Keeping cats indoors can be beneficial for many reasons, including that indoor cats tend to live significantly longer, happier lives. But sometimes, you might want to let your cat experience the wonders of the outdoors.
For those adventurous cats, I spent time testing out four cat harnesses, and I loved the rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking.
This option is one of the best cat harnesses because it has a comfortable design that is still hard for cats to escape. It’s easy to adjust and comes in various sizes to best fit your cat.
Still, the other products I tested out have their place and may fit your needs better than my top pick.
Keep reading about the best cat harnesses available and how to choose one for you and your cat.
- rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking
- PUPTECK Soft Mesh Cat Vest Harness and Leash
- AIWAI Tactical Cat Harness for Walking
- Tractive Waterproof GPS Cat Tracker
4 Best Cat Harnesses Reviewed
Below you can find my comprehensive reviews on the best cat harnesses, each featured for their best quality.
First, my favorite pick overall is the rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking.
This cat harness has a breathable vest design that isn’t entirely closed, which makes it more comfortable for the cat. I enjoy that the chest area helps keep the pressure away from my cat’s neck.
If you’re searching for a cat harness to begin training your cat, this might be an excellent option, as it’s relatively easy to put on. It comes with instructions to help you acclimate your cat to the harness, as training your cat to wear one isn’t usually an easy process, no matter what harness you have.
One potential issue is that this harness only comes in small and extra small sizes, so large breeds of cats may not fit.
Next, the PUPTECK Soft Mesh Cat Vest Harness and Leash are one of the best cat harnesses if you’re looking for a full vest. The comfortable design is attractive and comes in many colors and sizes.
One of my favorite features of this harness is that you don’t have to put it over your cat’s head. Many cats hate this sensation, and dealing with it can be one of the most challenging parts of harness training. You avoid it entirely with this option.
On the other hand, this harness has a velcro secure that can make me slightly anxious with energetic cats.
The AIWAI Tactical Cat Harness for Walking is a fun option if you’re looking for a sturdy harness that fits your style. I appreciate the handle, which can give you extra control during emergencies or other scenarios.
This is one of the best harnesses if you plan to use it primarily for vet or grooming sessions, as the handle can help. It’s also entirely washable, allowing your cat to explore with no fear of the clean-up after.
One potential issue is that the design can be bulky for smaller cats, especially the thicker clips.
Finally, I have an add-on for cat harnesses, the Tractive Waterproof GPS Cat Tracker.
It’s important to realize that accidents can happen, especially with flexible cats, so ensuring their safety with a tracker can be an essential part of every harness.
This GPS cat tracker is excellent, as it can attach to any collar or harness. You can receive real-time updates about your cat’s location, and if they wander too far, you’ll immediately get notifications.
I highly recommend getting a cat tracker if you plan to travel with your cat. It will give you absolute peace of mind that your pet is safe, no matter what happens.
With this tracker, you might encounter occasional issues with connectivity, which can cause slight delays in the live tracking feature.
Buying Guide
If you’re ready to start taking your cat on adventures, you should keep a few things in mind when you select a cat harness.
Sizing
Sizing is crucial for finding the best cat harness for you. With cat harnesses, this can be a challenging process.
First and foremost, you should spend time measuring your cat. Get a tape measure and write down the numbers for your cat’s neck and chest width.
When you receive the harness, ensure that you tighten it snugly. Keep it as tight as possible, but you should still be able to slip a finger between it and your cat.
Always tighten the harness before walking. If you’re familiar with cats, you know how flexible they can be. This flexibility means that all harnesses, no matter what they advertise, aren’t entirely escape-proof.
Cats have small bones with muscular connections, meaning they can fit their bodies through tiny spaces. Sizing is part of the equation, but properly holding the leash and paying attention to your cat will be much more crucial.
Planned Uses
One other factor to consider is your planned uses. Harnesses can be great for letting your cat outdoors in a closed yard, taking cats on walks, or taking cats to vets or groomers.
If you intend to take your cat on walks with the harness, you may want one that is breathable and has reflective strips. On the other hand, gear for vet trips may not need many features except a handle.
It’s best to start with simplistic harnesses as you let your cat adjust to wearing equipment. Too much weight can be particularly overwhelming. While your cat acclimates, ensure you pay attention to its body language for signs of agitation.
Conclusion
Overall, trying out cat harnesses can be a fun new experience for you and your pet.
It opens the door for your cat to explore the world, and it allows you better options for traveling with your cat than traditional crates. Each cat is unique, and your planned uses can change what gear is best for you.
I think the rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking is an ideal beginner set for anybody interested in the best cat harnesses. Check it out!