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With a properly fitting cat harness in place and a leash attached, your cat can explore the outside world while remaining tethered to you. Stephen Quandt, a certified feline training and behavior specialist (CFTBS) with The Spruce Pets, shares that cat harnesses are great at “providing safety and to ensure your cat is not going to run away” when outside.
Quandt also underscores the importance of training your cat to use a harness and walk on a leash by slowly acclimating them to the harness to help ease any anxiety they (and you) may feel when you first get started. “Start slowly and move gradually, draping the harness gently on a cat without fastening it at all, and eventually you get to the point where you start to fasten it loosely and then tighter until you get to the fit that you need.”
You can read more guidance from Quandt in the What to Look For section of this story, and always remember that using a collar on a cat is not a safe attachment point for a leash—especially breakaway collars—because feline necks can easily slip out of a collar or get injured from excessive pulling.
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The Adventure Kitty Harness from RC Pets is our top choice for most cats, receiving high marks across all categories—fit, performance, ease of use, and durability. The vest-style harness is made from breathable mesh with two adjustable points—at the neck and around the belly—along with two buckles to easily snap on and off. The lightly padded body also seems to be comfortable for most cats, providing a great balance between security and softness.
The cut and design of the vest allow a cat to maintain a full range of motion, and we found it easy to find a good fit. This is one of my two go-to harnesses for my cat, Bo. As a cat who doesn’t like feeling trapped in a harness, this seems to be a happy medium where he feels freedom of movement, and I feel he is safe and snug. He’s also a wiggler, but can’t shake this harness (though he rarely tries with this harness).
We tested this harness with a kitten who was determined to break free, and the harness remained in place until our participating cat adjusted to their new normal. (However, even with a harness that claims to be “escape-proof,” you should never leave a cat in a harness unattended, especially if you are traveling with your feline friend.) Our tester found that the adjustable webbing was capable of providing a custom-like fit that seemed practically escape-proof.
The fact that this harness is machine washable is another plus, since the mesh padding can collect dirt and bacteria over time from your cat and the outdoor environment. This harness and matching leash set comes in a wide range of colors and patterns with varying prices based on size and color.
To ensure you get a proper fit, you should measure your cat around their neck, where a collar sits, and around the fullest part of their chest. To put the Adventure Kitty Harness on a cat for the first time, you should begin by loosening each strap. Then calmly place the chest panel between your cat’s front legs.
While holding in place, clip the neck webbing into the front buckle and then clip the girth webbing around the torso. Adjust both straps as needed for a snug fit that leaves a comfortable amount of space for one or two adult fingers.
Available in three sizes
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The Cat Harness and Leash set from Yizhi Miaow allows a cat to maintain a full range of motion while looking extra adorable. It’s a first-line choice for many of my friends with adventure cats. The jacket-style harness also happens to be a favorite of Stephan Quandt, the Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS) and founder of Cat Behavior Help, whom we spoke with to guide our selections.
Our tester cat for this harness was a relatively calm cat that enjoys leisure time on their patio. The hook and loop straps felt secure, and our participating cat showed no signs of discomfort, but it may not be the best choice if you have a very active cat and/or a skilled escape artist (we’ve got a pick for those Houdini-inclined cats below!). Our tester found the harness is easy to put on with hook and loop straps at the neck and chest, but we recommend being extra careful when putting on and taking off to keep your cat’s fur from getting trapped and pulled in the velcro.
This cat harness is available in a variety of colors and prints to enhance your cat’s natural coloring or personality, including polka dots, camouflage, gingham, and an adorable sailor-style design for theme-friendly summer outings. All harnesses come paired with a matching leash. Sizes from x-small to x-large give a good range of options, starting with a chest girth as narrow as eight inches and going as wide as 18 inches.
The smaller increments of sizes may make it trickier to determine the best size for your cat (and if you have a large breed of cat, like a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat, even the x-large may be too small), and you may have to a fair bit of size swapping as your kitty grows if you start them on this leash. It’s important to measure your cat’s neck and chest girth to get the correct size for your cat’s best comfort and security. The harness is also equipped with two D-rings for leash attachment, one at the back and one in the middle.
Available in six sizes
How We Picked
Testing: We selected 12 cat harnesses and sent each one to a home with at least one cat for real-world testing. Each of our feline participants was fitted by their human according to their assigned harnesses.
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For two weeks, our human participants gathered insights and took note of what they liked and didn’t like. At the end of our trial period, they provided feedback on fit, durability, ease of use, and overall value, along with photos of the harness in use.
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Equipped with this first-hand information, we ranked and categorized our top picks to meet a variety of needs. All of our recommendations received very high marks from testers.
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Why I’m The Expert
I’m Alex, a writer for The Spruce Pets, and I started harness training my cat Bo, as soon as he was big enough to fit into a harness. I adopted him from the Humane Society during the pandemic and wanted to be able to take him with me to explore the outdoors, sit in the park, and, eventually, travel with me.
Bo was a four pound kitten when we slipped on his first harness, the vest-style Travel Cat True Adventurer Harness. It was a little roomy, but the nylon security straps (and his own wide-eyed uncertainty about the yard) kept him from wiggling out of the harness. Bo grew quickly, and I found myself constantly buying harnesses, trying to keep them snug but secure enough for his constantly changing size.
He began to dislike the fuller coverage of the vest-style harness and learned to wriggle out, which was terrifying. This is when I discovered the RC Pets Adventure Cat Harness, which Bo seemed to tolerate more and couldn’t escape from. Eventually, I could tell he would be more comfortable in a lighter, less constricting harness, and we gave the H-style Travel Cat “The Day Tripper” Harness a go. Bo immediately appeared more comfortable throughout our excursions. We still use this harness for outdoor walks, alternating with the RC Pets Adventure Cat Harness for car rides or trips where I need him to stay put.
What To Look For
When choosing a cat harness that’s right for you and your kitties, be sure to consider style and materials, sizing and fit, and closures.
Sizing & Fit: Each manufacturer will have their own recommendations on how and where to measure your cat, but most are based on a chest and neck measurement. Then you’ll reference a sizing chart or table to get the right size for your cat. Most offer from two to six size choices, giving you the best chance for a perfect fit. And fit is perhaps the most important feature because without the right fit, your cat can slip out of the harness and risk getting lost or injured.
Some are adjustable while others are not, so consider that when measuring your cat. Measure twice to avoid errors in size selection and search reviews about fit to see if you should round up or down when you’re on the edge between two sizes.
Your Cat’s Weight: If your cat’s weight fluctuates between winter and summer like mine, then opt for one with multiple adjustment straps or hook-and-loop around the chest, like our Best Overall pick, RC Pets Adventure Cat Harness, which is adjustable around the neck and the chest for the perfect fit.
Styles: The six most common types of cat harnesses are Vest, Step-In, H-Style, Roman, Jacket, and Figure Eight, but terms are often used interchangeably by manufacturers or to reflect designs that are a combination.
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Vest Harness: This style of harness has a chest piece (often made out of breathable mesh) that is connected to two adjustable straps on one side that will join the opposite side with buckles. One strap goes around the base of the neck, and the other strap goes around the torso. There is also a strap that goes along the top (spine side of the cat).
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Step-In Harness: This style has two armholes, and the harness comes together at the top of the spine near a cat’s shoulders. There is typically an adjustable strap for a cat’s girth, and the singular piece comes together with both hook-and-loop tabs (commonly called Velcro) and a quick-release buckle. There is no piece that goes overhead.
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H-Style Harness: This style has two loops, one around the neck where a collar sits, and the other around the fullest part of the chest. There is only one strap connecting the two loops, so this style resembles the letter H when viewed from the top. It is commonly made out of nylon webbing.
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Roman Harness: This style has a loop around the torso, a strap along the bottom (chest side of cat), and a strap along the top (spine side of cat). The bottom and top straps connect along the shoulders. This style varies from H-Style in that it has two center straps (chest and spine), and the pressure from a leash is distributed across the shoulders and chest instead of the neck.
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Jacket Harness: This style typically has more surface coverage but is lightweight. The style connects around the neck and the torso with hook-and-loop strips. This style uses minimal hardware, save for a D-ring to connect a leash. If you have a very fluffy cat, it can be difficult to avoid getting their fur stuck in the connective straps.
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Figure-8 Harness: This style looks like a number eight when laid flat. There is one strap that goes around the front of a cat and the torso. It is adjustable and crosses over itself at the top, where a D-ring leash attachment is located.
Materials: Polyester fabric and nylon webbing are the most common options available because it is stain and water-resistant, inexpensive, and durable. Those that use polyester or nylon mesh are more breathable and so a good option for warmer climates and seasons. If your cat will walk in the rain, avoid cotton that absorbs liquids and takes longer to dry than polyester fabrics.
Denim, canvas, and other cotton fabrics are breathable and offer more options with regard to cute colors, prints, and patterns, but not all offer the same durability and stain resistance, so choose carefully.
Closures: You want to find the balance of a secure closure method to ensure the clasp won’t accidentally become undone, but also quick-release enough to come undone if the harness becomes snagged on a fence or shrub.
You also want something easy for you to open and close to make the process stress-free for you both. Many have one or two quick-release plastic buckles. Make sure the buckles are sturdy and on the top or sides where you can see them easily. And check their condition regularly since breakage is common when they’re used frequently.
Other harnesses rely on secure and adjustable hook-and-loop closures. While most hook-and-loop can be super sturdy, some can become less effective over repeated use, and if fur gets in the closure. So keep the hook-and-loop free of hair and debris for optimal performance.
Several of the best harnesses use a dual system of hook-and-loop and a plastic buckle, like the Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Harness and Leash, offering additional peace of mind and added safety.
Tips For Getting Started
Stephen Quandt, the founder of Cat Behavior Help, likes to reinforce that cats are not the same as dogs, and cat harnesses are not the same as dog harnesses. A cat will not “walk” on a harness and leash like a dog does. With a cat, you have to follow the cat and let it explore.
Before you head outside on an adventure with your cat, Quandt strongly recommends taking a few days to allow your cat to acclimate themself to the harness. It’s important to keep them in a familiar space where they feel at ease. “First, you let them see the harnesses, you let them smell it, they get to eat a snack next to it,” advises Quandt.
Start by gently draping the harness on top of your cat. The next day, you can try putting the harness on them loosely and letting them walk around your home. If your cat is responding well to the harness, you can adjust the fit and put it back on them. Then connect the leash and follow your cat while holding the harness. They might not walk at all, and that is totally fine.
Keep trying with the harness and leash in your home until you feel like the fit is secure. You can venture outside near your home (like a patio or backyard) where you can keep external stimulation to a minimum.
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More We Recommend
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Best for Training: This durable and well-made harness from Rabbitgoo is designed to keep a cat comfortable and secure, with light padding and soft edges throughout to prevent chaffing on a kitten’s delicate skin. The step-in style design has two armholes and is made out of breathable nylon mesh.
We’re fans of the simple-to-secure hook-and-loop strap that joins the two sides together, along with the harness’s quick-release buckle made out of plastic. Plus, the reflective strips around the neck and chest provide visibility in the twilight hours.
Our tester felt confident in their cat’s comfort thanks to an adjustable strap around the middle. Any pressure a cat might feel from the pull of a leash will be distributed across their chest and not around their tiny neck.
Since your kitten is growing every day, you should check on the fit of this harness each time you put it on and loosen the strap when needed. The adjustability of this harness was a standout point for our tester, who said they initially purchased the larger size for their adult cat, but ended up being able to adjust the harness down and also use it for their kitten. This wide range of sizing makes this harness a solid pick for training since you won’t have to constantly replace and reintroduce your cat to a new harness as it grows (either in size or girth).
Again, while it’s officially called the Escape Proof Harness, we do not recommend you leave your cat unattended while wearing any harness. Cats are capable of many things, and removing themselves from a space they no longer find suitable is one of their specialties. However, once our testing contributor cat was acclimated to this harness, they had a full range of motion to securely explore the outdoors and didn’t try to remove the harness.
Available in four sizes
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Best for Evening Outings: If your adventures outside with your cat occur during low-light hours of the day, the Supet Cat Harness and Leash with Reflective Trim will make it easier for you and all you encounter to spot your cat. Although this reflective harness set is only made in small and medium sizes, both are highly adjustable to fit a wide range of feline body types.
While testing with a 19-pound cat, the medium size was easy to modify and offered our tester cat a full range of motion.
The harness goes on headfirst and buckles on either side of the torso snap together for a more snug and secure fit. There are five points of adjustment: two at the neck, one along the back, and two around the body to customize the fit for your cat.
The design of the harness distributes any pulling from the leash across the full front, reducing overall pressure on any one point while reducing the risk of abrasion to your cat’s delicate skin. There is one D-ring at the back to attach the matching leash, and the moonlight-ready harness comes in eight colors.
Available in two sizes
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Best Lightweight Set: When Travel Cat finally came out with this H-style harness in 2022, I couldn’t wait to try it on my cat, Bo. Although he trained in a vest-style harness, he was increasingly less interested in wearing a fuller-coverage harness (especially in the Southern California heat).
He immediately took to the barely-there lightweight nylon straps of this harness, though it took a minute for me to properly size it since it was a new style of harness for me. However, one thing I love about this harness is that once you size it, there’s basically no need to adjust it unless your cat changes in size frequently, and even then, it’s a cinch to slide the two straps into a snug but secure fit.
We’ve had the tri-color version of this harness for over two years, and it is as good as when we first got it, with no fraying, broken plastic buckles, or other expected wear and tear issues. This is the harness I use in hot weather or when we are heading out on “walks” since it gives him excellent freedom of movement. Plus, he has yet to wriggle out of it and has actually never really tried because when he is wearing it, he is usually on the move or plopped down in the sun.
Available in one size
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Best for Escape Artists: The Houdini Escape Resistant Harness and Leash from OutdoorBengal is lightweight and highly adjustable to ensure a proper fit around your cat. We tested the harness with a 17-pound cat who loves to venture outside to roll on the ground and wiggle about to their heart’s content. The harness showed no signs of holding them back, allowing a full range of motion while staying securely in place and connected to the six-foot leash it came with.
Despite its secure connection to your cat, the harness provides minimal body coverage along with an adjustable tether at the back for maximum shoulder freedom. When properly fit, the harness remains in place without slipping or coming loose, and while no harness is truly escape-proof, this one did hold up to our skilled escape artist, who was unable to remove the harness even after wearing it for an extended period of time. The straps are tricky to adjust while a cat is wearing the harness, but once you find the right fit, the straps will stay in place.
We also love this harness for use on all the big boys and chonks out there since the large size can accommodate a girth up to 27 inches (most harnesses top out somewhere between 19-22 inches). Plus, there are three fabrics to choose from: mesh, leather, or vegan leather—all only in black.
Available in three sizes
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Most Comfortable Vest: If your cat isn’t a fan of overhead harnesses and you dislike adjusting buckets, this wrap-around vest-style harness by Kitty Holsters is for you. It is quick and easy to put on and take off, and features a super-strong Velcro connection. There’s nothing over the head and zero straps to adjust to get a secure fit. Best of all, it’s virtually escape-proof and has a sturdy D-ring leash attachment.
Although we didn’t test this Kitty Holsters harness, it’s a top-rated pick at Amazon, so it’s worth including in our list. One reviewer, who gives it a five-star rating, says, “The velcro is strong, it’s not going to come apart accidentally,” despite it being a little loud, while another reviewer reports that it allows their “cats to move with ease.”
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The vest is made of a machine-washable, comfortable cotton material that’s undyed on the lining, so it’s perfect for cats with skin sensitivities. It’s available in a variety of adorable patterns to suit your kitty’s personality, including tiger stripes, leopard print, camo, red bandana, and denim. It comes in four sizes, ranging from X-Small to X-Large, topping out at a 23-inch girth and 15-inch neck, which may not work for chonks.
Available in four sizes
Other Cat Harnesses We Tested
Here are a few other cat harnesses we tested that didn’t make our final superlative cut:
Travel Cat The True Adventurer Harness and Leash Set: This step-in harness is easy to put on and I found it very convenient when I first started harness training my cat, Bo. However, Bo soon learned he could wiggle out of it, and our at-home tester’s cat also quickly managed to escape this harness.
Coastal Pet Products Adjustable Figure 8 Cat Harness: Figure-8 harnesses can be some of the most difficult types to get cats to wear, and, unfortunately, this was the case with our sweet tester cat. After four or five tries of getting this harness on, our brave tester cat still absolutely hated it. To be fair, we’ve also found this style to be one of the more confusing options. Although it was one of the first cat styles on the market, the market has grown and we believe it’s better to look into other options.
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Harness: We decided to test this harness even though it is technically a dog harness, and our tester found it to be difficult to find the right fit. Despite numerous adjustments, our tester couldn’t get the right fit for their 10-pound cat nor their 6-pound cat. This is a good reminder that, again, the cat harness market has grown, and there’s no need to fuss and fumble with a dog harness—so just skip it!
FAQ
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How do you measure a cat for a harness?
To determine your cat’s harness size, you’ll need to use two key measurements: neck circumference and chest girth. Using a flexible measuring tape (the kind a tailor uses), take these two measurements around the cat’s body. Measure the cat’s chest girth right behind the front legs. If you have a particularly fluffy cat, you’ll want to gently press their fur, then check these numbers against the manufacturer’s size guide, and see if they have any additional sizing tips specific to their product.
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How do you get a cat used to a harness?
It takes lots of patience to get a cat used to a harness, so introduce it slowly in a comfortable and calm environment. Galaxy says you want to establish a strong a positive association between the harness and the treat. He recommends picking a particularly special treat to use only when training.
Start by putting the harness on and adjusting the fit. “It’s OK for them to do the falling over on their side thing, or backing up out of it,” he says. “Try to keep it on them for at least five minutes before you take it off and give them their treat.” Don’t attach the leash at first. “It’s another source of weight, it’s another weird feeling on their back.”
In your next sessions, slowly increase the amount of time your cat has the harness on. “The second step is taking a step,” says Galaxy. “You want them to start feeling it and feeling what it’s like to walk in this thing. That’s when you use your treat again.” Once your cat is comfortable wearing the harness by itself, then introduce the leash inside.
Once your cat is comfortable walking around the house while wearing both the harness and the leash, you’re ready to venture out into the world.
Galaxy says it’s very important to keep in mind that going outside is not suited for every cat. If you get to the point where your cat is comfortable with the harness and leash, but once outside, is frozen or showing signs of distress, don’t force it. For more of Galaxy’s advice on determining if outdoor walks are right for your cat, check out his video on the subject.
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Can you put a dog harness on a cat?
Yes, some cat owners have success using harnesses marketed for small dogs on their cats. “I have a cat that’s bigger than a dog, and one of the dog vests fits her better,” says Jackson Galaxy. “But you’ve got to be very careful.”
He explains that dog harnesses may have larger leg openings than those designed for cats: “If they can get a leg out, it’s not even a matter of them escaping, it’s a matter of them hurting themselves if they freak out.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
K. Alex Beaven is a proud supporter of taking your cat outside. She began harness and leash training her cat, Bo, as early as possible in the hopes of giving him more stimulation—and it worked. When Bo isn’t trying to set off his automatic feeder, he’s begging to go outside. Alex has written for The Spruce Pets since 2023, and some of her articles include The Best Kitten Foods, Best Bone Broth for Cats, and Best Lickable Cat Treats.
A previous version was written by Anna Mejorada, an editor for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a pomeranian named Gidget. Despite being a dog, Gidget often wears the Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash from PetSafe.
For advice on how to find the best harness for your cat, we spoke with Stephen Quandt, Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS) and founder of Cat Behavior Help.
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