editor's Rating: 4.6/5 Overall Score

Got a cat that’s an escape artist? Well, the Yizhi Miaow Escape-Proof Cat Harness and Leash product can help you put an end to that. The product features a soft, breathable mesh lining coupled with adjustable Velcro straps to provide a comfortable experience for your cat.

In addition to being secure and comfortable, this cat harness and the included leash are also very durable and sturdy. It’s also very easy to get on and off your cat and the adjustable straps allow you to get a snug fit easily.

The Yizhi Miaow Escape-Proof cat harness comes in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. It also comes in seven color and style combinations. If you’re looking for a great combination of affordability and features, the Yizhi Miaow Escape-Proof cat harness and leash product is an ideal option to consider.

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5. PUPTECK Escape Proof Cat Harness with Leash

Editor's Rating: 4.5/5 Overall Score

Another secure option for cats is the Pupteck Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash. It comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large. When it comes to color and style, you can pick from ten different options.

The harness is a vest style harness complete with breathable air-mesh fabric and Velcro straps. A plastic closure is also added to the neck as extra security in case the cat prevails over the Velcro. There are two D rings at the back of the harness for connecting a leash. The included leash has a length of 150cm (59 inches).

The Pupteck Escape Proof Cat Harness product is one of the more affordable vest style cat harnesses you can find today. The product has many good ratings from satisfied customers who claim that their pets got used to it pretty quickly. And thanks to its secure style and adjustability, it’s very unlikely that your cat will get away from this one.

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6. Voyager Step-In Air Pet Harness by Best Pet Supplies

Editor's Rating: 4.4/5 Overall Score

This is a "Step In Vest Harness" that is made with a soft, lightweight and breathable air mesh. It's very easy to put on, simply "Step In, Clip and Go". 

Your cat needs to step inside with its front legs. Pull the harness up, use the velcro strap to adjust the fit to your cat's body size, then secure the hook and loop fastener. Then just buckle in and clip the leash on the two D-Rings.

The design of the harness provides you with extra security that the it will keep your cat safely and securely in place. 

You can choose between 23 different colors, from pink to purple to turquoise.  There are seven sizes you can choose from: XXXS, XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL.  This makes it one of the best choices for large cats.

When choosing the best size, make sure you measure your cat's chest and neck and refer to their sizing chart. Also, do not exceed the maximum weight shown in their chart.

7. PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness Nylon Strap Collar with Leash

Editor's Rating: 4.4/5 Overall Score

This is an adjustable H style cat harness, which can be used by a young kitty or adult cats under 12 pounds. This is a safe and comfortable harness, which you can use when you're walking your cat outdoors, doing some hiking or other outdoor activities.

It's made of nylon lead, which will fit around your cat's neck and back and will distribute evenly any pressure. It has a durable snap-lock buckles, and it's easy to put on and take off.

The nylon that has been used by PupTeck is much ticker than others', and is very resistant to wear and tear.  You can choose between ten fun colors, so you're sure to find one that best matches your style. The harness comes with a leash which is 47.2 inches long. 

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What to Consider Before Buying a Harness for Your Cat

Durability

Before buying a harness for your cat, you should confirm that it’s made from quality materials that can withstand some level of wear and tear.

You don’t want to purchase a product that falls apart the first time you use it. Inspect the stitching and clasps of the harness to ensure that it’s durable and well made. The best cat harnesses should be made of high quality materials, and should have good customer reviews. 

Fit

Getting the right fit is very important if you’re to have a nice time walking your cat. In order to make sure the harness will fit well, you need to measure your cat's size and refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Make sure you follow the sizing chart before you order the product. 

You should go for a harness that isn’t too tight but isn’t too loose either. Your choice should fit snugly on your pet without pinching anywhere.

To get a harness with the appropriate size for your pet, you’ll need to measure your cat and select a harness with dimensions that match your measurements. You should also keep in mind that some harnesses can be adjusted in some areas.

Comfort

While your cat may not initially enjoy the feel of a harness, it will eventually get used to it if it’s made from comfortable material and fits well. Some cats find certain materials uncomfortable or irritating. Thus, you should determine what kinds of materials your cat reacts ideally to. 

If you find that certain fabrics or closures such as Velcro are are issue for your pet, then explore other options until you find what works best for you.

Style

As we’ve discussed above, cat harnesses come in various styles, each with its pros and cons. If you’re looking for a harness that your cat won’t be able to escape from, you’re better off experimenting with the vest style options as they’re more secure.

If, on the other hand, you’re more concerned about adjustability and affordability, a traditional H-style harness will more likely suit your needs. 

Best Cat Harness FAQs:

What is a cat harness?

A cat harness is a device that is worn on a cat's body. It is usually connected to a leash. Harnesses are used for walking cats instead of collars as it isn't safe to attach a leash to a cat's collar.

Cat harnesses are available in the classic "H" style and the vest style. The "H" style consists of straps that go around the cat's body and neck while the vest style harnesses are worn around the cat's chest like a vest.

Why buy a harness for your cat?

There are several reasons why you might want to consider investing in a harness. 

• Cats need exercise and to be active in order to live a healthy life. You might already have several cool cat toys in your home that will keep your kitty or cat playing and busy during the day.
• Another way to get your cat moving and being more active is by taking them outside for a walk. You might take them to your back yard, to the park, or even hiking! 
• If you plan on traveling with your cat, you've probably already have a cat carrier ready, but you should also consider getting a harness as well. This will help you during long trips, whether you're traveling by car, train or plane.  
• Your cat should explore the world, not just your living room! We all love our cats, and that should encourage us to show them and explore with them new places. Just make sure you are patient with your cat, and start off with short walks and places so they get used to the outdoors. 

How do you put a harness on a cat?

Some harnesses are easier to put on a cat than others. The traditional “H” style harness is quite easy to put on once you get the hang of it. You place the smaller strap over the head of your cat with the back strap facing up. Then, you place the wider strap around your cat’s chest and buckle in. You can adjust these kinds of harnesses to get a snug fit.

Even easier to put on are vest style harnesses that go on a cat just as a vest would go on a human. These harnesses have buckles or zippers to enable you to secure them to your cat’s body. 

Just make sure that you measure your cat's size before you order your harness. This way you'll be sure that it fit comfortably and will keep your cat securely strapped. 

How can you train your cat to walk on a leash?

First of all, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got a harness of the right size for your cat. Next, you need to get your cat used to wearing a harness. Put the harness on occasionally around the house. Give you feline plenty of treats while she has the harness on.

Once, your cat is used to the idea of a harness, it’s time to put the leash on. At first, don’t put any pressure on the leash but just follow your feline around the house. Once she’s used to that, you can then venture outdoors.

How should you measure your cat for a harness?

Make sure you measure all the measurements specified by the manufacturer of the harness you’re looking to purchase.

You’ll often need to measure your cat’s neck and the girth of its chest. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your cat’s chest and neck to get these measurements. Some harnesses are adjustable, so you can easily put it on and adjust its size.

How tight should your cat’s harness be?

If your cat’s harness is too loose, your cat will easily escape when it panics. Thus, you should aim for a snug fit.

The best fit should allow you to place a finger or two between the harness and your cat’s body. If one finger can’t fit in that space, then the harness is too tight. On the other hand, if there’s enough space for multiple fingers, the harness is too loose.

Conclusion: What's The Best Cat Harness?

Training your cat to walk outdoors with a leash and harness can be quite a process, one that requires advance thought and preparation. But the rewards make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Finding the right harness for your cat is essential to the success of such an endeavor. Based on our research our number one recommendation is the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash, it's made of high quality materials, comes with a leash, and is a great choice for walks outside. 

Make sure you check all the products listed in this article, and feel free to experiment with various styles and options until you find what works best for you and your furry friend.