The 5 best cat harnesses of 2024

One of the best cat harnesses and a leash are essential for walking your cat outside. Our top picks are for kittens, large cats, and escape artists.

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The safest way to walk your kitty outdoors is with one of the best cat harnesses and a leash. Walking your cat around the neighborhood or bringing them along on a hike can help keep them fit and trim, but that's not all. Getting your cat outside will also reduce their boredom and release some of that extra energy they may be taking out on your furniture.

We spoke to veterinarians and pet parents from the adventure cat community about their favorite harnesses. With their help, we chose the best harnesses for walking cats. Our top pick is the vest-style RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness, thanks to its secure fit. For about $10 less, we like the budget-friendly Petsafe Come With Me Kitty Harness. While its strap design isn't as secure as the RC Pets vest, it's a durable, easily adjustable harness.

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Our top picks for the best cat harnesses

Best vest style: RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness - See at Amazon

Best jacket style: Kitty Holster Cat Harness - See at Chewy

Best budget: Petsafe Come With Me Kitty Harness - See at Chewy

Best dog harness for a cat: Puppia Rite Fit Dog Harness - See at Amazon

Best for kittens: Catit Adjustable Cat Harness - See at Catit

Best vest style

RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness is a favorite among the guardians we consulted and in the adventure cat community as a whole. The vest-style harness is made from breathable polyester mesh and nylon neck and waist straps that can be adjusted with a buckle at the waist.

Designed to fit the unique shape of a cat's body, the harness is the main one Megan Ferney uses with her feline explorer, Leon The Adventure Cat. "Almost all cat harnesses are just small dog harnesses: They don't fit great, and cats can get out of them easily," she says. "This particular harness is made ergonomically for a cat."

The harness may contribute to overheating in hot weather because it covers a significant portion of a cat's body. Cats sensitive to handling may also have trouble with this harness since it must be pulled over their head. A sturdy D-ring is at the back for attaching the included 6-foot leash.

All things considered, the Adventure Kitty is one of the best cat harnesses thanks to its secure fit that is comfortable for cats of different shapes and sizes, says Rachel Trybuch, who has one for each of her cats, Mr. Floofington and Duchess Meow.

Best jacket style

Dr. Aimee Simpson, medical director at VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia, likes jacket cat harnesses because they are easy to put on and relatively secure. "I use a jacket-style harness for my cat Maeby, who was trained to walk outside as a young kitten and now looks forward to, even begs for, her evening walks in our backyard," she says.

Hands down, the best-loved jacket harness in the adventure cat community — and the one Simpson uses — is the Kitty Holster. While there's no such thing as a completely escape-proof cat harness, this one leaves very little room for a cat to wiggle their way out.

The harness consists of a single piece of lightweight, breathable cotton. To put it on, drape the fabric over your cat's back, guide their front legs through the openings, and fasten the velcro closures at the neck and belly. It has a metal D-ring at the back for connecting to a leash, which is not included.

Best budget

Petsafe's Come With Me Kitty Harness is an H-style harness that is an excellent choice for warm weather. "It's just straps, so there's no heat retention," says Ferney. "If it's really hot out, I'll always put that one on." Because this harness is highly expandable with points of adjustment at the chest and waist, it also works well in winter layered over a sweater or jacket. 

Ferney likes the martingale-style design at the back of the harness, which tightens when a cat pulls forward or backward. While H-style cat harnesses may be less secure than vest and jacket harnesses, the strap pulley at the back of Petsafe's version makes it harder for cats to escape.

The harness's different-colored waistband makes it easier to put on correctly. There is a D-ring at the back for attaching the included bungee leash. 

Best dog harness for a cat

If you're looking for a secure vest-style harness for your cat, but your budget is limited, Puppia's RiteFit Dog Harness may be the ticket. Puppia's soft, breathable vest is commonly used in the adventure kitty community. Because it's been designed for a dog's body, it doesn't have the same ergonomic fit as the best cat harnesses, but it still makes a comfortable, affordable substitute. 

Puppia's breathable mesh RiteFit Harness has interior padding and two points of adjustability on the neck strap. The neck also has velcro closures and two buckles, which allow you to dress your cat from the belly up instead of slipping the harness over their head. There is also a buckle on the adjustable waist strap. Because it's designed for a dog's body, a snug fit will help prevent your cat from escaping.

The RiteFit has two metal D-rings at the back to attach to a leash (not included). Like the other vest and jacket harnesses in this guide, using it in hot weather may cause your cat to overheat.

Best for kittens 

Finding a harness small enough to fit a kitten can be a challenge, says Sarah Olewski Klassen. The one that worked for her explorer cat Gibson, and the one she recommends to other kitten explorers, is Catit's Adjustable Cat Harness. "Sizewise, it's perfect, and it's pretty secure," she says.

Catit's harness has an H-style design with straps around the neck and waist and a straight strap that connects them along the spine. However, it lacks a straight strap that connects the neck and waist beneath the belly like Petsafe's Come With Me Kitty Harness, which may make it easier to wiggle out of.

The neck and waist straps are adjustable, and because each has a buckle, there's no need to pull this harness over your kitten's head. A removable bell attached to the metal D-ring at the back warns small critters your cat is on the prowl and helps you locate your kitty if they happen to escape the harness.

The harness is sold with a lightweight 4-foot-long ribbon leash, but you can also purchase only the harness. While Catit's Adjustable Harness may be easier for a cat to escape than a vest or jacket-style harness, the simple design makes it a good introductory harness for budding young explorer kittens.

What to look for in a cat harness

With the help of our experts, we came up with a list of the characteristics of the best cat harnesses:

• Comfortable design made from breathable material
• Adjustable neck and waist straps
• A buckle at the neck so the harness does not need to be pulled over the head
• Secure buckles and closures to help prevent the cat from escaping
• Availability in multiple sizes
• Visual and/or audible accents like a bell
• Affordability

How we selected the best cat harnesses

To determine our recommendations for the best cat harnesses, we relied on the advice of the guardians of cat explorers and veterinarians.

Dr. Christine Calder is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Calder Veterinary Behavior Services in Portland, Maine. Calder is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and holds a veterinary degree from the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She runs Calder Veterinary Behavior Services and worked at the San Francisco SPCA, Midcoast Humane, Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, and Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Center. We consulted Calder via email on June 23, 2021.

Megan Ferney is the guardian of Leon the Adventure Cat, whom she adopted in 2017. Ferney and Leon live in Spokane, Washington, where they enjoy hiking, camping, and paddleboarding. We interviewed Ferney by phone on July 2, 2021.

Sarah Olewski Klassen is a pet blogger and the guardian of Gibson the Explorer Cat. She blogs about their adventures in and around Toronto at The Gibson Chronicles. We interviewed Olewski Klassen over the phone on June 22, 2021.

Dr. Aimee Simpson is a veterinarian and medical director at VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia. Since earning a veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005, Simpson has been part of the VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia team. She is the clinic's medical director. We consulted with Simpson via email on July 6, 2021.

Rachel Trybuch is the guardian of two adventure cats: Mr. Floofington and Duchess. They explore the world from their home base in Abbotsford, British Columbia. We consulted Trybuch over email on June 30, 2021.

Cat harness FAQs

Is it OK to put a harness on a cat?

Yes, but keep in mind that cats do not innately understand what a harness is or how to walk in one. It must be gradually introduced in a safe, comfortable, and positive way.

What kind of harness is best for a cat?

There are three primary cat harness styles: vest harnesses, jacket harnesses, and H-style harnesses, which have straps that buckle around the neck and waist. Which harness is best? Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary behaviorist, doesn't have a preference as long as it fits well and stays on. You'll also want to give some consideration to the season. An H-style harness is good in hot weather and easier to pair with a jacket or sweater in cold weather, while a vest or jacket harness is likely better in more moderate temperatures.

Why do cats fall over when you put a harness on?

Cats unfamiliar with a harness will likely fall over or refuse to move the first time you put it on them. Because cats are very sensitive to materials that apply pressure on their skin and fur, they may believe that it prevents them from walking or moving regularly without a gradual introduction to the harness. To prevent your cat from shutting down, check out our tips for introducing your cat to a harness.

Is it cruel to harness-train a cat?

No. In fact, cat harnesses can open up a whole new world for your cat. "Walking is a great way to keep indoor cats active and offer them more stimulation than they would normally get in a home environment," says Simpson. "Living indoors can lead to boredom and anxiety in many cats, so outdoor access can help to alleviate this." Walking can also help an overweight cat lose weight. That said, it is important to recognize that not every cat wants to be an adventure cat. If your cat is highly anxious, they may not be the best candidate — although Simpson told us that even fearful cats can enjoy the outdoors if they are carefully and gradually introduced to it.

What type of leash should I use with a cat harness?

Calder and Simpson don't feel strongly that cats need a particular kind of leash. While Simpson uses a 4-foot leash on her adventure kitty Maeby, Calder pointed out that some cats may be less anxious on a longer leash that provides them more freedom. Olewski Klassen sometimes uses a retractable leash with her kitty Gibson, but says that many cat explorers don't like using them because the long tether makes it harder to keep your cat safe.

How to fit a cat for a harness

Fit is important in a cat harness. If it's too loose, a determined kitty can wiggle free. If it's too tight, it may rub uncomfortably or restrict movement.

Simpson recommends measuring your cat before purchasing a harness. Most manufacturers provide measurements for both the circumference of the neck and the circumference of the chest. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your cat's neck just above the shoulders and the widest part of their chest just behind the front legs, then compare the figures with the available options. If your cat falls in between sizes, go with the larger one.

Once you have the correct size harness, you'll need to make adjustments so that it fits your cat properly. Calder's general rule of thumb is for a cat harness to fit snugly while leaving enough room for two fingers to fit between it and your cat's body. If you have a known escape artist, the harness can be tightened so there's only room for one finger to fit under the straps, says Simpson.

How to introduce a cat to a harness

Introduce the harness indoors

Trybuch and Olewski Klassen first introduced their young cats to a harness indoors. They put the harness on for brief periods, during which they offered lots of treats and played games. These short sessions helped their kitties forget about the gear, learn how to move while wearing it, and form positive associations. Over time, as your kitty becomes more comfortable with the harness, the longer it can stay on.

Add a lightweight leash

The leash comes next. Begin by allowing your cat to drag it along under supervision, then graduate to picking up the end of the leash briefly so they get used to the feeling of tension at its end.

Gradually expose them to the outdoors

Either during the period that you introduce your cat to the harness and leash or after they are comfortable with it, you can gradually expose them to the outdoors. If your cat has no outdoor experience, you'll want to use one of the best airline-approved cat carriers. Place your cat in a closed carrier and sit with them outside, rewarding them with treats following loud noises and other scary triggers like passing dogs. When your cat is less frightened, you can begin opening the carrier's door and allowing them to explore while wearing their harness and leash. If they get nervous, let them get back into the carrier to hide and regain their bravery. Before venturing out, you'll also want to make sure your cat is protected with one of the best flea treatments for cats and is wearing an ID tag attached to one of the best cat collars.

Begin adventuring

Ferney recommends choosing a relatively enclosed space versus a wide-open park or beach to start "walking" your kitty. Always bring your carrier or cat backpack so they can retreat to their safe space when needed. Never force your cat out of their pack. Instead, allow them to build the confidence they need to explore. Gradually, they'll spend more and more time walking on their own.

Slowly introduce them to new locations

When your cat is comfortable with the harness, leash, and initial outdoor space, you can slowly diversify the locations you take them, always ensuring your cat is not overwhelmed by the new environment. The guardians we consulted have taken their adventure cats everywhere, from city streets to hiking trails to Niagara Falls. Always carry a pack with you so your cat has a safe place to go when they need to. On longer adventures, the pack also allows a tired cat to ride along and rest their legs.