Credit:
Lily Hartman
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Credit:
Lily Hartman
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Nowadays, it’s common to see pet owners taking all kinds of fur babies on outdoor adventures—cats included. And, well, who wouldn’t want to bring their current indoor cat with them on their various adventures? Whether you want to take your cat for a stroll down the street or hike a mountain, having a snug, comfortable, and reliable cat harness is important for your fur baby to have just as good a time exploring as you.
Being a cat owner myself, I’m aware that getting your cat used to a harness and leash takes some work. Mine is especially stubborn when it comes to not having complete control and freedom, so she wasn’t too thrilled when I first took her for a walk around the house. But as soon as she could listen to the sounds of birds and soak in the sun outside of the window, she was as happy as could be.
If you want to bring your cat along on outdoor adventures with you and have the time and patience to help them get used to a cat harness and leash, then read on because we include recommendations for the best cat harnesses for felines who like to adventure.
In addition, be sure to check out the best cat backpacks for traveling comfortably, as well as some amazing gifts for cat lovers if you’re interested in buying for a family member or friend.
To help you find the best cat harness and leash for your small, medium, or large cat, we explored a variety of options available online. Our research shows these are some of the best cat harnesses you can get online right now.
Comes with a 4 ft leash
Easy to put on
Has a sturdy snap clip
Unreliable customer service
Affordable
Choke-proof design
Fit for small cats only
Not very escape proof
Comes with a lease
Easy to put on
Affordable
Some say it runs small
May not be able to return
Easy to put on
4 adjustment options
Breathable
Many find the XS to be too snug for cats
Difficult to escape
Easy to put on
Lightweight and comfortable
Runs large
As tempting as it may be to immediately bring your cat on a nature walk or hike with their new cat harness, leash, and backpack, getting cats used to new cat harnesses takes time and patience. Not every cat will jump right into their cat harness with excitement. In fact, many cats can be quite stubborn with this process, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from the challenge. Once your cat is accustomed to their cat harness, we promise it will be worth it once you and your fur baby are exploring together!
Begin by simply placing the cat harness near your cat when they are happy and relaxed. Let them sniff it, lay with it, and just familiarize themselves with the cat harness in general. Reward them with treats as they become comfortable with the cat harness.
Next, you can put the cat harness on your cat and let it wear it indoors. Slowly build your cat up to wearing the harness for longer periods of time (don’t forget to reward them with treats throughout the process). Eventually, you’ll be able to leash and harness train your cat indoors and then outdoors!
Different kinds of harnesses suit different kinds of cats, but most fall into three main types.
H-Style Harness: H-style harness consists of two adjustable straps, one that wraps around the cat’s neck and one that circles the torso, that connect across the spine. They’re lightweight, simple to wear and put on, and allows the greatest possible range of motion, ideal for cats getting used to harnesses to wear indoors or for calm cats who aren’t prone to trying to escape.
Vest-Style Harness: Vest-style harnesses are some of the most prevalent styles on the market, and they’re a good fit for most cats. Vest-style options wrap around your cat’s torso secured with buckles and hook-and-loop straps, creating a very secure, easy-to-wear harness. Look for breathable fabrics and padding for the most comfortable fit.
Figure-8 Harness: Figure-8 style harnesses take their name from their shape, a design with loops that lay in a figure-eight pattern around both the neck and chest, typically with one adjustment point. They’re easy to adjust for a secure fit, and are low-profile, without a lot of bulk. They’re a good choice for experienced leash-walking cats.
Depending on when and how you walk your cat, different safety features can be more important than others. Things to look for include:
Our top pick for the best cat harness is the Travel Cat: The True Adventurer Cat Harness (available at Amazon) because it includes breathable mesh fabric, is soft on fur, comfortable, and has a snug fit. Overall, you’ll want to look for a cat harness that is lightweight, comfortable, secure, and includes breathable mesh fabric.
Cats aren’t just small dogs — they make different movements and have different comfort needs, which makes it important to buy a harness meant for them. Their slender necks mean it’s easier to accidentally cause injury using collars and leashes that put pressure on their tracheas, and also make it all the easier for them to escape their collar to run free. A harness, on the other hand, disperses the tension across your cat’s torso, making it not just more comfortable for your cat but safer, too.
Taking your cat outside can be a great way to introduce valuable mental stimulation and exercise, as well as a unique way to spend time with your favorite feline feeling the breeze ruffle her fur, searching for insects and smelling the wider world. Satisfying your cat’s curiosity about the outside world can have a hugely positive effect on her overall health, leaving her calmer, more relaxed, and less prone to negative boredom-linked activities like scratching or over-grooming.
To measure your cat for a harness, wrap a tape measure around its chest as close to its body as possible. The best place to do this is behind its two front legs. This will give you the most accurate size measurement to ensure that you order the correct size harness.
Given how easy it is for cats to escape from their cat harnesses, it is important to ensure that the harness is snug enough that you can fit only one to two fingers underneath, yet still allow them to breathe. This ensures that your cat is comfortable in its harness for the entire time that it’s wearing it.
If your kitten is in between sizes, go one size up in a cat harness since your kitty will eventually grow into fitting into the cat harness. Just like with a baby, you may have to order a cat harness at some point in a new size if you plan on getting your kitten accustomed to a cat harness early in their life.
Lily Hartman
Staff Writer, Search
Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.
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