Published Aug 29, 2024
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Many of us want to allow our cats to explore the great outdoors in a safe way. Choosing the best cat harness and taking your cat for daily walks is a great way to add enrichment to their lives. When searching for the best harness, look for durable materials, an escape-proof design, and a comfortable fit. You want it to be easy to take on and off so you aren’t struggling with it each time.
In this article, we’ll discuss why harness training is good for cats, how to know if it’ll work for your cat, and the top cat harnesses on the market today.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks For The Best Cat Harnesses
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we’ve compiled below where we’ve highlighted the features of each product featured in this review. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash
- Comes with a matching leash
- Cats seem to find it very comfortable
- Four sizes and 13 colors
BEAUTYZOO Cat Harness and Leash
- Matching harness and leash set
- Thick straps
- Two sizes and 10 patterns
Voyager Step-In Adjustable Cat Harness
- Great value
- Matching harness and leash set
- Eight sizes and 24 colors
Pet Safe Come with Me Kitty Harness and Leash
- Adjustable length from neck to shoulders
- Includes a bungee leash
- Three sizes and seven colors
Sleepypod Cat Harness
- Durable mesh fabric
- Secure straps and buckles
- Three sizes and six color variations
Kitty Holster Cat Harness
- Easy to take on and off
- Secure velcro
- Seven sizes and 10 colors
Houdini Escape Resistant Cat Harness and Leash
- Easy to adjust
- Matching harness and leash set
- Three sizes
PUPTECK Soft Mesh Cat Vest Harness
- Easy to take on and off
- Matching harness and leash set
- Four sizes and 15 patterns
Why Should You Harness Train Your Cat?
Cats love the outdoors, but unsupervised outdoor adventures aren’t safe for your cat or the environment. Harness training your cat allows them the mental enrichment that comes from outdoor adventures without the risks of cars, predators, disease, or poisoning.
Harness training isn’t for every cat or even every person. It takes time, effort, and dedication. Once you’ve started taking your cat outdoors, it’s best to stick to a daily routine so they know what to expect.
You’ll also want to guard your doors carefully, especially in the beginning, as some cats will try to escape once they know how much fun they can have outside. Some people prefer not to harness train cats that have never been outside for this reason.
Signs your cat could use the extra enrichment include rowdiness and hyperactivity, boredom, and actively trying to get outdoors. Adventurous cats might love having new places to explore, while more withdrawn cats might be in a rush to get back inside.
However, it’s really difficult to predict how your cat will react without giving them the opportunity. If you’re interested in walking your cat but are unsure if they’ll like it, I recommend buying a cheap but sturdy harness and giving it a try.
Why Trust Cats.com
I’m a lifelong cat owner who harness trained my current eldest cats around 15 years ago. I chose the harnesses on this list based on my own experience, asked other cat owners for their input, and browsed customer reviews to see which harnesses are popular and beloved.
I tested each harness on my two harness-trained cats and observed how they fit, how they looked, if the cats seemed to prefer one over the others, and how the cats moved in them. We went on several 20 to 30 minute outings to test the harnesses thoroughly.
Top Picks Explained
Although we’ve updated our picks since this video was filmed, we still love the products Mallory mentions in this video.
The 8 Best Cat Harnesses
We considered many factors to determine our rankings. Although the Rabbitgoo cat harness is our top choice, every cat and human has their own preferences. To help you choose the best cat harness, we’ve broken down our recommendations by the most adjustable harness, the easiest to put on, and more key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
During testing, my cats seemed most comfortable in this harness. It’s also a favorite of mine due to the cute array of colors—cats don’t care about aesthetics, but it’s still a great bonus. This set comes with a matching leash, so you won’t need to buy one separately.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The harness is simple and easy to put on. However, the neck strap must be tightened and loosened each time you take it on and off, as it doesn’t have a lot of give. A buckle that can be unclasped would make the process a little easier, especially for cats that don’t like things going over their heads.
What We Liked:
- Comfortable
- Comes with leash
- Comes in 13 colors and four sizes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Overhead harnesses can be uncomfortable for some cats
#2 Runner Up: BEAUTYZOO Cat Harness and Leash
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The BEAUTYZOO harness is another with a wide range of color and pattern options. It’s easy to put on your cat and the set comes with a matching leash. Once again, my cats seemed very comfortable in this harness. I liked that the straps are a bit thicker than on some other cat harnesses, making the design feel sturdier. The leash is also quite thick for a cat leash and is easy to hold onto.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The only downside is that it doesn’t have a neck buckle, so you’ll have to guide your cat’s head through the loop. This also means tightening and loosening the neckline each time you use the harness.
What We Liked:
- Thick straps
- Easy to put on and comfortable for cats to wear
- Comes with matching leash
What We Didn’t Like:
- Overhead design can be uncomfortable for some cats
#3 Best Budget Pick: Voyager Step-In Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Voyager cat harness and leash set is simple and gets the job done. It even comes with features like buckles on the neckline so that you don’t have to pull the harness over your cat’s head. My cats found it comfortable and I thought it was very easy to use.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I do recommend sizing up if your cat is near the upper limit of the harness, as I noticed that they aren’t as big as the listing claims. The first harness I ordered didn’t fit either of my cats and upon measuring, the chest straps were two inches shorter than they were meant to be, even fully stretched out. This was one of my favorites once I received the correct size, but I do wish it hadn’t been such a hassle.
What We Liked:
- Best price
- Not an overhead harness
- Comes with matching leash
What We Didn’t Like:
- Measurements are smaller than listings claim
#4 Most Adjustable: Pet Safe Come with Me Kitty Harness and Leash
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
My favorite thing about the Come with Me Kitty harness is that the strap between the shoulderblades is adjustable. I’ve used some harnesses where both the neck and chest straps fit, but the harness won’t fit over my cat’s legs properly while around the neck. This harness prevents that struggle!
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Its multiple adjustment points also make it more secure for cats that try to escape harnesses, since everything can be tightened to fit snugly. Both of my cats found the harness comfortable and non-intrusive—you can’t even see it from some angles as the thin straps are hidden beneath fur.
I also love that the harness comes with a bungee leash, which one of my cats seemed to greatly prefer over a traditional leash. Bungee leashes don’t tug as hard on your cat when they pull at the leash, instead giving them a gentle warning before they hit the end.
The one thing I dislike about the harness is that the strap between the shoulders is made to pinch closed when a cat pulls. I can understand how this would help restrain escape artists, but I prefer to avoid aversive training methods whenever possible, and my cats seemed uncomfortable with it. This would be less of an issue if you have a cat that doesn’t tug on the leash, but my boys can be quite stubborn when they want to go somewhere.
What We Liked:
- Adjustable length from neck to shoulders
- Includes a bungee leash for more comfortable walks
- Comes in seven colors and three sizes
What We Didn’t Like:
- The pinch when pulling can be uncomfortable for cats
#5 Best For Large Cats: Sleepypod Cat Harness
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
My first impressions of the Sleepypod harness were that it looks like it was made with quality and durability in mind. It’s made of thick but breathable mesh fabric and even comes with a light for better visibility during nighttime walks.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Unfortunately, neither of my small cats were very comfortable in the harness. I think it was just too bulky for them. It’s possible that they could get used to it given time, but I’d recommend this one more for larger cats that might find it less bothersome.
It’s definitely sturdy, and it fits well if you ignore the bulk. Although it does cinch at the top, it seems gentler than similar designs.
What We Liked:
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Well-made with quality, durable materials
- Secure straps and buckles
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- Bulky
- Doesn’t come with a leash
#6 Best for Cats That Dislike Overhead Harnesses: Kitty Holster Cat Harness
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
If you dislike adjusting harnesses with straps and buckles, or have difficulty securing the buckles, you might find the Kitty Holster and its Velcro straps a lot easier to use. I enjoyed being able to take it quickly on and off while getting a secure fit each time. I also didn’t need to make a lot of adjustments when switching between cats.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I was initially worried about the security of a Velcro harness, but this Velcro seems strong and secure. I did have some trouble getting the right fit, but I think that was due to my lack of familiarity with vest harnesses.
My cats weren’t huge fans of this harness type, with one refusing to walk in them at all and the other trying his best but being very clumsy in them, especially when trying to jump. If your cat was trained in a vest harness or prefers them to other styles, this won’t be a problem for you. Every cat is unique and has their own preferences.
What We Liked:
- Easy to take on and off
- Secure Velcro straps
- Comes in 10 patterns and seven sizes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Vest designs can be uncomfortable for some cats
- Doesn’t come with a leash
#7 Easiest to Put On Your Cat: Houdini Escape Resistant Cat Harness and Leash
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Houdini escape-resistant harness was the easiest to take on and off of all the harnesses I tested. All of the adjusters slid easily while fitting it to my cats, and the cord stopper makes taking it on and off incredibly simple. My cats and I both appreciated how quick and easy it was, since they get pretty impatient when they’re ready to go outside. Having to sit through each harness being adjusted during testing was difficult for them!
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
One nitpick is that the leash seems to twist on itself easily. I also don’t love harnesses that cinch at the top, but this one didn’t seem to bother the cats. I think that’s due to how the harness fits—I didn’t notice as much tightening on this one as I did with the Come with Me Kitty harness.
What We Liked:
- Easy to adjust
- Simple to take on and off
- Comes with matching leash
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cinching design might be uncomfortable for cats
#8 Best Vest Harness: PUPTECK Soft Mesh Cat Vest Harness
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I can see the Pupteck harness working best for cats that don’t mind wearing a sweater. It may also work better for large cats as it’s quite bulky, but my small cats found it uncomfortable.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I liked the secure buckle around the neck—even I had a hard time opening it at first, so I can’t see a cat doing so on their own. The Velcro also seemed pretty sturdy, though I’d personally prefer a chest buckle as well for added security. This is not an overhead harness as the neck comes completely apart, so it’s easy to get on and off.
I first tested this on my cat Frack, who seemed very uncomfortable. He’s not used to such a bulky harness, and he reverted back to the waddling and pouting that most cats do at the beginning of harness training. After a few steps, he refused to walk in it.
His brother Frick tolerated it better, but still seemed uncomfortable and seems to prefer less bulky designs. I do think this one will mostly come down to preference and what your cat is used to.
What We Liked:
- Warm for winter months
- Comes in four sizes and 15 colors and patterns
- Very secure neck buckle
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats might find it too bulky
How To Choose the Best Cat Harness
When purchasing a harness for your cat, you’ll want to keep their preferences in mind. Some cats don’t like thin straps that dig into their fur and skin, while others dislike bulky harnesses that inhibit their movements.
Also consider the safety of the harness and whether it will keep your cat restrained, the durability of the materials, and the comfort and fit of the product.
Security: Cats are much more flexible than dogs and can work their way out of almost any harness given the motivation. That said, some harnesses are more difficult to escape than others. Look for a snug fit and secure clasps.
Durability: Most cat harnesses are fairly sturdy in my experience, but I’m not someone who goes for long, muddy hikes with my cats—we just sit outside for a little while each day. More active cats or those that go on long outdoor adventures will need more durability in their harnesses so that you don’t have to repurchase them over and over. Look for secure clasps and sturdy materials.
Comfort and fit: The right fit is one of the most important things to look for in a cat harness. Always measure the girth of your cat’s neck and chest before buying a new harness so that you can choose the correct size, and make sure it fits snugly before taking your cat outside. You’ll also want to ensure that your cat feels comfortable in the harness and can walk and jump easily while wearing it.
Harness type: The most common harness type is a simple back-clip harness. These have straps that buckle around your cat’s neck and chest and a loop for the leash between the shoulder blades. There are also vest harnesses, which distribute your cat’s weight more evenly if they pull but are also bulkier. Martingale harnesses have a cinching feature at the top that make the harness more escape-proof, but can also be uncomfortable and is considered an aversive training tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to put a harness on a cat?
It’s more than OK to put a harness on your cat, but please introduce it to them correctly. Forcing your cat into the harness makes the experience stressful rather than fun. Take things at your cat’s pace, use treats to guide them close, and teach them to put their head through the front loop themselves. Practice indoor walks first, and remove the harness if your cat is stressed. The entire harness training process can take weeks to months.
Are any cat harnesses actually escape-proof?
Cats are flexible enough to escape harnesses if they want to. Typically, they do so by backing up and stretching out their front legs, allowing the harness to slip over their heads. Training is a much better solution than buying harnesses that claim to be escape-proof. Watch your cat carefully and teach them that the fun ends when they start to back up by carrying them back inside and removing the harness. When walking, try to stay behind your cat and keep them on a short leash. This lessens their ability to back up and escape the harness.
Why can’t cats walk with a harness on?
Cats can walk with a harness on so long as it’s well-fitting. However, a cat not trained to wear a harness might flop to the side, refuse to move, or wobble as they walk. It takes time for a cat to get used to new experiences, and the pressure around their legs can be stressful and confusing. If your cat struggles to walk in their harness, you might need to take several steps back and start the harness-training process from the beginning.
Should a cat harness be tight or loose?
Cat harnesses should fit snugly to prevent easy escape. If the harness is too loose, especially around the chest, your cat will most likely slip out of it. You should be able to fit just one to two fingers beneath the harness, and it shouldn’t slip to the side when worn. At the same time, it shouldn’t pull your cat’s neck back uncomfortably or prevent natural movements (though many cats will walk funny when first wearing a well-fitted harness).
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