1. PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness
Key Features
Nylon harness with bungee cord leash
H style with adjustable sternum slide
Comfortable pressure focuses on shoulders
Our top kitten harness is this “H” style harness and leash combination available from PetSafe. While we’re not usually the biggest fans of “H” harnesses, this is a model that is well thought-out when it comes to happy cats. This cat walking harness is well-placed to provide gentle protection around your cat’s sensitive neck area – with the kit placing gentle pressure over the shoulders instead.
As well as this, the cat leash has an integrated bungee cord to allow for a much gentler restraint than those available in the competition. This allows for a safe and comfortable exploration of the world around your cat, without concern about harm or hazards.
2. Paccomfet Soft Mesh Cat Harness
Key Features
Polyester vest style harness
Covered with breathable mesh
Flexible, lightweight and comfortable fit
Coming in a surprising array of eye-catching colors and made with a comfortable, breathable polyester mesh, this soft harness is perfect for smaller cats and kitties who prefer the extra feeling of security that comes with a vest. A combination of both an “H” style and vest style harness, this is a light, durable and comfortable model that’s also easy to put on but hard to escape from.
This is a great option for small to medium cats, who are generally of a calmer nature and will allow you to place this item over their head and stay still long enough for you to buckle each adjustable strap around their waist. Do bear in mind that you’ll need to buy a separate cat leash though as this harness comes as a standalone vest.
3. Pupteck Escape Proof Cat Harness
Key Features
Vest style harness with double leash connectors
Soft air-mesh material
Widening Velcro on chest enclosure
Coming into the more security-focused items is this escape-proof cat harness from PUPTEK. Like the previous model, this one too is made from a breathable, comfortable mesh, although you will likely notice that this choice comes with a slightly thicker material. It also has strong Velcro around the chest area which allows for an easy and adjustable fit. The neck area is also secured using an adjustable buckle to ensure no risk of your cat escaping.
As a nice bonus, this harness comes in a variety of colors as well as multiple sizes, although we recommend the “S” size for most cats.
4. Kitty Holster Cat Harness
Key Features
Made from 100% undyed cotton
Comfortable, non-abrasive lining
Hook and loop closures
If you’re a fan of cute designs and you know your cat doesn’t mind you popping a t-shirt on them, then this is a fantastic option that works well for colder climates. We don’t recommend this for the warmer states though as the vest is made from cotton and can cause your cat to get warm pretty quickly. There’s also a thicker area under the chest which allows for the Velcro attachment to be placed before walking.
Overall, this is a very comfortable and surprisingly lightweight option, making this is a great choice for cats who like that feeling of cozyness during chilly weather. This item probably has the largest surface area of our choices and can therefore be a huge hit for your cat or may stress them out. You know your kitty best, so we’ll leave that decision up to you.
5. Voyager Step-in Plush Harness
Key Features
Cozy fleece harness for cold weather
Velcro and buckle fastenings
Machine washable
The extra-plush fabric of this cat vest harness is perfect for fall and winter as it can keep your cat snug without placing too much pressure on their sensitive areas as you walk. This particular vest uses a double set-up of Velcro over the top side of the harness while being topped with the buckle to ensure it doesn’t come apart during your walks.
While we can’t recommend this for cats living in warmer areas or for use during the summer months, it’s a great option for cat walkers who are looking to provide that extra layer of comfort- which makes it perfect for young, sick or nervous cats. It’s also a great choice for owners of Maine Coons and other large cats who require bigger harnesses.
6. Pupteck Adjustable Cat Harness
Key Features
“H” style fully adjustable cat harness
Harness and leash set
Available in multiple colors
Another “H” style option for cats who are not fans of vest harnesses, this offering from PUPTECK uses snap-lock buckles with fully adjustable straps which is perfect for cats of different proportions- something that is usually not catered for.
If you have a cat that needs a little exercise as they’ve had a few too many treats, this should definitely be your first port-of-call. It’s also handy for growing cats, as you can easily make the straps bigger as your cat grows up, making this a great option as a kitten harness.
7. Coastal Pet Mesh Cat Harness
Key Features
Vest style harness with snap-lock buckle
Breathable, ultra-lightweight mesh material
Perfect for warmer months
A super-lightweight choice that works brilliantly as a mid-way between confident kitties and coy cats is this mesh cat harness from Coastal Pet. Being made from a breathable, lightweight mesh and coming in a shocking light 0.8 ounces (the lightest of our options!), this is perfect for the warmer months or cats who live in sunnier states.
There’s also an easy-to-use D-ring attachment around the adjustable chest strap, which is finished with a snap-lock buckle, giving you both security and flexibility when taking your cat for a walk. It’s available at a great price, but you should definitely check out some cat leashes before buying, as this comes as a standalone vest.
8. Gauterf Cat Universal Harness With Leash
Key Features
Breathable vest style harness with a leash
Reflective strips for visibility
Adjustable Velcro block and snap-on buckle
This is a very sturdy and durable option that is surprisingly light and is made from a breathable, comfy mesh. Perfect for those who like to travel a lot, or simply enjoy walking their pets but want the added security of visibility, this is a great option for both cat and dog owners. The main benefit of this adjustable cat harness is the thick, reflective strip that allows for drivers to spot your pet more easily in dark.
The harness is secured using Velcro, plus snap-lock buckles, with a double helping of D-rings to ensure that your little escape artist is unlikely to get out. Most importantly though, it’s perfectly comfy thanks to its soft material and adjustable design.
9. Scenereal Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash
Key Features
Durable vest style harness with nylon leash
Soft mesh on the inside, denim on the outside
Adjustable straps, Velcro and buckle
Another cat harness that uses a double-secure Velcro and snap-lock buckle for security, the Scenereal harness is one of the best escape-proof models that the market has to offer. To top it all off, this harness comes with a leash and double D-rings for added peace of mind.
The inner material is made from a lightweight mesh, while the outer material uses denim, to produce a simple but aesthetically-pleasing design. The adjustable straps work well to create a comfortable fit for any cat and the thicker straps around the neck help to keep the kitty’s airway free from pressure. Overall, a fantastic adjustable cat harness that effortlessly combines style and comfort.
Best Cat Harness Buying Guide & FAQ
And there you have it - some of the best cat harnesses that the pet market has to offer. Still not sure which model to buy for your kitty? No to worry, as in this part of the buying guide we cover everything you need to know about these contraptions, including how to choose the best harness for your pet. We also answer some of the frequently asked questions on this topic, such as how to properly put on a harness on your cat, how to tell if the model is too tight or loose, and so much more!
What to Look Out for in A Cat Harness
With so many harnesses for cats available for purchase, finding the right one for your kitty may seem challenging. But if you pay attention to the following factors, you'll find the right model in no time:
- Durability
It’s likely that when you first begin training your cat on their leash and harness, that you’re going to be dealing with an uncomfortable kitty who wants to remove their new clothing. This will lead to a lot of pulling, scratching and generally a very grumpy cat. That's why it's important to look for durable models -they're tough enough to handle this tantrum.
Of course, your cat could be as calm as they come, and you may not have any issues at all. However, having that added durability means that your harness is more likely to have added longevity, leading to your saving money over time and being safe in the knowledge that your cat won’t slip out of a damaged harness.
- Material
A very important factor to consider is the material that the harness is made from. Naturally, having a fur coat means that your cat is likely as warm as they’ll ever need to be, so adding a thick material that increases their body temperature can lead to problems. The best cat harnesses will be made from breathable materials, such a polyester mesh. Try to avoid cotton and similar materials, as these contain heat and can cause health issues during warm months. Of course, if your cat has short hair or no hair at all, a thicker, cozy material such as cotton or fleece can be a godsend. It all depends on your kitty's needs (as well as your climate!).
- Style
There are two main styles of cat harness, which we discuss in more detail below. These are the H-style of cat harness and the cat harness vest. They both come with their own pros and cons, so keep reading to find out more about which style best suits your cat.
- Fit
Probably the biggest factor in how well your cat takes to their new clothing is the fit of the harness itself. Too tight and your cat may become distressed and instantly hate their new attire and you, while being too loose leaves them open to escaping from their harness and getting themselves into mischief.
We’ll talk about how to get the best fit for your cat in our FAQ section- but the main thing to remember is that you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between your cat harness and your cats’ skin, without being too tight or too loose. If you're buying a harness for the first time, we recommend looking for a fully adjustable cat harness model that's easy to put on.
- Safety
Easily the most important aspect of buying a cat harness is the safety - after all, the entire reason you’re probably looking at this article is to ensure that your cat is comfortable and safe, while still getting the freedom they require. Remember that your cat needs to be comfortable when using their harness, as a priority - otherwise you risk causing harm to your kitty, which nobody wants.
Simple additional features in your cat harness - combined with the best cat leash- will allow you to feel confident in your cat’s safety. For example, many modern cat harnesses come with multiple adjustable straps, which allow you to get a snug fit, while others are reinforced and even have reflective strips or similar, which encourages their visibility when out and about.
All of our top choices have taken these factors into account - particularly the safety features - and we feel that these choices are honestly some of the best cat harnesses available online today.
Types of Cat Harnesses
While there are many harnesses for cats available on the market, when it comes down to it, there are only two types. These are the "H" style and "vest" style harnesses. Both come with their pros and cons, so choose the type that best fits your and your kitty's needs.
- H style
The first type is the “H” style cat harness. This comes as a rather stringy-looking piece of kit that can be hard to wrap your head around at first. Don’t worry, once you see the item on your cat, it all begins to make much more sense!
Essentially, this looks like a letter H, if you were to look at your cat from above and across their body, as the first strap holds around their neck, while the second holds around their chest or stomach - with a connecting strap along the back of the piece. This is an adjustable cat harness that can usually fit a wider range of cat sizes and breeds providing you have roughly the right size.
The negatives of the “H” style harnesses is that they are tricky to get on, with many cats becoming annoyed before you complete your mission and wandering off. As well as this, their added adjustability can leave a larger gap for mistaken fittings, leading to many cats easily escaping their host and getting into danger. Because of this, many new users find the vest style of cat harness easier and quicker to use. Experienced owners and cats, on the other hand, may prefer this type.
- Vest style
Also known as a cat harness vest, the vest styles of cat harnesses are usually made of a breathable mesh material which is ideal as they cover nearly the entire top half of your cat’s body. They can come in two variants - as a t-shirt style, which goes over your kitty’s head, and with adjustable fittings, allowing you to place the vest over in the same way you would with a cardigan or waistcoat.
As they’re more all-encompassing, they are a great choice for cats who like to escape from their “H” style harness, as they provide added security and are a little tougher for your adventurer to escape from. They can be a little more expensive, however, but this is usually worth it for the added peace of mind. This all said, they're not ideal for all cats, especially larger breeds with thicker coats.
Tips for Using a Cat Harness
- Always begin with measurements
To begin, you should get the right fit for your cat which will require you to take measurements around the chest at the widest area, and the neck, just above the shoulders. Don’t forget to take these in both cm and inches, as it’s likely you’ll need to have both to hand in order to work with the sizing guides based online.
- Gently introduce the harness
You should allow your cat to first play with their new clothing, which will allow them to mark it with their scent and show them that the harness isn’t something to be feared. You can also offer treats during the play session. The aim here is to associate the harness with positive memories and experiences.
After you first fit the harness, allow your cat to walk around freely, without the leash. This will give them greater confidence with their new attire and make the next step- going outside - much easier.
- Be patient
Just like dogs, cats can be trained - all it takes is a little time, energy and tasty cat treats. Don’t pull on your leash and try to make your cat go where you want them to be - this will only make them resent the leash. Allow them time to explore and simply follow their lead.
If your cat is distressed at any point, you can always distract them with your treats. It’s also a good idea to bring a towel on your first few trips outdoors, as this will allow you to scoop up your kitty and bring them home (without any scratches), should anything go wrong.
Our Top Pick
The biggest benefit to the Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash from PetSafe is easily the bungee cord and simple-yet-safe design for your cat. The harness manages to avoid the delicate neck area while still being safe for your cat to use on a regular basis, while the cord has enough give to allow for your kitty to have a little adventure with every trip. Of course, if you are a cat-walking veteran, you can always use the D-ring to exchange this leash type with another of your favorites.
This model is massively popular with buyers as it provides great security for kitties without weighing them down. Many reviewers mention how quickly their cats approved of the change and note that the fit of the harness seems to work brilliantly for their cats. Available at a great price and loved by thousands of buyers, this is probably the best harness currently on the market.
