While not all cats like the leash experience at first, they can come to love it with a regular routine and the right equipment, such as the best cat harness and leash for their comfort.
To help you and your cat make the best of your walks, we have compiled a list of the best cat harnesses available on the market today. Read about the factors that make a good harness and browse through our list to find the best cat harness for your furry best friend.
Cat Harness Features to Consider
A cat harness should fit well and be comfortable for your cat. When choosing a new cat harness, consider the following features:
Fit
Fit is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new cat harness. After all, the whole point of a harness is to not give your cat the possibility to escape. So how do you know if a harness is too loose? A good rule of thumb is that only one finger should fit between your cat’s neck and the harness. If more than one finger fits, then the harness could be too loose. On the other hand, if you can’t fit one finger, the harness might be too tight or uncomfortable.
Safety Features
Because cats can wander off by themselves while wearing a harness, safety features are also an important factor. Common safety features include reflective tape or bells attached to the harness so you can easily find your pet.
Durability of Materials
You must pick a harness made with durable material that won’t break or tear. Besides it not lasting, cheap material can also harm your cat, causing rashes, irritation, and other potential skin problems. Always make sure you inspect the quality of the material and also the stitching of the harness, along with tags, buttons, zippers, and other accessories.
Style
The two main styles of harnesses for cats are a classic “H” shape harness and a vest-like style. An “H” harness has a strap that goes around the neck and another one that goes under the stomach. This style is easier to use and is usually more adjustable than a vest harness. The vest style fits around a cat’s chest and usually clips at the chest. Vest harnesses are more rigid and escape-proof, making them a perfect option for cats who tend to be more energetic or less behaved.
Compatibility With a Cat Leash
If your harness does not come with a leash, make sure it’s compatible with any leashes you have at home or plan to purchase. If you already have a cat leash, make sure the harness comes with an O-ring. If you don’t have a leash and the harness doesn’t come with one, look for a cat leash from the same manufacturer as the harness to ensure compatibility.
Pet Realm’s Best Cat Harness Picks
PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash
- Key Features:
- 3/8 inch wide “H”-style harness
- Made with durable nylon
- 4-foot bungee leash
- Available in small, medium, and large.
- Adjustable.
- Limited lifetime warranty
The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash is one of the best harnesses available today. This cat harness is fully adjustable and includes a bungee leash that provides a little give for your cat at the end of the leash instead of just stopping short.
Compared to most brands on the market, this PetSafe harness is available in three different sizes, and each size is completely adjustable so that you can provide your cat with the perfect fit. The harness is made with nylon for durable use and also includes a lifetime warranty. At $12.95, it’s hard to find a better cat harness today.
Kitty Holster Cat Harness
- Key Features:
- Vest style harness
- Made with breathable cotton
- 4 size options
- Different color options available
The simple and reliable Kitty Holster Cat Harness is a classic “vest” style harness that gets the job done safely and effectively. With a snug fit and equipped with a velcro strap, this vest harness is escape-proof, so you don’t have to worry when going out on walks with your cat.
The Kitty Holster is made with breathable cotton for a comfortable and smooth fit. It is available in various sizes and color options so you can pick the style that goes best with your cat’s physique and personality.
PUPTECK Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash
- Key Features:
- Vest style harness
- Breathable mesh material that prevents overheating
- 5-foot long nylon leash
- Available in three different sizes
- Fully adjustable
If you are looking for an escape-proof harness that is extremely comfortable for your cat, look no further than the PUPTECK Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash. Made with a simple design and breathable mesh material, this vest can be worn year-round. It also comes with a 5 feet nylon cat leash and velcro closure for added security that makes it almost impossible for your cat to escape.
The PUPTECK Escape Proof harness is perfect for extra adventurous and curious cats. It is currently available in three different sizes, and each is fully adjustable to provide a snug and comfortable fit.
Coastal Pet Mesh Kitten Harness
- Key Features:
- Comfortable mesh material
- Vest-style design
- Fully adjustable
- Perfect for kittens
The Coastal Pet Mesh Cat Harness is the perfect choice for those looking for just the basics. It is easy-to-use, effective, and affordable. This is a great choice for cat owners who want a harness but don’t see themselves using it often.
An ideal choice for kittens, this vest-style harness is completely adjustable, and its breathable mesh material provides optimum comfort. The Coastal Pet Mesh Kitten Harness does not come with a leash, but it has a D-ring on the back, which is compatible with most cat leashes.
EcoBark Rapid Fastener Harness
- Key Features:
- Padded velcro
- Multiple color choices
- 5 size options
- Reflective strip
The EcoBark Rapid Fastener Super Comfort Harness is simple, efficient, and cool. Made with velcro and double-layered mesh, the EcoBark Rapid Fastener harness provides a highly effective escape-proof fit without sacrificing comfort. While this vest-style does not come with a leash, it does have two D-rings located at each side of the harness.
The harness also comes with a reflective strip to provide extra visibility at night. The EcoBark Rapid Fastener comes in five different sizes, and each is fully adjustable. Additionally, the vest is available in six cool, bright colors that make this harness one of the most stylish on this list.