What is the Best Cat Harness?
Table of Contents
Introduction
When I am out walking my cat on a harness and leash, I am well aware that this is not exactly the most widely accepted practice. However, knowing the benefit of having my cat experience the outdoors in a safe manner certainly outweighs the slightly awkward glances I get from my neighbors.
For the most part, people’s responses have been quite positive. I get lots of comments about how cute Jones is all suited up in a harness that matches his eye colour, which is usually followed by people asking me where to get a harness for their own furry feline.
Here I will discuss many of the important considerations when choosing the the best cat harness. Because the harness is responsible for keeping your cat safe and secure, this is arguably the most important piece of equipment on your adventure cat.
Not All Cat Harnesses Keep Your Cat Safe
Not only must a cat not be able to slither their way out of the harness, but harnesses also need to be strong enough to withstand a sudden jolt when your cat darts towards something. Before I got smart about harness selection, I had a few experiences where I was left holding a leash and harness with no cat. Luckily it was early in the morning and my cat, Jones, just darted home. However, these experiences highlighted the fact that not all cat harnesses are created equally.
The first harness I put on Jones was one with thin nylon straps. This is generally the most common one you find at pet stores. But Jones was able to easily maneuver his slender body out of the flimsy straps. Jones is a nervous kitty and has been known to spook at a thing or two. Based on my experiences, I highly recommend you avoid any harness that is of the thin-strapped variety.
A Vest Harness is Best
If you are shopping at a local pet store, choose a harness that covers much more of the cat’s body, such as a vest. The harness that I used for Jones (made by RCpets) is a soft nylon material that is fastened by velcro and fits more like a little vest. It covers a lot more of Jones’ body than the previous harness, making it difficult (but not impossible!) to pull out of. Jones has had a few panicky moments where he has tugged so hard at the leash that one of his legs pulled through the front.
It is also worth mentioning that these harnesses may be designed for dogs; however, they are perfectly acceptable for cats to wear as long as they are fitted properly – a good rule is for the harness to be snug, but you should be able to fit one or two fingers in between the harness and your cat’s fur.
Think Holster, Not Harness
While I feel comfortable with Jones wearing a vest for short outings in our yard and around the neighbourhood, I would want even more security before adventuring further from home. All jokes aside, the right gear matters, especially if your cat is new to outdoor exploration.
In general, harnesses that provide more body coverage may offer a more secure fit than very minimal designs. The goal is to choose something snug, comfortable, and difficult for your cat to slip out of, while still allowing natural movement. Take your time, test the fit indoors first, and make sure your cat is relaxed and confident before heading outside.
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