by Patricia Jackson
A cat harness is a set of straps or fabric worn around your feline's neck and chest. It has attachment points for other gear such as leashes, which are important for training and control. Some are designed to enhance safety by having reflective features.
In addition to these benefits, harnesses are more comfortable as compared to collars. If you are looking for one, we have reviewed the best cat harnesses to consider buying online. Read through and take your pick.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Best Pet Supplies Voyager (Best Overall) |
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2. Scirokko Cat Harness (Best Inexpensive) |
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3. Rabbitgoo Cat Harness (Best Escape Proof) |
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4. PetSafe CWMK-L-RYL (Best with a Leash) |
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5. Supet Cat Harness (Best Reflective) |
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6. Pupteck Cat Harness (Best with Double D-Rings) |
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7. Yizhi Miaow Harness04 (Most Comfortable) |
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As the best product overall in our cat harness review, the Voyager has multiple color options, an all-weather mesh, reflective bands, and several safety features.
Though color does not have any effect on performance, it allows you to customize how your cat looks. With 27 options, you will certainly get your favorite from the list.
Regardless of the color, each harness is made using an all-weather mesh that is soft, lightweight, and breathable. This design is perfect for walks all year.
Two reflective bands are fitted on the sides to improve low-light visibility when you go for walks at night. You also get multiple safety features, such as two D-rings on both ends of the buckle to keep it from coming off when you attach the leash and a hook-n-loop fastener for snug-fitting.
The only downside is the lack of a leash in the set.
Pros:
Cons:
While it is the most affordable cat harness in our review, this piece has an eye-catching design with two straps (neck and chest) connected by a top belt.
Each strap has a buckle, which creates a double safety closure to prevent escaping. Additionally, these closures have a quick-release mechanism to eliminate the risk of throat locking.
Aside from that, the harness comes with a 59-inch-long polyester leash with a revolving hook on one end to attach to the D-ring and a comfortable handle on the other end.
On the downside, the straps are not padded, making the harness a bit uncomfortable to your feline.
Pros:
Cons:
With its 4 adjusting straps, this harness gives a snug fit to any cat size, and there is one buckle on each side to secure it around the body. These components create an escape-proof closure, which reduces the worry of your pet getting lost outdoors.
The unit's vest-style design distributes the pressure from pulling the D-ring evenly across the chest and shoulders to prevent choking. These parts have a breathable mesh that will keep your cat cool when walking. Additionally, they are soft and lightweight.
Bright, reflective strips are fitted around the harness to improve nighttime visibility. You also get reinforced stitching around the buckles and a 59-inch-long nylon leash.
However, the product is only available in XS and S sizes, which are mostly ideal for kittens.
Pros:
Cons:
PetSafe's CWMK-L-RYL stands out as the best cat harness and leash because the lead is a bungee cord that stretches from 4 - 6 ft. (48 - 72 inches). This prevents sharp pulling or tugging if your feline decides to chase after something.
The unit is available in small, medium, and large sizes, all with two adjustment points for snug-fitting. You also get a safe restraint with no pressure on the throat area.
A limited lifetime warranty covers the harness against defects. On the downside, there are no reflective strips to enhance nighttime visibility.
Pros:
Cons:
This cat harness is equipped with a large reflective stripe around the rear side that can reflect ambient light in extreme low-light conditions. As such, your cat will be highly visible when going out for night walks.
Other than that, the unit has a soft, lightweight, and breathable air-mesh fabric with resilient cushioning to prevent injuries. Two side buckles provide a secure closure, and these have reinforced stitching for maximum durability.
The product is backed by a lifetime quality assurance for 100% satisfaction. However, it is not escape-proof and some customers complain that their cats escaped.
Pros:
Cons:
Pupteck's cat harness packs in two heavy D-rings that provide a durable link between you and your cat. Additionally, a 59-inch leash is included and combined, these features make it one of the best cat harnesses for walking, running, jogging, and hiking.
The unit features a strong buckle on the neck strap, with an adjustable slider for snug-fitting. On the other hand, the chest strap has a durable Velcro that acts both as a closure and adjusting mechanism.
Soft mesh material is used to build the vest, and this prevents overheating. On the downside, the harness is costly and it lacks reflective strips.
Pros:
Cons:
The most outstanding feature of this vest is its padded design with soft neck and chest straps. This makes it one of the most comfortable cat harnesses in our review.
Aside from that, the unit features a strong and durable magic tape enclosure, which is secure enough for escape-proof performance.
The colors are also unique with this harness. It is available in polka dots, sailor suits camo, and plaid patterns that stand out.
Two D-rings are fitted on the upper side, one above the shoulders and the other on the rear end. You can attach the leash where your cat feels more comfortable. The only issue is a lack of reflective strips for enhanced nighttime visibility.
Pros:
Cons:
Kitty Holster's cat harness takes comfort to the next level due to its 100% undyed cotton lining, which is very gentle on a cat's hair and skin. This material is breathable, washable, and also suitable for all skin types & climates.
It is wrapped around the body using ultra-strong hook-n-loop closures that make it difficult to escape. You also get a D-ring for leash attachment and multiple color options.
Key Features
As one of the best kitten harnesses, this product is lightweight and comfortable for these young animals. On top of that, it has a dense nylon vector that tightly wraps around the cat to keep him/her from escaping. This is especially important because kittens can be very curious.
Unlike the heavy buckles in most harnesses, this one is equipped with a unique rotating buckle that allows pets to walk more easily. You also get 3M reflective strips and the product is backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Key Features
With its bright back reflective strip, Supet's cat harness is the ideal vest to use if you like taking your pet out for walks at night. Aside from that, the product is durably built because it has sturdy nylon straps and a durable metal ring for leash attachment.
A 4-point adjustment system enables you to snug fit the harness, while also preventing the chances of escaping. The included leash has matching colors to create a uniform outfit, and an all-reflective trim design to improve visibility.
Key Features
Heywean's vest is one of the best harnesses for cats due to its lightweight construction. It weighs less than 50g (1.76 oz.), which is almost weightless to a cat.
On top of that, it features a comfortable cat-friendly design with a 3-layered fabric around the chest, soft edges, and elastic cushioning. This structure absorbs moisture quickly, dries quickly, reduces odor, and is wear-resistant.
You also get a widening Velcro for adjustment and a 4-ft nylon leash.
Key Features
Part of this cat vest's kit is a practical 5-ft nylon leash. Aside from being long, this component features a 360º rotatable swivel hook on one end and a comfortable handle on the other end.
As for the harness, it has 2 safety buckles and 2 fully adjustable straps on the neck and chest. These components make it easy to wear and adjust to the fitting size. Reflective strips are fitted all around to provide 360º reflection and visibility.
Key Features
H-Harness
H-harnesses are shaped like the letter H. Their neck and chest straps have the least contact with your pet's skin. They give your cat maximum flexibility, but don't distribute the pulling pressure along a wide area. As such, they can be quite uncomfortable, especially if you pull the leash abruptly.
Vest Harness
The name says it all. This harness looks like a vest, having more contact with your pet's skin as compared to the H type.
Jacket Harness
Jacket harnesses are extensions of the vest type. They cover more skin and this creates an escape-proof design. However, they can be quite hot, even if the material is breathable.
Buying Guide: Vest harnesses hit the sweet spot. They are more comfortable than H-harnesses, but not as restrictive as jackets. This is why we recommend Best Pet Supplies' Voyager as the best of the best.
Cat harnesses come in different sizes categorized as x-small, small, medium, large, etc. Within these are neck girth and chest circumference fitting ranges, which you need to pay close attention to. But before this, you have to get your feline's measurements, then look for a size range that covers these measurements.
Following up on the size and fit factor, adjustability is important for snug-fitting. This will make the harness more comfortable, while also preventing escaping. Ideally, the adjusting mechanism should be sturdy and easy to use. Some of the best mechanisms have Velcro straps.
That said, the more the adjustment points, the better as this provides a secure fit to prevent escaping. For instance, Rabbitgoo's cat harness features 4 adjustment points, which work hand-in-hand with its 2 buckles to create an escape-proof design.
The material used to build a cat harness determines its durability and comfort.
Nylon and polyester are tough but might be lacking when it comes to comfort. Usually, they make up for this by having a soft air-mesh design. On the other hand, materials like cotton are very comfortable, but might not be as tough.
Aside from that, look for durable metal hardware on the other parts, such as the D-rings.
Regardless of the material used, make sure the straps are padded to ease the strain on your cat when you pull the leash. Yizhi Miaow's Harness04 is the most comfortable piece because it has such a design.
Safety is always important and when dealing with cat harnesses, the number one safety aspect is reflectiveness. If you like taking walks at night, this is a must-have feature. Supet's cat harness is specifically built for this as it has a large reflective stripe.
Another thing to consider is the placement of two D-rings on each end of the buckle. These keep the enclosure system free from pulling pressure so that the harness does not come off unexpectedly.
Lastly, you need to consider the harness style, and more specifically, its color/pattern. Here, you should select your favorite color based on your personal preference.
As long as possible. You just have to get him/her used to it when new, then leave it on for training, safety, or other uses. The only time you should consider removing it is when your pet wants to rest. It can be uncomfortable and probably too hot.
The most standard or most accepted method of determining the right amount of tightness is by inserting your finger in the space between the harness and the cat's skin. A snug fit means no more and no less than one finger should fit in this slot.
Supet Cat Harness and Leash Set for Walking Cat and Small Dog Harness Soft Mesh Puppy - Walmart Link
Cat Harness and Leash Escape Proof - Kitten Harness for Cats, Adjustable Cat Vest Harness - Walmart Link
Cat Harness and Leash Set Stylish Escape Proof Cat Vest Harness Adjustable Breathable Pet - Walmart Link
pangdi Cat Harness and Leash for Walking Escape Proof - Walmart Link
rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking, Escape Proof Soft Adjustable Vest Harnesses - Walmart Link
DMISOCHR Cat Harness and Leash Set - Escape Proof Safe Cat Vest Harness for Walking - Walmart Link
Cat Harnesses and Puppy Harness with Leashes Set, Escape Proof Cat Harness, Adjustable - Walmart Link
Kitty Holster's cat harness - Walmart Link
Best Pet Supplies' Voyager - Walmart Link
Supet Cat Harness and Leash Set for Walking Cat and Small Dog Harness Soft Mesh Puppy - eBay Link
Cat Harness and Leash Escape Proof - Kitten Harness for Cats, Adjustable Cat Vest Harness - eBay Link
Cat Harness and Leash Set Stylish Escape Proof Cat Vest Harness Adjustable Breathable Pet - eBay Link
pangdi Cat Harness and Leash for Walking Escape Proof - eBay Link
rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking, Escape Proof Soft Adjustable Vest Harnesses - eBay Link
DMISOCHR Cat Harness and Leash Set - Escape Proof Safe Cat Vest Harness for Walking - eBay Link
Cat Harnesses and Puppy Harness with Leashes Set, Escape Proof Cat Harness, Adjustable - eBay Link
Kitty Holster's cat harness - eBay Link
Best Pet Supplies' Voyager - eBay Link
To sum it up, we recommend Best Pet Supplies' Voyager as the best cat harness overall due to its multiple safety features and reflective strips for improving visibility. What's more, the unit is built using an all-weather mesh material with multiple color options available.
However, Supet's cat harness offers the best reflectiveness as it has a large reflective stripe. This part can reflect ambient light even when it is very dark outside.
That said, most harnesses come with leashes, but the one accompanying PetSafe's CWMK-L-RYL is exceptional. It is a bungee cord that stretches from 4 - 6 ft. This helps to prevent sharp pulling and tugging.
About Patricia Jackson
Patricia just simply loves pets.
When she was eight years old, her parents got her a beautiful Maine Coon as a gift; and later an affectionate Husky.
Since then, she has raised them as her children; done minor first aid, taken in strays, administered antibiotics, bottle fed them when sick, and even midwifing.
Pat received her bachelor's degree in computer science at Univercity of Califronia Davis. She really hopes to transofrm her programming skills into something that really helpful for all pets someday. For now, lets just do that through writing.
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