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Best Cat Harness and Leash – 15 Top Rated Harnesses for Cats (2023)
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Are you thinking about taking your cat on a trip in the outside world? And can you really walk a cat? Well, yes you can, but you'll need a cat harness and leash. In this article we look at what our experience on outdoor adventures with our cats has told us is the best cat harness and leash for those trips.
The outdoor world is an exciting and amazing place for your kitty.
Unfortunately, it’s also full of dangers that you’ll want to protect Mr. Snuggles from too.
That’s why some people prefer to take their cats for walks using a dedicated cat harness, rather than just letting their four-legged friends roam free.
The only problem is, there are so many different kinds of cat harness and leash out there, that it’s often tough to know which one you should choose.
How do you pick the best cat harness for your particular cat?
We’ll come on to what to look for and then a full review of all the top rated cat harness and leash options that we like.
Best Cat Harness (and Leash) - Our Picks
But, before we dig into everything you want to know about cat harnesses and taking your cat for a walk, let’s cut to the chase and give you our preferred picks.
These are the three cat harnesses that came top in our extensive research and testing process. In our table below, we compare some of the most important features of these three top rated picks and our overall best cat harness and leash from Rabbitgoo.
For much more detail about each individual product continue reading down the article.
Our Top 3 Choices
Best Overall
Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash
Best Value
PetSafe Come with Me Kitty Harness
Premium Choice
Kitty Holster Cat Harness
That’s our pick of all the cat harness reviews that we’ve undertaken, but you can see all fifteen that we rate lower down the page.
For each of our top three picks you'll find a video where we test each cat harness with our cats, and in this video below we give you a quick round-up of our top three.
But, first, why would you want a harness for your cat and is walking a cat really something you can try.
On top of that a lot of people think, “How do I put a harness on a cat? Is it even possible?”.
That’s why we've done some of the hard work for you. We've checked out a number of the best cat harness products that the feline accessory world has to offer.
We've bought them, tried them on our cats and given them a real world test.
With that knowledge in mind and to hand, here’s your guide to making the right decision.
Best Cat Harness and Leash - Buying Guide
Deciding on the best cat harness is a bit of a big decision for most pet owners. Unlike dogs, most cats tend to go for walkies on their own, which makes harnesses and leashes unnecessary. However, in today’s dangerous world, you might not feel comfortable letting your moggy roam free.
A decent cat harness is a great way to allow your cat to explore the freedom of the outside world, without the security risk. Available in a range of sizes, harnesses can keep your kitty comfortable and safe when out on an adventure. A harness also means that you don’t have to attach a leash directly to your cat’s collar, which can be a very dangerous practice.
What is a Cat Harness and How Does it Work?
A cat harness is a product that helps you to walk your cat in comfort and style. The shape of the harness spreads the pressure of a leash over various points within your cat’s body, so you don’t have to worry about tugging too hard on their stomach or neck.
Since cats have all the instincts and sometimes habits of wild animals, we often feel uncomfortable keeping them cooped up inside all of the time. If, like me, you’ve ever wanted to let your kitty explore the great outdoors, but you’ve been worried about the dangers out there, a harness could be the perfect choice.
The only question is, how do you choose the best cat harness?
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Choosing the Best Cat Harness and Leash - for Your Kitty
Harnesses, just like cats, come in a range of styles and sizes.
Choosing the right option for your cat can be a bit of a tough process at first. You might find that you need to work through a few different options before you find something that works.
Think about what your cat is sensitive to before you start shopping. For instance, if they’re sensitive to noise, a Velcro harness might not be a good idea. Other things to consider include:
Don’t forget to consider maintenance too. A cat harness that’s easy to wash and protect is going to last a lot longer!
What Type of Cat Harness Should You Use?
The best cat harness for your kitty is going to be the one that you can get on and off with ease. You want to avoid anything that’s going to be super complicated to apply and remove, which can be the case when there are a lot of buckles to think about.
Stay away from harnesses that are either too big or too small, and don’t choose something that you can’t adjust to suit your cat’s size. Once you have those things in mind, you can begin to look at the individual kinds of cat harness that might suit your cat, such as:
The Best Cat Harnesses - The 15 Top Rated Picks
There are a lot of fantastic cat harness options out there, from those designed for strength and durability, to those intended to keep your cat comfy. We've got our hands on fifteen of the very best and given them a real world test by walking our cats!
Let's go in depth and see what our cat experts thought was the best cat harness.
1. Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash - Best Overall Cat Harness
The Rabbitgoo harness is our overall best choice simply because it combines being well designed, well made and stylish with being very affordable. Many cat owners agree as you can see from all the glowing reviews (and in our video below).
This over the head vest style harness is made of a very soft and lightweight breathable mesh so that it fits snugly but remains comfortable next to your cat's skin. This vest style is also usually the easiest to put on your cat and it also distributes pressure evenly across their chest if they strain against the leash when walking.
Adjustable and comfortable, this kitty harness has four adjusting straps, which means that you won't have a hard time getting the fit just right. These are paired with a safety buckle on each side to ensure that this an escape proof cat harness.
You won’t have to worry about your cat getting lost during his or her adventures outdoors. In addition there are reflective strips on the harness to make sure it's visible at night.
A few owners have sometimes stated that they've ocassionally had a problem where the harness can rub against your cat's legs. This does seem to be more to do with the way the harness is adjusted and should not be an issue.
The Rabbitgoo also comes with a 150cm nylon leash that attachs to the sturdy ring on the rear of the vest.
Overall, we love this cat harness and leash set for its quality and good value. Our number one pick.
Pros
Cons
2. PetSafe Come with Me Kitty Harness - Best Value Cat Harness
Designed to give your cat the freedom to roam, without the potential danger, the PetSafe cat harness is an adjustable-fit harness made from comfortable, breathable cotton.
The stretch bungee cat leash included with this cat harness ensures that your cat has some give to jump and move around when necessary. There’s also plenty of strength in the material to prevent it from breaking.
One very small downside is that it does take a while to get your cat into this harness, and that can be a problem for felines that aren’t used to this kind of thing. However, that does mean that once in, the Petsafe kitty harness and leash is a very safe place for them to be and they won't be escaping!
One other thing to note is that some users have found the material can be abrasive if your cat constantly licks and bites it, usually if they are in it for longer than they want to be. This is likely to be an issue from you keeping them in the harness too long rather than a problem of this great cat harness specifically.
Pros
Cons
3. Kitty Holster Cat Harness - Best Premium Cat Harness
The Kitty Holster is a vest type full harness from some super dedicated cat lovers at a company called Crazy K Farm.
This is a product made with a lot of love and it shows how much the people making it care for cats. Every detail has been thought of and it's got a premium feel throughout.
It always does very well in our survey of our adventure cat followers and Holly loved it when she tested it with her cats as you can see in the video review she did below.
This is an award-winning, truly escape proof cat harness that is soft and comfortable with ultra-strong velcro closures to keep your cat safe and sound.
The Kitty Holster is made in the US from breathable and washable cotton with an undyed cotton lining. This means that this cat harness is gentle on your cat's skin so that it is suitable for all skin types and climates.
The design of the Kitty Holster makes for a very smooth harness with no clips or buckles to dig into your cat and also makes it very easy to put on and take off.
The simple design looks very smart and the range of cotton fabrics includes classy shades, denim and also a high-visibility safety vest version to assure that your cat is easily seen both day and night.
Although this harness does not come with a leash (but you can pick one up seperately in a matching colour when you buy) it does have a very securely sewn-in D ring ready to attach your cat leash of choice. We'd say, get the matching leash!
We rate the Kitty Holster very highly as both safe, stylish and comfortable for your cat.
Pros
Cons
4. Voyager Step In All Weather Mesh Harness and Leash - Runner-Up Best Cat Harness
A very strong contender for the best cat harness around today is this soft mesh solution for both dogs and cats.
This particular harness is a very big hit with dog owners, but the smaller sizes are also very well suited for cats. The harness comes in a range of sizes to suit your cat, and it’s made with breathable mesh to ensure that your cat doesn’t get uncomfortable as he or she walks.
There’s a 100% polyester guarantee, which can be good for cats with allergies.
Additionally, the leash is five feet long and has a comnfortable neoprene handle.
We encourage anyone looking at our number one pick to also have a look at the Voyager which has simlar features but is a touch more expensive.
Pros
Cons
5. ThinkPet Reflective Vest Harness - Best Reflective Cat Harness
In our testing we felt that we really needed a top five rather than our usual top three that we easily settle on for most cat products.
And this ThinkPet harness could easily have made the top three. The main reason we chose it as a runner-up was that it is primarily sold as a dog harness. Nonetheless many cat owners have opted for this harness and leash and for good reasons.
The ThinkPet harness comes in a range of sizes and the XXS and XS (or the S, M and L for larger cats) are very good choices for cats. The size chart that you’ll find for this cat harness on Amazon is very accurate and will enable you to pick the right size for your cat.
So, why is this a good cat harness?
It’s another vest style and made from a breathable mesh for the comfort of your kitty. It has all over reflective strips to make sure that it’s clearly visible in low light.
The adjustable straps and ‘easy-on’ over head vest design mean this is another good escape proof cat harness and we’d recommend that you give it a look.
Pros
Cons
6. GAUTERF Dog and Cat Vest Harness - Best Budget Cat Harness Option
This Guaterf vest harness is another great harness and leash set intended to provide comfort for your moggy.
The vest-style harness is designed in a breathable material, and it comes with a reflective strip, so your kitty is still visible in the dark. There’s a double buckle for security, and a range of sizes to choose from, so you’re more likely to find the right one for your cat.
Unfortunately, while the sizing information is there, it can be quite difficult to follow, which means that you might have a slightly hard time choosing the right size for your kitty.
Pros
Cons
7. SCIROKKO Cat Harness and Leash Set - Best Combination Cat Harness Option
Since finding a leash that works perfectly with your chosen harness can be quite a challenge, it’s often easier to buy both items at once. That’s what you get with this escape-proof harness from SCIROKKO.
Standing out as one of the best cat harness options around, this vest-style solution is comfortable and easy to use.
The sturdy leash is connected with a double metal D-ring for extra security.
Additionally, the lightweight material delivers better comfort for your cat. There are even reflective strips to improve visibility.
On the down-side, even the small version of this harness seems to be quite big. Additionally it can seem to be quite tight around the neck, and whilst not being a safety issue this can affect your kitty's comfort.
Pros
Cons
8. AWOOF Kitten Harness and Leash - Best Cat Harness for Kittens Option
Tiny kittens require a very different kind of harness. That’s why leading brand AWOOF created this dedicated harness and leash set just for your mini furry friends.
The soft and breathable design isn’t just comfortable for your cat – it’s adorable to look at too. The metal leash ring also offers extra durability and strength on your walks. A big favourite on our best cat harness list for sure! Lots of plus points.
There’s an 100% warranty included if you have any issues with the design. Additionally, you get the benefit of a range of buckles perfect for keeping your kitty secure. There’s even a car safety buckle included.
On the downside, it can be very difficult for kittens to get used to, because there’s so much material. Additionally, the neck and chest section often seems too small for some kittens.
Pros
Cons
9. Dexil Luxury Cat Harness Padded - Best Luxury Cat Harness Option
The Dexil Luxury Cat harness is padded for extra comfort and support for cats who are getting used to walking on a leash.
There are various colours to choose from, although unfortunately no leash is included, so you’ll have to supply that for yourself.
One good point about this choice of best cat harness is that it’s water resistant – which is great for when it starts raining. However, these harnesses are very large, so they’re likely not going to be much fun for cats that aren’t used to using a harness yet.
Pros
Cons
10. Pupteck 2 Pack Escape Proof Cat Leash and Harness - Best Multipack Cat Harness Option
The 2-pack from PUPTECK is a good choice if you want to walk multiple pets, or just have a spare harness lying around for when one gets dirty.
Like its '2 Pack' title suggests, you get two harnesses and that makes it great value.
Designed in a comfortable and breathable material, this best cat harness option comes with a soft fleece inside for extra coziness.
The simple and classic cat harness design looks good, while the double D-ring leash connector gives you the durability and performance that you need too.
On the downside, it can be quite easy to climb out of this harness, perhaps because the sizes are quite large.
Pros
Cons
11. Kamots Beauty Escape-Proof Cat Harness - Best Escape Proof Cat Harness Option
Designed to suit a range of furry friends, the Kamots Beauty Escape-Proof harness delivers everything you need to help your kitty explore the outside world safely.
With an easy-to-secure Velcro fastening, you don’t have to work as hard to get the harness on. However, it’s worth noting that the Velcro can definitely lose its strength over time.
Getting the cat in and out of the Kamots Beauty Escape harness is easy enough, but it’s likely to be a headache for beginners, just as you learn to get your kitty used to the procedure! We ao-operate...
It’s also worth noting that all the extra buckles make this one of the best cat harness options for security – but it also takes some getting used to for owner and cat alike.
Pros
Cons
12. Yizhi Miaow Escape Proof Harness - Alternative Escape Proof Cat Harness Option
If you’re looking for style, this is probably the best cat harness for you. The Escape proof harness from Yizhi Miaow is designed to look as good as it feels, in a range of adorable polka-dot materials. The neck and chest strap are adjustable, thanks to the pioneering magic tape solution.
Additionally, this pick for a best cat harness has additional padding for extra comfort. However, on the downside, that means that it’s not the most breathable experience for your cat. The Velcro design can also lose some of its stick over time, which makes it less secure.
Many cat harness owners pick this one as the best cat harness because it's probably the prettiest!
The Yizhi Miaow is super easy to slip on your cat as it uses something they call 'Magic Tape' and you don't have to pull it over the head of your cat to get it on. A cat happiness bonus!
There are multiple safety features included with this best cat harness pick, including the Magic Tape for security and comfort plus a D ring for your cat leash. Add in an inner mesh layer for ventilation and this is a sure fire cat harness crowd pleaser.
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Cons
13. SCIROKKO Cat and Leash Set - Best Stylish Cat Harness Option
I just had to include this option as one of the best cat leash harness products I’ve seen. This Scirokko leopard print design looks incredible, particularly on my Savannah cat.
The furry fabric has a fabulous leapoard print design that makes your kitty stand out anywhere.
If you’re looking for something that’s both comfortable and stylish, this is the product for you.
The breathable and washable best cat harness is great for protecting your cat’s skin.
Additionally, there’s a fleece lining which is suitable for a wider range of climates and skin types. The strong Velcro fastening also makes this harness a little easier to apply and remove. However, it’s worth noting that even the best Velcro can lose its stick over time.
Pros
Cons
14. Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness - Best Large Cat Harness Option
If you have a larger kitty (like a Savannah or Maine Coon as I do) then this Pawaboo dog safety vest and harness is excellent for keeping your cat safe and secure.
Whether you’re walking in the great outdoors, or taking your kitty for a trip in the car. There’s even a specialist strap included for fixing your cat into the seat in the back of your automobile.
Designed to be easy-to-use with fast-release buckles, this Pawaboo harness is a great choice if you’re looking for a best cat harness that’s both sturdy and lightweight. Additionally, there’s extra sponge padding on the chest as well. On the downside, the neck portion of the harness can be very tight for a cat, leading to some discomfort. Additionally, the sizes are quite big, because they’re intended for dogs.
Pros
Cons
15. Catit Nylon Adjustable Cat in Harness
Catit is a popular name in the cat accessory and toy world and I have a few items from this brand myself.
This adjustable harness is an H-style option that’s designed to make your cat feel like it’s not wearing anything. The adjustable components mean that you can change the size of the harness to suit your cat. Unfortunately, the design makes the harness a little difficult to adjust.
The clips on the fabric are located on the bottom, which means you basically have to flip your cat over to attach or remove them.
As long as your cat will put up with that then this Catit adjustable harness is a great option.
Pros
Cons
Best Cat Harness and Leash - The Verdict
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all choice for the best cat harness and leash and different styles will be down to your preference.
You might even have to experiment with some styles and find out which one won’t send your kitty into a hissy fit. Hopefully you'll get lucky when you try one on your cat (and most cats will be fine with a vest style cat harness).
For me, I’ve found it easier to apply H-star harnesses than vest styles to my Savannah, but I know that's not an issue 99% of cat owners are going to have (since my Savannah is a very big boy!).
However, my Maine Coon is a little easier, and doesn’t mind wearing virtually any style, which is why I picked the Rabbitgoo cat harness for him and as our overall number one choice.
In terms of overall design, safety and support, I’d highly recommend the Rabbitgoo Escape Prood Cat Harness as the top choice overall. It’s easy to apply and remove, well made and comfortable for your cat.
Which of these best cat harnesses will you be using to treat your kitty to his regular walk?
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