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. Fit. We matched manufacturer sizing charts to cats and then judged whether the sizing ran too small, too large, or fit as advertised. Look for harnesses with wide straps that distribute weight evenly across your cat’s body. Harnesses made with thin nylon webbing straps often have pinch points that can dig into your cat’s body, making them less comfortable.

Before Sarah Olewski Klassen began taking her cat Gibson out on adventures, she gradually introduced him to a harness.Although the Velcro fastening is secure, it does mean that unlike other models with straps, this particular harness isn’t adjustable, making it more important to measure your kitty to ensure the perfect fit. But with five sizes available, it shouldn’t be too much of a task to find the right size for your furry friend. Available in sizes S-XL, there’s also a range of colours and patterns to choose from (including a rather bright strawberry print!). The lead is attached via two heavyweight D-rings, forming one of the most secure fittings we’ve seen. Do measure your cat correctly according to the instructions, to ensure you achieve the best fit. If you want to take your cat out and about with you then it makes sense to get them used to them at a young age. This cat harness from PetRomance fits the bill, being specially designed with kittens and small cats in mind.

The Bungee leash that’s included provides gentle flexibility when your kitty pulls. The PetSafe Gentle Leader harness even includes a detailed fitting and harness training guide. Second, the rating - I gave the Kitty Holster 5 stars because I do not believe it is possible to design a harness that can better secure a cat. With that said, I must say that SOME cats can escape from it. 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. First and foremost: don’t rush things with your cat. You can repeat these steps as often as needed.To determine our recommendations for the best cat harnesses, we relied on the advice of the guardians of cat explorers and veterinarians. The neon colouring of the harness and lead offer high visibility, plus the fabric is reflective and will show up in lights – which is important if you’re walking next to a road. The harness is designed to fit chest sizes of 25-43cm, so make sure this is suitable for your cat before purchasing. Felines are extremely sensitive creatures who require a perfectly fitted harness that won’t restrict their freedom of movement.

With these cat harness options, you should be able to find a comfortable and secure harness for your cat so they can enjoy the outdoors. Once your cat is lead trained, you even can ask your cat sitter to put on that perfect harness and take your feline outside to explore the world. When recommending pet products, Treehugger always puts pets' comfort and safety first. We also look for sustainable and durable materials. When researching cat harnesses and collars for this article, we didn't find a lot of eco-friendly options, but we hope our readers will choose carefully and use any cat harness or collar for many years. If more eco-friendly choices become available, we'll update this this list. 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. "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." An H-style harness (named for it's streamlined strap-based design that looks like the letter H) adds a minimal amount of coverage to a cat allowing them to move without feeling weighed down. It's a great choice for a cat that is not accustomed to wearing a harness, and the wrap around design doesn't require anything to go over a cat's head. The The H-Style Cat Harness from Lupine Pets is made out of soft yet durable nylon, and Lupine Pets offers a chew-proof guarantee to replace your harness if your cat (or another pet in your home) chews through the straps. A properly fitted harness should have just enough space for you to be able to slip two fingers between it and your cat’s body.

Finding the Best Cat Harness

Features. We also looked at each harness’ particular features. Was it reflective? Did it have padding for sensitive cat joints? Our testers evaluated how well the cat harnesses performed with those features in mind. Like anything new, it takes time for your cat to get used to wearing a harness and walking on a leash. Ease them into it with these three steps. 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. The arm holes in this harness are nice and roomy, but the harness isn’t adjustable. That means that the fit isn’t particularly secure. Because it’s not the safest harness for high-risk situations, it’s a good idea to avoid this product if you’re going into remote or noisy areas where your cat might try to escape the harness. Familiarize your cat with the harness — To do this, leave it lying on the couch while you and your cat relax, or place it in areas where they can smell it, touch it, and essentially accept it as part of their environment.