Best Harnesses for Walking Cats in 2023: Top Picks for Safe and Comfortable Outdoor Adventures

Walking your cat can be a great way to provide them with exercise and stimulation, while also allowing them to explore the outdoors safely. However, finding the right harness for your feline friend can be a challenge. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. After researching and testing various harnesses, we’ve identified the best harnesses for walking cats.

Our selection includes harnesses that are comfortable, secure, and easy to use. Whether you have an adventurous cat who loves to explore or a more timid feline who needs a little coaxing, we’ve got you covered. Keep in mind though, no harness is 100% escape-proof. The most important thing is to properly train your cat.

Related Post: Leash Training Your Cat

When it comes to choosing the best harnesses for walking cats, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that the harness is comfortable and secure for your cat to wear. Look for harnesses made from soft, breathable materials and adjustable straps to ensure a good fit. Secondly, consider the type of harness that will work best for your cat. Some cats may prefer a vest-style harness, while others may be more comfortable with a traditional harness that goes around their neck and chest, or a strappy H-Harness.

Best Harnesses for Walking Cats

Outdoor exposure is valuable enrichment for indoor cats. However, letting them roam around the neighborhood without supervision can be dangerous for them and the environment. That’s where cat harnesses come in handy. With a harness, you can take your feline friend on walks and outdoor adventures while keeping them safe and secure.

Not every cat is cut out to be an adventure cat and go exploring on a harness and leash. But if yours is, take the time to find the best harness for your cat and don’t be afraid to try a few different styles and sizes until you get the best one for your kitty. If you take more than one cat out walking at a time, keep in mind that they might prefer different types of harnesses. You might even need different harnesses at different seasons of the year. 

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Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a walking harness for your cat, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you choose the best product for your furry friend. In this buying guide, we will discuss some of the key features to look for when shopping for a cat harness.

Material

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a cat harness is the material it is made of. We recommend looking for a harness that is made of soft, breathable material that won’t irritate your cat’s skin. Additionally, you may want to consider a harness that is water-resistant, especially if you plan on taking your cat on water adventures.

Size and Fit

The most important factor to consider is the size and fit of the harness. A harness that is too loose can be dangerous, as your cat may be able to slip out of it. On the other hand, a harness that is too tight can be uncomfortable for your cat and may even cause injury. Be sure to measure your cat’s chest and neck to ensure that you choose the right size harness. Check locations of any clips or buckles that make the fit awkward or uncomfortable for Kitty. Make sure she has a full range of motion.

Type of Harness

There are several types of harnesses for walking cats, including vest harnesses, jacket or butterfly harnesses, and H-style harnesses. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right type of harness for your cat’s needs. For example, a vest harness may be a good choice for cats who tend to pull on their leash, while an H-harness may be better for cats who are more relaxed.

Additional Features

Finally, you may want to consider any additional features that the harness may have. For example, some harnesses come with reflective strips to make your cat more visible in low-light conditions. Others may have a handle on the back to help you lift your cat up if needed. Consider your cat’s needs and your own preferences when choosing a harness with additional features.

By considering these factors when shopping for a cat harness, you can ensure that you choose the best product for your furry friend.

Top Picks for Walking Cats

To help you find the best harness for your cat, we’ve rounded up a list of our top picks based on our personal experiences, customer reviews and expert opinions. Check out our list below to find the perfect harness for your furry companion.

Mynwood Cat Walking Jackets

This is my favorite harness for walking cats. No harness is 100% escape proof but I think this one comes as close as you can get. These are handmade to order so you can get a custom fit. If your kitty will wear a jacket-style harness, you need look no further than Mynwood.

Pro

• Durable, triple sewn for strength
• Machine washable
• Secure velcro straps around neck and chest
• Custom designed, you can choose from available fabrics
• Some styles are reflective or hi-vis

Con

• The high neck strap can irritate some cats
• Jacket can be too warm in hot weather
• Shipped from the UK so shipping is expensive and takes longer.

This harness is available on Amazon but I recommend buying it from the manufacturer direct so that you can get all the custom fit features.

Sleepypod Martingale

I believe this is one of the most secure harnesses on the market so it is one of my favorite harnesses for walking cats. My nervous walker feels more secure in this harness that others we have tried. I switched her to the Sleepypod Martingale after almost losing her out of an H-harness in a rest area.

Pro

• Soft, breathable, mesh is very comfortable
• Adjustable, industrial strength, velcro closure makes for a custom fit
• D-Ring on top of the harness will tighten if Kitty pulls.
• Easy on – Easy off. Not necessary to put the harness over Kitty’s head.

Con

• Neck strap can be too large for some cats to be comfortable.
• Velcro straps are noisy when being removed and can frighten a shy cat.

The Sleepypod Martingale is well-made, durable, and secure. Even though it is very adjustable, it is important that you measure carefully to get the right size for your kitty. You should be able to get a Sleepypod to fit whatever size of cat you are walking.

RC Pet Products Adventure Kitty Harness

We highly recommend the RC Pet Products Adventure Kitty Harness for any cat owners who enjoy walking their furry friends. This is one of the first harnesses that was designed for cats. Their small, dog-style, harness was very popular among cat adventurers but the lack of an adjustable neck made it less than escape-proof. Adding the adjustable neck buckles and some changes to the fit made the product much better for cats.

Pros

• The fully adjustable neck and waist ensure your cat is secure and comfortable during walks or hikes.
• The air-mesh fabric offers great breathability, keeping your cat cool and comfortable even on hot days.
• Available in multiple bright colors, making it easy to spot your cat from a distance.
• Reflective piping is a great safety feature.

Cons

• The back strap may be a bit short for some cats, causing the chest strap to pull in at the top.
• The chest buckle may be positioned right in the armpit, which can be uncomfortable for some cats.
• The buckles for adjusting the chest part of the harness may be positioned too low down, making it tricky to open and close.

We tried the RC Pet Products Adventure Kitty Harness on our cat and were impressed with its design and functionality. The harness is fully adjustable, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit for Kitty. The air-mesh fabric keeps the cat cool and comfortable during walks, even on hot days. We also appreciated the reflective binding which kept our cat visible at night.

However, as much as I wanted to love this harness, I didn’t. The back strap is too short for my long-bodied Maine Coon mix and seems to restrict her range of motion. The buckles are large and hit her right in the armpits and she hates it. I also found the buckles hard to operate but that’s affected by my weak hands.

Overall, we highly recommend the RC Pet Products Adventure Kitty Harness for any cat owners who enjoy walking their furry friends. Its adjustable design, breathable fabric, and reflective features make it a great choice for any adventurous cat.

PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Cat Leash

This is our starter harness and one of our adventure cats still wears it in addition to a step-in harness. I can recommend the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Cat Leash for cat owners who want to take their indoor cats on outdoor adventures though it is not as escape-proof as some other styles of harness.

Pros

• The harness applies gentle pressure to the shoulders rather than the neck or throat, ensuring your cat’s comfort.
• The adjustable sternum slide and dual adjustment points on the girth strap allow for a custom fit.
• The stretchy bungee leash provides some “give” to prevent sharp pulling or tugging.
• The large size will fit even large-sized or chonky cats.

Cons

• The rubber O-rings may shift, causing the harness to loosen.
• The leash may be too heavy for some cats.
• The adjustments can be difficult to work with.

I liked the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Cat Leash’s design, which cradles cats with gentle pressure on the shoulders, without causing discomfort. If Kitty pulls, this design prevents choking. The adjustable sternum slide and dual adjustment points on the girth strap allowed us to create a custom fit for our cat’s body type. The stretchy bungee leash was also a great feature, providing some “give” to prevent sharp pulling or tugging which makes it a little more escape-proof.

However, we found that the rubber O-rings may shift, causing the harness to loosen in our more active cat. Additionally, the adjustments can be difficult to work with, making it hard to get the cat to hold still long enough to adjust it. Adding a hair elastic or tying a knot behind the o-ring can help prevent the shifting problem.

Overall, the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Cat Leash is a great product that allows cats to explore the outdoors safely and comfortably. With its gentle pressure, custom fit, and stretchy bungee leash, is a great option for any cat guardian looking to take their indoor cat on outdoor adventures.

Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash

If you are looking for a comfortable and safe harness for your cat, then the Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash might be a good choice for you. It is very similar to the RC Pet Cat Harness but the style is even shorter on the back and fits funny around the “armpits” of the cat. Getting the right fit is really important with this harness. It didn’t fit my big cats well but was okay for the smaller ones. There are a lot of buckles to adjust it to fit properly.

Pros

• The harness is adjustable and fits snugly on your cat’s body, preventing any chances of escape.
• The harness is made of breathable air mesh, keeping your cat cool and comfortable during outdoor activities.
• The reflective strips on the harness keep your cat visible in the dark, ensuring safety during walks.

Cons

• The harness may not fit properly if not measured correctly, so it is important to measure your cat’s size before ordering.
• The harness may take some time for your cat to get used to wearing, especially if they are not used to wearing a harness.
• The harness may not be suitable for larger cats, as it is designed for average-sized cats.

The harness is fairly easy to put on and take off, and the reflective strips on it make our cat visible in the dark. The leash is sturdy and easy to attach to the harness. This harness is very popular in the adventure cat community.

Summary

When it comes to taking your cat for a walk, choosing the best harness is crucial for their comfort and safety. No matter which harness you choose, it’s important to properly measure your cat’s size and adjust the harness accordingly. It’s important to consider your cat’s individual needs and preferences when selecting a harness. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, you can confidently choose the best harness for your feline friend and embark on many adventures together.