Times have changed, and seeing a cat on a leash in public is not the unicorn it used to be. Cats can be trained to walk with a lead and some learn to love it! If you’re thinking about taking your cat on regular outdoor adventures, a cat harness is the best way to ensure your cat’s safety and comfort. We’ve reviewed the best harnesses available today to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading for more.
If you’ve been on the hunt for the top harness and leash for your cat, look no further than our best overall choice, the Hepper Cat Harness + Leash Set. This high-quality set is available in five sizes, so it’s sure to fit your cat, no matter their breed size.
The harness offers multiple adjustment points, so you can customize the fit to securely fit your cat’s body. The Velcro strip provides added security and customized fit. It is lightweight and made from premium velvet and breathable mesh, plus it features soft edges and padding for added comfort. Reinforced stitching, double D-rings, and quick-release buckles all add to the safety and functionality of this harness.
The leash measures 5 feet in length with a ½-inch diameter, so it’s lightweight but sturdy for any cat while out on a walk. It’s made from nylon climbing rope that’s made to withstand far more pressure than your cat can put on it. It even features a padded handle to make the experience more comfortable for you as well. Both the harness and leash feature reflective tape, allowing your cat to be seen in low-light situations.
Currently, this set is only available in black, so you won’t be able to select a different color.
At Pangovet.com we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Our second pick is the Miss Pet Vest Harness with Leash. This harness is available in two sizes and five colors, all featuring a cute daisy on the chest. It’s made from breathable polyester mesh for comfort and includes a matching treat bag. The included leash clips to a D-ring located on the end of the adjustable slider for accurate sizing. The small size includes a 4-foot leash, while the medium size includes an 11-foot leash. The slide adjuster may get caught in long hair, so this may not be the best option for longhair cats. This harness does require you to slip your cat into it since it doesn’t open and close, which may be difficult with some cats.
Pros
Best value
Two sizes available
Five color options
Breathable polyester mesh is comfortable for your cat
Denim, black, tiger stripe, grey, hunter green, purple, red bandana
Type of Closure:
Velcro
Leash Included:
No
Another good choice for a cat harness is the Kitty Holster Cat Harness, which is available in four sizes and seven color and pattern options. Although it’s one of the more expensive items reviewed, this harness is still affordable for most budgets. This harness is made from 100% breathable cotton and features an undyed cotton lining, making it suitable for cats with allergies. The Velcro closures allow you to quickly fit it to your cat and make it easy to get the harness on and off without allowing your cat to escape from it. It’s machine washable, making it the best harness for long walks and hiking. This harness doesn’t come with a leash, so that will need to be purchased separately, but there is a D-ring leash attachment. Some cats may be startled by the sound of the Velcro when you are taking the harness off or adjusting the fit.
Pros
Four sizes available
Seven color options
Suitable for most budgets
Made from 100% breathable cotton with an undyed cotton lining
Velcro closures allow for quick fitting, application, and removal
The best kitten harness is the NCMAMA Cat Vest Harness, which is available in three sizes, three solid colors, and three patterns. It uses adjustable buckles and Velcro for a secure fit and is small enough to fit kittens with a chest girth as small as 7 inches. It comes with a leash that features a comfortable handle and 360° swivel head for mobility, which clips to the harness via a D-ring. The harness itself has reinforced stitching for strength and is made from breathable nylon mesh. It has large reflective strips for maximum visibility in low light. This harness may not be suitable for large cats as it may not provide a proper, secure fit. This harness does run quite small, so make sure you properly measure your cat before purchasing it.
Pros
Three sizes available
Six color options
Adjustable buckles and Velcro make it suitable for kittens as small as 7-inch chest
Included leash has swivel head for mobility
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
Reinforced stitching and breathable nylon fabric for comfort
Fruit green, lake blue, silver, turquoise, heather blue, heather green, heather pink, colorful stripes, heather grey, dark
Type of Closure:
Buckles, Velcro
Leash Included:
Yes
The Heywean Cat Harness and Leash is available in four sizes and ten color options. It uses strong Velcro and an adjustable buckle for an ideal fit. It’s machine washable and made from padded, lightweight, breathable mesh that dries quickly and deters odors. The reflective strip makes your cat visible in low light, and the included leash is soft and reflective as well. If not fitted properly, your cat will be able to escape from this harness, so it’s necessary to measure your cat. The material that this harness is made of is somewhat stretchy, which may not be suitable for cats that panic when frightened as it may allow them to stretch the harness enough to escape.
Black/silver, red/black, royal blue/navy, dusty rose/burgundy, electric lime/green, lilac/deep purple
Type of Closure:
Buckles
Leash Included:
Yes
The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Nylon Cat Harness is available in three sizes and six color combinations. It uses two adjustable buckles to securely fit your kitty and includes a matching bungee leash. This harness is made from sturdy nylon and is minimalist, allowing maximum breathability while maintaining security. The leash clips to an O-ring attached to the end of an adjustable slider for added security and improved fit. It includes a detailed fit and training guide to help you have success introducing your cat to a harness with safety and stress avoidance in mind. Since the leash is bungee style, it may not provide enough control for the handler in busy or high stress environments. The material that covers the bungee tends to snag and may appear torn up quickly, although it will still be fully functional.
Pros
Three sizes available
Six color combinations
Includes a matching bungee leash
Sturdy but minimalist design
Built-in O-ring for leash attachment at the end of an adjustable slider
Includes a detailed fit and training guide
Cons
Bungee leash style provides minimal handler control
Bungee leash exterior may snag and appear torn up
7. Necoichi ZEN Fish Charm Cotton Cat Harness & Leash
The Necoichi ZEN Fish Charm Cotton Cat Harness & Leash is a premium-priced item that is only available in one size but does come in three color options that feature a traditional kimono pattern, making for an eye-catching product. It’s made from cotton, polyester, and PVC for strength and comfort and features a cute fish charm and bow. This harness has an adjustable buckle, and the leash is built into the slider. It is one size fits most and is suitable for most adult cats. It is a minimalist design, providing maximum breathability and comfort for your cat.
The Comfort Soft Mesh Cat Harness is only available in one size but comes in four color options. It’s made from breathable nylon mesh and has a minimalist design. There is a D-ring on the harness for a leash to clip to, although a leash must be purchased separately. It’s designed to evenly distribute leash pressure across the chest and shoulders, keeping the neck safe. This harness is made for cats up to 10 pounds, so it’s not ideal for most adult or large cats. Some people find it difficult to put this harness on their cat because it must be slid over the cat’s head and then adjusted for neck size, which can be difficult with an uncooperative cat.
Pros
Four color options
Nylon mesh and minimalist design make for maximum breathability
Has a D-ring for a leash to clip to
Evenly distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders
Cons
One size
Not suitable for cats over 10 pounds
Difficult to put on
May be difficult to properly adjust the neck loop
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Harness
Picking the best harness for your cat should be based on more than personal preference due to the need for a secure fit. Not all harnesses will fit all cats properly, so it’s important to properly measure your cat and fit the harness to them correctly. Choose a harness that matches up to your cat’s measurements and don’t hesitate to return or exchange a product that doesn’t fit properly. Your cat’s safety and wellbeing are on the line, so make sure you choose a suitable product.
Choosing the Right Harness for Your Cat
If your cat panics when frightened, you may need a different harness than what you might need for a more laid-back cat. Keep in mind that when a cat panics, they may be able to escape from a harness via a route you hadn’t considered, which is why the fit is so important. Once you’ve determined the size and type of harness your cat needs, you can begin to take your personal preferences into account. Do you need a leash, or do you have a leash? Do you like neutral colors or something bright and flashy? Do you anticipate you’ll be walking your cat when it’s dim or dark outside? All these things can impact the harness you choose.
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How to Get Your Cat Used to the Harness
Below is a video detailing the way you can create positive associations for your cat with the harness, as well as the importance of the enrichment that walking your cat can provide.
How We Determined This List of Best Cat Harnesses
All the cat harnesses reviewed in this article were chosen by our writers, editors, and team of experienced veterinary professionals to ensure that they are safe and meet the care needs of your pet. When choosing which cat harnesses to feature, we took into account brand reputation, personal and hands-on experience, reviews from other customers, and of course, feedback from our beloved pets, to make sure to bring you only the best of the best. We at PangoVet want to give you only the best products to choose from in our reviews, to ensure that they meet your pets’ needs for optimal health and well-being.
Why Trust PangoVet?
We are a team of experienced veterinarians, writers, and editors who are pet owners ourselves, so we understand how important your pets and the products they use and consume are to you. Whether you are caring for a furry, scaly, or feathered friend, we make sure that you have honest and unbiased reviews of the top cat harnesses on the market, so you can make an informed decision.
Brooke Billingsley, who spent nine years as a veterinary assistant before transitioning to nursing in a hospital in 2013. Brooke currently resides in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years. An avid animal lover, she shares her home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. She has a particular affection for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and an internet-famous cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Brooke is passionate about fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best care for her aquarium pets. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and maintains a veggie garden in the summer. She also hosts a podcast about folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. Brooke is committed to lifelong learning and strives daily to acquire new skills and knowledge.
