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Some cats are content spending their nine lives lounging around the house—and others are itching to get outside. But before you let little Luna roam free, Dr. Nelva Bryant, the in-house veterinarian for Delta Air Lines and owner of When Pets Fly, recommends acclimating adventurous felines to a harness for safe, supervised exploring. Breathable materials and a vest-like, cat-specific design are key to a comfortable fit, Bryant says. With those parameters in mind, we picked the Rabbitgoo Cat Harness as our best cat harness overall and rounded up six other highly rated cat harnesses that cater to specific sizes, needs, and escape-artist tendencies.
(See how your cat experiences the world.)
Our picks for the best cat harnesses
The best cat harness options
Best cat harness overall: Rabbitgoo Cat Harness
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Cats come in all shapes and sizes, and the Rabbitgoo Cat Harness is designed to fit almost all of them. The brand ranges from extra-small to medium and considers both chest and neck girth measurements for a more customizable fit. While the vest style keeps your cat’s upper body nice and secure, the pressure is distributed wide enough to prevent choking when they spot a lizard. For added safety, the harness comes with reflective strips and a sturdy D-ring for attaching the included leash.
The other major box the Rabbitgoo ticks? Breathability. The harness is made of soft, lightweight mesh that allows for airflow and comfort during long adventures. With an affordable price tag and 13 color options, it’s a win-win for both owner and feline.
Keep in mind: You do have to slide the neck loop over your cat’s head, which may require some extra patience (and treats) if your cat is not used to wearing a harness.
Product details: Material: Mesh, nylon, and polyester | Neck Girth: 7.5 to 18 inches | Chest Girth: 11.2 to 24 inches | Leash: Yes
Best cat harness and leash set: Hepper Harness & Leash Set
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Not all harnesses come with leashes, and the ones that do tend to be flimsy. However, the leash included in this Hepper set is made of thick nylon climbing rope that feels strong enough to walk a Rottweiler, let alone a small cat. The harness itself is just as sturdy, with reinforced stitching, an extra-wide, adjustable velcro closure, and adjustable, quick-release buckles designed to secure even the most determined escape artists.
We also love that there are not one but two options for leash attachment. Metal D-rings are located on the front and the back of the harness, giving you the option to choose how to guide your cat. The fact that it’s machine washable is just the cherry on top.
Keep in mind: While this design includes some breathable mesh, it’s also made of velvet, which may be too hot for pets in warmer climates.
Product details: Material: Mesh, velvet, and nylon | Neck Girth: Not listed | Chest Girth: 7 to 21 inches | Leash: Yes
Best escape-proof cat harness: Houdini™ Escape Resistant Cat Harness
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Got a cat who could give Houdini a run for his money? Then, you’ll love the self-tightening back closure on this escape-proof harness. It gets tighter as your cat pulls forward, preventing them from slipping out and running free. The thin yet snug chest pad provides another layer of security by being restrictive enough to prevent them from wiggling out but adaptable enough to let them flex their acrobatic muscles.
Other thoughtful design details include the three adjustable points that allow for a customizable fit, the quick-release buckle, and the multiple material options. Pet owners in humid climates will likely want to opt for the soft mesh, but those in more temperate settings can get away with the leather and vegan leather versions. While any cat will love it, it’s a particularly good harness for Bengals.
Keep in mind: It’s priced higher than most harnesses and doesn’t come with some standard features like reflective strips.
Product details: Material: Mesh, leather, vegan leather, and neoprene fabric | Neck Girth: Not listed | Chest Girth: 9 to 21 inches | Leash: Yes
Best reflective cat harness: Moto Control Harness
Buy it now at RC Pets
Why we like it: Midnight walks may not be the norm for your cat, but busy schedules and short winter days may leave you no choice but to take them out after dark. The Moto Control Harness has got you covered with its reflective stitching and label that’s visible up to 80 feet. It also comes in bright color combinations like this Arctic Blue Tennis option, making it easier for cars and other pedestrians to spot.
But just because it’s geared toward night owls doesn’t mean it skimps on daytime features. This harness also boasts a breathable, padded mesh material, two leash attachment points, a seat belt attachment loop, and an easy-to-grab top handle. To add to its versatility factor, it’s customizable enough to fit both cats and dogs. Talk about a multi-purpose purchase.
Keep in mind: Because it’s not cat-specific, the neck and chest girth ranges may not fit all cats comfortably.
Product details: Material: Mesh, nylon, and alloy | Neck Girth: Not listed | Chest Girth: 14 to 40 inches | Leash: No
Best harness for small cats: Pidan Cat Harness
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Curious kittens and petite adult cats can slip right out of standard-sized harnesses because they’re too large for their smaller-than-average frames. This adjustable Pidan Cat Harness closes that gap with a minimum neck girth of 7.8 inches and chest girth of 10.2 inches. It’s even small enough to fit around other tiny animals, like rabbits.
Beyond its size, we appreciate that this harness comes with a matching leash that’s adjustable up to 48 inches in length, giving your pet enough freedom to roam while still staying safe. Both the harness and leash are made from soft, polyester webbing and are escape-proof thanks to the durable back metal ring that connects the two. While you can pick this up in a basic gray color, there are three unique multicolored patterns that are much more fun.
Keep in mind: The neck and chest straps are not adjustable, so you’ll need to measure them carefully before buying.
Product details: Material: Zinc alloy, polyester, and POM | Neck Girth: 7.8 to 12.2 inches | Chest Girth: 10.2 to 16.9 inches | Leash: Yes
Best cotton cat harness: Henri Cotton Cat Harness
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Like humans, pets can also struggle with sensitive skin. So, if your cat gets itchy wearing synthetic materials, the Found My Animal Henri Cotton Cat Harness may be a more comfortable option. Made from 100 percent cotton webbing that’s hand-dyed in multiple colors, this harness is as stylish as it is soft. Both the belly and shoulder straps are adjustable to prevent rubbing, and the harness comes in five sizes to fit most cats and dogs.
While the colors alone will make your cat the coolest on the block, the solid brass rings and hardware add a touch of sophistication. Sadly, this isn’t a set. But you can purchase a matching leash and collar in the same palette to complete your cat’s unique new look.
Keep in mind: This harness is much more expensive than other options we’ve listed and is not designed specifically for cats.
Product details: Material: Cotton | Neck Girth: Unlisted | Chest Girth: 12 to 40 inches | Leash: No
Best harness for big cats: OutBound Cat Harness
Buy it now at Cat About
Why we like it: Just because your cat is on the chunky side doesn’t mean they don’t want to run around outdoors. The OutBound Cat Harness is designed specifically for larger cats, with three sizes available for chest girths up to 19 inches and a customizable size option for big kitties that go even beyond that. Made from non-toxic bridled leather, this harness is both lightweight and tough enough to withstand the rough-and-tumble play of bigger cats.
But the real standout feature is its escape-proof design. Because so many cats slip out of their harnesses by pulling backward, OutBound Cat designed this harness to gently tighten around the cat’s midsection when they try to back out. But if your kitty does manage to find a way out within 45 days of purchase, the company offers a warranty that ensures the right fit and function.
Keep in mind: This harness is much more expensive than other options we’ve listed, and there are no sizes available for cats smaller than 14 inches.
Product details:Material: Leather | Neck Girth: Not listed | Chest Girth: 14 to 19 inches, with custom ordering available for over 19 inches | Leash: No
How we chose the best harness for cats
Any cat owner will tell you that getting your kitty to love (or at least tolerate) a harness is no easy feat. While we can’t guarantee your cat will suddenly enjoy going for walks, we used the following criteria to pick out the best harnesses that will keep them safe and secure when they do. These attributes include:
• Third-party reviews: A product’s review section is a minefield of a place. But even the most outlandish critiques can give us a bird’s-eye view of each harness’ potential strengths and weaknesses.
• Brand reputation: We’ve all been burned by a purchase from an unknown brand. That’s why we favor harnesses from established pet companies with a positive track record.
• Materials: What a harness is made of speaks volumes about its durability, comfort, and safety features. We included a mix of synthetic and natural materials that are both soft and strong.
• Escape-proof design: Cats are notorious for slipping out of things. We looked for harnesses with multiple points of connection or features that tighten when pulled to prevent your cat from escaping.
• Inclusive sizing and adjustability: Finding the right fit is crucial to ensuring your cat doesn’t escape, and it’s especially hard when your cat is an outlier size. We included harnesses in various sizes that can also be adjusted for a more custom fit.
Tips for buying a cat harness
Style
Like the kitties themselves, cat harnesses come in all different shapes and sizes—but there’s only one style you should consider for your feline friend: a vest. According to Dr. Bryant, vest-style harnesses that cover the top portion of your cat’s chest are the most comfortable and escape-proof option. Plus, they’re easy to put on and take off (as long as your cat cooperates). (Cats have 276 facial expressions. Here’s what a few of them mean.)
Material
While you can find harnesses in a range of materials like cotton, leather, and even velvet, Dr. Bryant recommends sticking with good ol’ soft mesh. Not only is this material breathable, but it’s also easy to wash. Harnesses, especially when used outside, can harbor dirt, allergens, mold, and disease, so cleaning them regularly is essential. But if your cat has any sensitivity to mesh or nylon, natural fabric options like cotton can be a great alternative.
Fit
Because cats have such a reputation for being escape artists, finding the right harness fit is essential. “While they’re standing, measure the cat around the chest right behind the front legs with a garment measuring tape, making sure that you get all the way down to the skin and past the fur,” Dr. Bryant says. Once you have their numbers, match them to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. If your cat falls between sizes, Dr. Bryant says to opt for the smaller size.
Utility
Before you add a harness to your virtual cart, consider its main purpose. If you’re planning on providing your kitty with supervised outside time, make sure you get one with a leash attachment. If you need it for traveling, focus on finding a design with multiple escape-proof features. No harness is perfect for every situation, so prioritize your cat’s needs.
Features
When it comes to cat harnesses, the more adjustable, the better. Even if your cat falls perfectly within a manufacturer’s sizing chart, there’s a good chance you’ll need to tweak things a bit for the right fit. Look for harnesses with at least one adjustable point so you can make it tighter or looser as needed.
How to put a cat into a harness
Getting your cat acclimated to a harness may take some patience and training, but with the right approach, they’ll soon be asking you to put it on. We got the inside scoop from Dr. Paola Cuevas, a veterinary consultant at Petkeen, on how to do just that.
1. Start slow. According to Dr. Cuevas, patience and positive reinforcement are key when it comes to introducing a harness. “It’s a gradual process that will take some time at the beginning,” she says, adding that allowing your cat to get comfortably introduced to the harness is more important than trying to rush the process.
2. Present the harness. Begin desensitization by just placing the harness in your cat’s environment. Dr. Cuevas says you can even wrap it with a used shirt of yours or sprinkle some catnip to help them associate it with something positive.
3. Reinforce their curiosity. If your cat goes anywhere near the harness, reward them with a treat. Repeat this for the first couple of days (doing a few sessions a day) and then remove the harness so that it’s “valued as a special treat opportunity object.”
4. Get them used to the feel. “Deliver a treat while the harness is making direct contact with the cat,” Dr. Cuevas says. “Place the harness on your lap and have the cat jump over—and make sure you reinforce your cat with treats.”
5. Have them wear the harness for short bursts. Once your cat is comfortable with the feel of the harness, it’s time to put it on them for brief periods. Dr. Cuevas says to start with five seconds and then slowly increase the time while rewarding them with a high-value treat.
6. Practice with the leash. “Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness for 10 to 15 minutes, start practicing attaching the leash and train them to walk using a target pole or treat trail,” she says, adding that you and your kitty can graduate to the the yard, the street and so one once they get the hang of it. “The main goal during all of these steps is that the cat remains calm. The harness should represent a positive opportunity and not a punishment for your cat. Allow them to take their time, and focus on reinforcing only calm behavior.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of harness for a cat?
Dr. Bryant says that the best type of harness is a vest-style harness with an adjustable, lightweight design that’s made of breathable materials and easy to put on your cat. It’s also important that it doesn’t restrict motion.
Should a cat harness be tight or loose?
Dr. Cuevas says that a cat harness should be tight enough that the cat can’t escape but loose enough to fit one or two fingers between it and the cat’s body. If it’s too tight, the cat will likely not want to wear it.
Emily Blackwood is a freelance service journalist based in San Diego. Her work has been published in Stylist, Apartment Therapy, PEOPLE, Outside Magazine, Medicinal Media, SELF, and HuffPost. You read about her latest discoveries at emily-blackwood.com.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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