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Cats are, by nature, agile creatures. They can easily squeeze themselves in and out of nooks and crannies.
So, finding a harness that can contain these stealthy little creatures is not necessarily an easy one.
This article will help in selecting the most suitable cat harness depending on specific needs. This review of the top 5 cat harnesses will be focusing on aspects that’ll make a cat purr and those that’ll make it scratch!
We have provided detailed reviews later in this article, but this table gives a handy guide to our recommended harnesses:
Image | Title | Price | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Top![]() | PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash, Harness for Cats | Buy Now | |
![]() | GAUTERF Universal Harness with Leash Set, Escape Proof Cat Harness | Buy Now | |
![]() | rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash Set for Walking. Escape Proof with Leash | Buy Now | |
![]() | BINGPET Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash - Adjustable Soft Mesh Holster Style | Buy Now | |
![]() | Trixie Car Harness For Cats | Buy Now |
Why Cats Need a Harness
House cats, for the most part, are recommended to stay indoor vs. outdoor. According to statistics, indoor cats can live up to 17 years, while outdoor ones are estimated to reach only 2 to 5 years.
This is mostly due to lower exposure to the elements, so house cats can be less likely to get sick. Moreover, they’re less prone to fall victims to road accidents.
This doesn’t mean that a house cat shouldn’t, or isn’t allowed to go outside. Rather, it’s that if it does go out, it’s best if its human accompanies it.
That’s where a good cat harness comes in. It helps make use of the benefits of taking a house cat outside the house, relatively worry-free.
Taking the Cat Out
Cats love to climb. Trees, fences, furniture, you name it.
This isn’t much of a problem if the cat is indoors. However, having it stuck up a tree can be traumatizing for both the owner and the cat!
And it’s not just climbing, left to their own devices, they can pull a Houdini in a second. Or worse they may get into an accident.
So, how to go about taking the cat out for a walk and a little bit of fresh air?
Be it to the vet, on vacation, or anywhere else, a good harness will be convenient to have at hand when taking the cat out. It allows the cat freedom to explore and exercise, while safely handling it.
Training the Cat
A cat harness doesn’t need to only be used outdoors. Among its indoor uses is cat training.
Cats are considered to be rather temperamental. In fact, cats’ unpredictable behaviour is one of the top reasons some owners choose to rehome their cats.
Buying a harness to aid in cat training, will contribute to a comfortable and long-lasting relationship between owner and pet.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cat Harness
Picking the best cat harness differs from one cat to the next. These are some of the top factors to consider when choosing the most suitable option.
Comfort
As mentioned, cats are temperamental. So, if the harness isn’t comfortable it’s going to be a bumpy ride. The harness should be both comfortable and a good fit in terms of size for the cat.
Generally, a good-sized harness should allow just enough space to slip one finger between the harness and the cat’s neck. Less is too tight, which can be hazardous. More is too loose, making it easier for the cat to escape the harness.
Style
Most harnesses on the market fall under one of two styles, the H-Style harness and the vest-style one.
The H-style harness, as the name suggests, is H-shaped. It has a strap that goes around the cat’s neck and another one around its stomach. This style is usually more versatile making it easy to adjust to fit almost any cat.
The H-style harness is recommended for calmer cats, these include older cats and those that have been properly trained.
The vest-style harness, much like normal vests, is worn by the cat with buckles that clip either around the back or chest to keep it in place, depending on the design. It’s usually tighter and considered more escape-proof.
The vest-style harness is more suitable for younger cats, ones that are more energetic or erratic. This style is also recommended for rescued cats, especially ones that have sadly been abused.
Material
Harnesses are available in a variety of materials. Mesh is a common one, especially for the vest-style harness.
Velcro is another one often used, which has both its pros and its cons. On the one hand, it’s one of the best ways to help in securing the harness and having it be a good fit for the cat.
On the other hand, the exposed velcro may agitate the cat. Or worse. Sometimes the sound of undoing the velcro can drive the cat up the wall. Literally!
It’s recommended to always consider each cat’s nature and temperament when choosing its harness to get the most convenient and comfortable results.
Leash-Ready
Though most cat harnesses come with a leash, some don’t. If that’s the case, make sure that the harness is equipped to add a leash.
Escape Proof
Those little furballs can be escapist artists. Have you ever tried to get your pet into a cat carrier? No harness is guaranteed to be completely escape-proof, though. However, some harnesses, such as the vest-style ones are considered more secure than other styles.
Safety Features
Some harnesses come equipped with extra safety features, which are quite convenient.
A reflective material, for example, will make the cat more visible in limited lighting situations. Some also have a bell, which makes it easier to find the cat if it gets lost, or if it’s just simply hiding.
Best Cat Harness Reviews
Deciding on the ideal harness for a cat depends on the specific needs. This list is categorized according to different requirements to make the choice easier.
Petsafe - Best Overall Cat Harness
The ‘Come With Me Kitty’ harness from Petsafe is available in 3 sizes. This H-shaped harness is fully adjustable to perfectly fit almost any cat, and comes in 6 attractive colours.
It has not one, but two D-rings on the back, which serve as a great way of attaching the leash without putting any strain on the cat’s throat. Rather, the pressure of the pull is distributed on the shoulders making it more safe and comfortable for the cat.
One of the significant perks of this harness is the bungee leash it comes with. This leash design is more comfortable for both owner and pet, so no abrupt stops or tugging. It also allows the cat to explore more freely as it can extend up to 6 feet.
Perhaps the most favourable aspect of this harness, is the multiple positive reports of cats actually easily adapting to this harness. They find it comfortable and won’t throw a fit trying to get out of it.
The downside of this one is that it’s highly-priced compared to its counterparts.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- 2 D-rings for comfortable leash attachment
- Multiple reports of cats easily adapting to it
- Bungee leash
Cons
- Higher price than its counterparts
GAUTERF Universal Harness - Best Variety
This universal harness and leash set from GAUTERF are available in 23 colours and even more size options. This vest-style harness is made of mesh which is both light and breathable.
It also has a reflective strip making it safe for night use.
The only downside of this harness is that it is not adjustable, so you may have to purchase a larger size if your cat grows from a kitten is that purchasing a larger size is inevitable once the cat gets bigger.
Rabbitgoo Cat Harness - Best Harness for Small Cats
The harness from Rabbitgoo is ideal for a small-sized cat, as it comes in 2 sizes XS and S. It also has a choice of 4 different colour options.
The breathable air mesh material is both airy and breathable for comfort. It’s also reported to have a snug fit.
This harness is designed to be escape-proof with 4 adjustable straps and two safety buckles.
The disadvantage of this one is that it’s not the easiest to put on and take off, so may cause the cat to get stuck in it, which can be unpleasant.
Bingpet - Best Harness for Walking
This vest-style harness from BingPet is ideal for outdoor use. It comes in black and is available in 3 standard sizes.
The 2 D-ring option makes it easy for the owner to manoeuvre while being comfortable for the cat. Additionally, the mesh material is breathable to help reduce the chances of overheating.
Moreover, its hook and loop system makes it relatively escape-proof. Although there are some reports of cats being able to escape it, these seem to be very few and far between.
Trixie Car Harness for Cats - Best Budget Harness
This reasonably priced harness from Trixie is designed to safely strap in the cat in the car.
It’s not just for cars though, this one can also be used for walks. It comes with special padding for extra comfort and is fully adjustable.
Do note though that it’s not compatible with all car types, so, always check. However, extra attachments to adjust it to fit almost any car are easily available to purchase.
The least favourite aspect of this harness is that cats may be able to escape from it. So, this one isn’t for cats that are extra frisky.
Conclusion
A cat harness can be a great way to safely transport cats, or allow them to have fun.
After thoroughly reviewing some of the best harnesses currently available, the PetSafe H-style harness came on top of this reviewer’s list.
It’s fully adjustable, comfortable, and comes with a versatile bungee leash. And most purr-fectly cats seem to love it!
If you enjoyed this article, then check out some of our other reviews in our Out and About Category including recommendations for the best cat carriers, the best cat trackers , quick release cat collars and even the best cat strollers!