Best cat harnesses according to redditors
We found 106 Reddit comments discussing the best cat harnesses. We ranked the 64 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 106 Reddit comments discussing the best cat harnesses. We ranked the 64 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
This is the one I use and would highly recommend. I had my cat out in it when he got spooked by something and went insane trying to get out of the harness. He was like a Tasmanian Devil on the end of the leash. He was trying to get out so bad that I had to just drag him through the yard and into the house. If you put this on correctly I don’t think your cat will get out of it.
Bonus pics of the resulting injuries I got trying to pick him up while he was thrashing around. I cannot stress enough how bad of an idea that was. I knew better than to try that, yet I still did.
Sure!
Leash: link
Harness: link
The harness was recommended when I googled around for reviews. Definitely go for a “vest” style harness because they’re much harder for cats to get out of than the classic harness-style ones (we all know cats can defy physics). Obviously you can use pretty much any leash with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Proof-Cat-Harness-Leash/dp/B074MWRZ5Y
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-collars-leashes-and-harnesses/cat-harnesses
I recommend this harness, nice and secure!
It’s a harness. He didn’t love things around his neck so we compromised with this:
come with me kitty harness
It sits around his chest and doesn’t press on his neck plus it dries quickly
In my experience, it’s been this harness
My cat is 15 pounds so I’ve been a little limited in what fits him
Edit: I meant pounds as in his weight haha sorry I’m American
Leash training is an awesome way to give your cat exercise and enrichment!
As mentioned, they should be up to date on their shots. They should also get regularly dewormed, and be on flea/tick preventative. Talk to your vet about these at the home visit.
Leash training is easier when started young. Start by getting them an appropriate harness (like this, which is a great harness), putting it on them a few times a day by following this method - Dr. Sophia Yin's website has a lot of great resources on training animals positively. I personally would start with just the harness (no lead) for the first couple of weeks. Leave the harness on for longer periods of time, then add a lead to it.
It will likely take a while for them to be comfortable walking in the harness and lead, but with enough patience and perseverance you might have them ready in time for summer weather. :)
When on walks outside, keep an eye on what they are doing - make sure they are not eating anything, or drinking from puddles/ponds (parasites and bacteria can make them sick!).
Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Proof-Cat-Harness-Leash/dp/B074MWRZ5Y?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3&th=1&psc=1
Get a vest style harness, like this. A lot harder to slip off than one that is just straps. And you want one that goes between the front legs.
We get mesh styles, I think its more comfortable because it doesn't cut in. My cat has this one because I like that its recycled, sister's cats get one like this. My other cat however absolutely hates mesh ones, and he's quite big so there wasn't any mass produced options that fit so I got him one from this etsy seller but there's definitely cheaper ones in that style mass produced if your cat isn't giant like mine.
She’s wearing an x-small Voyager vest. I bought a small too because she’ll probably grow out of it fast. Here’s a link!
While /u/Cat_Man_Bane has a point about starting with kittens, I adopted my cat at 2 years, so it wasn't exactly an option.
What type of harness do you have? Dog harnesses rarely work. Like this type can be escaped from super easy. And it can't be any type that applies pressure to their neck - they'll just flop to the side like a kitten, as it's like grabbing their scruff. That's why collars suck. Well, one of many reasons.
This is what I have. It's velcro, and easy to put on. She gives me a tiny bit of a fight putting it on as I have to move her around but she's pretty chill about it, since once it's on it's not as offending as some of the others.
But getting her used to it? Eh. She has her moments where she hates it. Then she sees a bird and forgets it's on and goes running for the bird, happy as can be. The best way to get them used to it is putting it on inside, staying around them constantly and watching them so they don't panic and you can't help, and letting them get used to it. It might take a bit for them to decide to walk or to walk normal. It might take several days, a few hours a day. But it'll happen. Then once they're okay, attach a leash and let them drag it around (so obviously not a bulky retractable one). Once that's okay (that's the easy part, thankfully) then try outside.
Cats and walks are difficult with the best cat, because it's a lot of new sights and sounds. They're very territorial, so new territories scare them. But once they get used to a certain path or area, they're pretty chill.
We use this. Pumpkin loves going outside! If you try it and he just lays down and gives up when you have the leash on, put it on next to the door and then carry him out. Once Pumpkin realized the leash meant going out, she tolerated it being put on and then practically dragged me out the door!
Last I checked, the ASPCA recommends the "Come With Me Kitty" Harness. I have one, and I would recommend it as well. This is the only one (out of three so far) that my cat has not managed to be able to "back" out of.
I got mine at petsafe.net. I am not affiliated with any of these orgs, products, etc.
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edit: for anyone curious, here is a no-affiliate link to amazon reviews of it:
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBIW9Q#customerReviews
It's more your cats preference. They have plain strap harnesses and vest harnesses. If your kitty is an escape artist they have vest harnesses specific for that. I won't get my kitten till August but I got the come with me kitty cat harness/bungee leash combo. It got great reviews, was reasonably priced on Amazon, and I've seen it in PetSmart
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBFHXU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_czJBzb6CRV7GC
A small is plenty small enough for a kitten, you'll obviously have to get a bigger size if they grow/are a bigger cat
This is the one I use with my cat, she barely acknowledges it's on, very comfortable and not confining.
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBFHXU/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1473790441&sr=1-4&keywords=cat+harness
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TB2NXFC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
i found an english version!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MWRZ5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uCNXDbSB2T3BJ
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074MWRZ5Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Size up! She is wearing a small and it was snug.
On Amazon! Kamots Beauty Escape Proof Cat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T112CLN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
We adopted her as an adult (three yrs) and as far as I know, she was never on the leash with her previous owners. I did some research and bought the Come With Me, Kitty harness in medium for her (she's 11 lbs). I put it on her for the first time and imagined she'd flip out, but she practically ignored it and pranced around the house as usual. The first good sign. I attached the leash to it, picked her up, and placed her outside in a sunny spot in the grass. We tried this daily. The first few times, she just sort of laid down in the grass or walked around a little before trying to get back inside. Eventually, she walked around the perimeter of the house sniffing and rolling in the grass. We've been doing this for about a month, and she finally seems very well-adjusted to it. It helped her that I did not ever try to pull her in a certain direction or force her to walk. If she was laying down, I sat and waited with her. Sometimes I would bring treats outside and lure her around a little bit to get her used to it. Now she seems happy! I think it helps that she is a naturally well-mannered and curious adult cat.
I was hoping it was something like this one so I could see how you liked it: http://www.amazon.com/Alfie-Pet-Petoga-Couture-Step-/dp/B00KVUBI6E/
Right now I have a no pull dog harness because that's the only one big enough they had at Petco that tightened up so he couldn't wiggle out. If he was a little smaller I'd have a come with me kitty. http://www.amazon.com/Petsafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBIW9Q
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBFHXU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kfIGAb17MKKMQ
So this is the one we got, and it’s pretty easy to get on! The one you linked looks more secure, but like you said, is prolly more of a pain to get on/off. We’re really happy with ours, and so is Mordecai when we take him out. He doesn’t normally wear a collar for the exact same reasons. Always hijinks his way out haha
This one He has a small one but it’s a bit loose. Getting him an extra small.
Might want to get a harness and doggy seatbelt. My guy would ride shotgun with me and one day an on coming car decided he was going to pass the car in front of him, but was really close to me. I hit the breaks and slowed from 50 mph to 30 mph, but the little dude flew forward and hit the dashboard. He is fine, but after that I sprung 20 bucks for the peace of mind.
Seatbelt
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFP4ML5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Pzg7CbSECYGFK
Harness https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M0V7RYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KFg7CbARTYR3Z
https://www.amazon.com/Voyager-Weather-Best-Pet-Supplies/dp/B00CHSW2D6
From the pics, it looks like it has a snap on the top, so I'd assume its pretty easy. Just lay it flat on the floor, have your dog put his paws in holes, pull it up and snap :)
I'm sorry to hear about putting down your buddy. I had to do the same thing to my black cat 2 months ago... he was only 4 years old =/
It's very different than training a dog. The younger you start, the better. The first step is to get a harness, and put it on the cat just around the house (leave the leash off). Try to get them used to the feeling of having it on them. Play with them while its on, distract them, try to make them forget it's there.
After they seem somewhat comfortable wearing it, you can try taking them outside. Stay close to the house/apartment. As soon as they get outside they will be so fascinated by the outside world that they won't focus on the harness/leash anymore. I did this only once and he acted a lot better than I expected. I would pick him up, walk a little, then set him down and let him explore a bit.
Start with short 20 min adventures per day. Then gradually work up to going further away. The cat wont really walk to a destination like a dog would, but instead just freestyles it and goes in random spots. I have to carry my cat to the park or else we'd never get there.
Don't pull the leash, dont try to direct the cat. If you want to go to a park or something, carry them there. My cat is starting to learn the way we walk to the park, so he will walk that direction sometimes.
If you see a dog, pick them up. If they pull or try to run somewhere, pick them up. Don't ever pull on the leash trying to get them to follow you or go where they want.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I've only actually been on 1 walk to the park so far so I'm still learning.
Here is the harness I have
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBIW9Q/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466097901&sr=8-1&keywords=come+with+me+kitty
It is absolutely easiest to start when they're a kitten so they get used to the feeling of the harness. The harness must be tight enough that they will not escape, but loose enough not to choke or chafe. I like harnesses with the I design like this. They are sturdy and do not restrict movement. Bulky materials on harnesses can sometimes cause irritation and limit movements, but can also be more comfortable to some cats.
The most important:
Be Patient.
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Chances are, your cat won't like it at first. Some cats are so excited to be outside they don't even notice, but most will just lay down or flop. They'll want to eat grass and check everything out.
BE ALERT. Look for dogs or other people that might scare your cat. Keep their favorite toy or treats with you to distract them if you need to.
Take baby steps. You're bringing your cat into something they're not used to. Along with patience, know when and when not to push the boundary. Sometimes they'll be completely content with sitting on the front step, but if your goal is to get them to walk around in the yard, you might need to nudge them a bit out of their comfort zone to see how they react.
What kind of harness do you have? They make ones out of cloth that Velcro on, a lot of cats like better than the typical harness.
Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007KAYDXI?cache=819a242b6684f22d3e028e9be9c97c57&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1415133847&sr=8-12#ref=mp_s_a_1_12
Sorry about the crazy link, on mobile.
Some cats just aren't into it though...we have 2 and only 1 took to it.
Kamots Beauty Escape Proof Cat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SHRWN5K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Something that I love about myself? I'm wayyyy too social... I love that I can talk to everyone in person without thinking that it's weird that I don't know them.
I love my cat and he really wants to go outside... but he's not allowed to without a harness or leash.
You're welcome! I got the one he has right meow from Petco, it does its job, just getting too small now, so I need to get him a bigger one! But this one is supposed to be the best:
Petsafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash, Medium, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OMD5ZA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Mujdvb079DEBR
If you are getting a kitty that's younger than 3 months then go with the small kitten size, but if he/she is like 4 months or so start with medium. I got him a kitten size one and he has almost grown out of it!
Also thank you, I live in a really old house and it has that Harry Potter door in my laundry room lol! It goes back another 10 feet or so, so I staple gunned up some vinyl fabric to make the cave!
I highly recommend it! It's designed so it does not choke the bunny at all, and both my bunnies (slightly different size) fit well. The tightness around the waist is adjustable, and the buckles prevent them the bunnies from chewing it off.
PS. I got mine from Amazon, it's a kitty harness, and I use the smallest size for my bunnies (they are around 2-3 pounds)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OBH1T8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'd recommend this one. They are Bengal proof... My girl has done backflips trying to get out of it when a loud truck drove up and it held. The only time she actually did get out was when she was in a tree and got it stuck on a branch, and she wiggled out of it. Plus they look pretty good on bengals :)
From a durability stand point when I was looking at harnesses I looked for something stitched on the inside. This makes it more difficult for the stitching to tear.
Like this
as opposed to this
Reflective is also nice if you plan on being out at night with your dog.
I have to get my puppy a new harness soon due to her chewing her current one and I am looking at one of the front clipping harnesses.
I live in a 34' 5th wheel with a cat. If we are boondocking with few people around, we let him out and he doesn't go far. Otherwise he stays inside or if he gets real antsy, he goes out on a leash with this harness.
http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007KAWSU8
No worries. I think I might try this one.
Kitty Holster Cat Harness, Small/Medium, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAX8DO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6taVCbKD48HD0
Anyone on here have a suggestion on harnesses for a tripod? I have tried two different harnesses (this one and this one) and my cat’s lack of a front left leg always makes it fall off in some way. He’s also a wild one with some strong back legs but loves to explore so I want to take him outside!
I have the voyager no-pull harness. It works really well for him, and it was great for my other little guy when he was around.
voyager Harness
BINGPET Cat Harness and Leash for Walking Escape Proof, Adjustable Pet Harness for Small, Medium Large Cats with Collar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R6M943X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8xeDDbQY8M13M
This is what I bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBIW9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6oEvxb3H0K0C1
Oh, ho, ho. Well lucky for you I happen to have a growing imgur album of my cats participation in RAoA activities. Check it out right meow! (Bonus: it includes me trying to catbeard)
The smaller tabby is Daffodil T. Moriarty, but we call her Dil, Dilly, or Dilbot. The larger tabby is Lily B. Holmes, but we call her Lil, Lily Butt, or Biz. Both of them are incredible sweet, although Lil has a bit of sass with her. Dil likes to pretend she's a turkey and run around gobbling sometimes. One day I will catch this magical event on video.
I wouldn't mind this leash so that I could walk both cats at once. Yes, I walk them. Yes, I'm crazy.
Thanks for the contest, but why no pics of your pup?!
No workout wishlist as I don't really work out. Can't lift because of a bum shoulder but I do a lot of walking and would love a kitty harness so I could take my cats with me.
Try out Heroica for your board game fix
a link to a online webgame of the Heroica Castle Fortaan game
10 or under items are awesome! Bubbles really needs a new harness since he's gotten so big recently!
I have some of these and they are AWESOME! And they come in a variety of colors. So soft, and cool in the evening. Also, they seem to not get as dirty as some others I have, but that could be the color, I'm not sure.
My kitty needs this harness so she can go outside with us. She gets very upset because she can't go on walks with the dogs and us.
I have a Hurtta Adventure Y-harness meant for dogs! My kitty is pretty large for his breed at nearly 6 kg (13 lbs), so a dog harness worked best. A thick Y-harness was chosen because of the seatbelt usage and because this particular one is reflective, so I only have to put a reflective vest on him when we're out in the woods during hunting season. With smaller cats I've used cat harnesses, but the ones that have only one strap on the back and none under the belly haven't really worked.
The most important thing is fit and buying one that can be adjusted around the neck. If a cat can fit their head through without adjusting, they can back out of it. The recommendation is tightening up until you can only fit two fingers under the straps.
This type has in my experience been the most escape proof. When it's tight enough it's incredibly hard to wiggle out, because it covers a large surface and it's tightened when it is already on the cat. If the band around the neck isn't adjustable, escape becomes much easier.
This type is okay and I've never had a cat escape. I have heard of escapees though. If the band under the belly moves around instead of being fixed to one spot a cat can get their paw under it a bit easier.
When I've been called to set up traps for someone's cat that has escaped from a harness, it's usually something like this or this. Bad adjustability, nothing under the belly and very easy to get on (and off).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAX8DO/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_8V2nybPZ5YYCX
This is the one.
You can start now! I used this one, although my cats stay with me without the harness now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBIW9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nQ9BDb9DQEPA7
Every cat will be different, I've not had much luck with my kitty but I'm still working with her. I picked up a harness from Walmart, similar to this that fits her decently.
I'm interested in getting her a harness like this, but she's a small cat and I'm generally worried about her slipping out of everything.
Every cat will react differently but you should start slowly. Introduce the harness to him. Then you can move on to getting him in it. He will most likely flop over like it's heavy. Just let him spend time in it and give him treats. Increase the time the next few days, and start using the treats to get him to come to you. Then you can move on to taking him outside. Do not pull him and let him go at his own pace. Try to pick a place that's quiet so that he isn't scared and therefore possibly ruining the experience.
I've gotten to the point of taking my cat outside my apartment door but she eventually walks back to the door as if to say "I don't wanna go anywhere!". I don't have the time to be consistent with her, or maybe she doesn't see the "benefit" in being in the harness as we haven't been outdoors, or she may just not even care to be outdoors. Hopefully though, she'll warm up soon! Good luck to you.
Lol, I tried that with my sneaky kitty. She did the classic side flop and refused to move. I sat next to her or moved her to the part of the yard that she always slinks towards. I gave up and didn't have the patience to continue. I bought a cheap harness and leash. My cat learned to twist out of hers eventually. I recommend a comfortable, sturdy harness.
Thank you! He is a bengal. He is so funny and sweet.
The harness is actually from Amazon: Best Pet Supplies Voyager All... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076BVMKW1?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
The harness I got off Amazon. Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash Set for Walking Escape Proof with 59 Inches Leash - Adjustable Soft Vest Harnesses for Small Medium Cats, Cat Leash Harness with Reflective Strips & 1 Metal Leash Ring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SZSWSKF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HclRDbCXPEKYA
Currently he has this one (sorry, on mobile and don't know how to link): https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Proof-Cat-Harness-Leash/dp/B074MWRZ5Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=escape%2Bproof%2Bcat%2Bharness%2Bwith%2Bleash&qid=1570126478&s=gateway&sprefix=escape%2Bproof%2Bcat&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1.
I'm not positive which one he had before, but it was very similar to Come With Me Kitty, possibly that exact brand since they do sale it in our pet store where I got it.
Kitty Holster Cat Harness, Medium/Large, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAWSU8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_p1Rxyb12G89EH
Maybe you can figure out what i did wrong!! haha. i'm genuinely sad it didn't work out. seemed like a great idea for him cuz we go in 2+ hour car trips and he gets buckled in, plus we live in a shoebox apartment so he's leash trained so he can explore outside.