To determine our recommendations for the best cat harnesses, we relied on the advice of the guardians of cat explorers and veterinarians. There are people who will stand behind a lot of different types of harnesses. The kind that I go for are the ones that are more like vests, that cover the top part of a cat’s chest," Galaxy told The Spruce Pets. Features. We also looked at each harness’ particular features. Was it reflective? Did it have padding for sensitive cat joints? Our testers evaluated how well the cat harnesses performed with those features in mind.

The breathable, highly adjustable, and ergonomically designed RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness is a cat explorer favorite. The best cat harnesses you can buy in 2023 1. Kitty Holster Cat Harness: Best cat harness for choice of sizes available Once your cat is comfortable walking around the house while wearing both the harness and the leash, you’re ready to venture out into the world.

Available in sizes S-XL, there’s also a range of colours and patterns to choose from (including a rather bright strawberry print!). The lead is attached via two heavyweight D-rings, forming one of the most secure fittings we’ve seen. Do measure your cat correctly according to the instructions, to ensure you achieve the best fit. With these cat harness options, you should be able to find a comfortable and secure harness for your cat so they can enjoy the outdoors. Once your cat is lead trained, you even can ask your cat sitter to put on that perfect harness and take your feline outside to explore the world. One of the keys to success with a cat harness is getting the right fit. This video from Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies shows how to measure your kitty for a harness—and reminds you to read the sizing information for the specific harness you select. Cats can gain (or lose) weight, so be sure to adjust the harness accordingly if your cat changes sizes. Try out the harness and lead indoors until your cat is comfortable with lead walking. You don’t want to experiment outdoors and risk having your cat become upset and escaping. If your cat is an expert of 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.

This is a vest-style harness with no fiddly straps or clips to do up. Instead, the harness simply wraps around your cat’s body and is fastened at the chin and tummy with Velcro. Since the Velcro doesn’t offer the adjustability of straps, it’s important you follow the size guide closely to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for your cat. However, once you’ve got your cat in the harness, it’s extremely secure and very difficult for a cat to escape. Made from 100% cotton, it will be comfortable for cats to wear – although be careful that long-haired cats don’t get their fur caught in the Velcro. Note, too, that a lead isn’t included, so you’ll have to buy that separately.

Measuring Your Cat for a Harness

The safest way to walk your kitty outdoors is with one of the best cat harnesses and a leash. Walking your cat around the neighborhood or bringing them along on a hike can help keep them fit and trim, but that's not all. Getting your cat outside will also reduce their boredom and release some of that extra energy they may be taking out on your furniture.

Snugness - Nino is quite an actor and protested his Kitty Harness was way too tight from the first time I put it on him. He cried, and panted, and moaned, and rolled his eyes, making me fear that he could not breathe. It was a ruse. In fact, I could easily slip two fingers underneath the harness all around. When I first gave in and loosened it - he was out of it a minute. Keep it tight - use the two finger rule all around. Although the Velcro fastening is secure, it does mean that unlike other models with straps, this particular harness isn’t adjustable, making it more important to measure your kitty to ensure the perfect fit. But with five sizes available, it shouldn’t be too much of a task to find the right size for your furry friend. There aren’t many downsides to this harness, but the sound of the Velcro could scare nervous cats. The harness is padded, though, which reduces noise and makes the harness more comfortable for your cat to wear.Petsafe's affordable Come With Me Kitty Harness is ideal for both warm and cold weather feline adventures. When the days become shorter, and it gets darker early, you could be out for a stroll with your cat and be caught out. As such, a reflective harness is a great idea to ensure your feline can still be safely seen – and we’d recommend this H-style harness for more confident cats, since it isn’t quite as secure as a vest-style model.

In your next sessions, slowly increase the amount of time your cat has the harness on. “The second step is taking a step,” says Galaxy. “You want them to start feeling it and feeling what it’s like to walk in this thing. That’s when you use your treat again.” Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness by itself, then introduce the leash inside.Megan Ferney is the guardian of Leon the Adventure Cat, whom she adopted in 2017. Ferney and Leon live in Spokane, Washington, where they enjoy hiking, camping, and paddleboarding. We interviewed Ferney by phone on July 2, 2021. Trybuch and Olewski Klassen first introduced their young cats to a harness indoors. They put the harness on for brief periods, during which they offered lots of treats and played games. These short sessions helped their kitties forget about the gear, learn how to move while wearing it, and form positive associations. Over time, as your kitty becomes more comfortable with the harness, the longer it can stay on. The matching lead not only removes the added expense of buying your own, but it also completes the look to a tee, an important point for the style conscious. An added design feature of this stylish harness is the double D-ring design. Attached by strong nylon webbing, there is one at the top of the harness and one nearer the bottom, so you can attach the lead according to your cat’s preference and comfort level.