Walking a cat on a harness used to be something only the bizarre would do, or perhaps the rich and famous (only the cat was a tiger or something similarly exotic).
Luckily, many people have now recognised that harness-walking a cat is a really great way to exercise the cat, and provide it with mental stimulation.
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Many people are investing in the best cat harness for their kitty and choosing to walk their cats in the garden.
There are even some very special cats who are taken out on boats, hikes in the mountains, and through the forests.
Don’t worry, there’s no need to think about taking your furry BF on an adventure just yet. If she isn’t even harness-trained, the process of getting her used to the harness will be enough of an adventure all on its own, trust us. It is certainly worthwhile training your cat to walk on a harness though. At the very least it enables you more flexibility in how you provide them access to the outdoors. At the very most, maybe you’ll have a new adventure buddy!
In this article, we will provide you with all the info you need to get started harness walking your cat.
First Things First, How Do You Get Your Cat To Wear A Harness?
If you take a cat who has never worn a harness and shove one on him, he will likely either have your hand off, or start military style crawling across the ground. Neither of these are preferable when it comes to a good start to kitty harness training.
Instead, you will want to commit to a slow process of learning for the cat. We love this Youtube video by cat expert Jackson Galaxy on the benefits of walking your cat. We also love this detailed training process article by Rachel Joy Harris and her process of harness training her cat Princess Carolyne.
The more information you can get, the more tips you can follow when it comes to training your cat how to wear a harness. Take it slowly, be prepared for setbacks, and follow the cats lead (no pun intended).
How Do You Choose The Best Harness For A Cat?
To get started with your harness training you will need a harness, and a good one at that. This equipment keeps your cat safe, comfortable and most importantly, attached to the leash. It needs to be great, right?
Consider the following factors when you think about buying a harness for your kitty:
The Different Types Of Harness
The 3 most common cat harness types are V, H and Figure-8 types. The V is a vest type harness, the H is two loops (one around the cat’s neck, one around their torso) and it is connected by a line of material both down the middle of the back and the chest. It looks like a H from the side.
The figure-8 harness is like the H type but there are no connecting pieces of material.
You may want to experiment with the different types to decide which is best for your cat’s needs.
Harness Features
Harnesses come with a wide range of features, but some are really good signs that the product is well-designed and these include:
- Easily washed (machine washable ideally)
- Adjustable
- Light
- Strong
- Durable
- Safe
- The right size
- Easily fitted
The Best Cat Harnesses
Now you know a little bit about choosing the best cat harness for your furry feline friend, we’ve some great product suggestions for you to take a look at:
PetSafe Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash
The Best Cat Walking Harness
The Petsafe Come With Me kitty harness and leash is a H shaped harness designed to focus the majority of the hold pressure on the shoulders. This keeps pressure away from the throat area of the cat. Two points of adjustment enable you to secure the harness to the specific measurements of your cat. Once they are fitted safely, the bungee cord leash provides a gentle extension for your cat to use for exploration.
Why We Like It:
- Stretchy bungee cord leash
- Comfortable H design
- Adjustable
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Cats can escape from it, even when it is secure
- Straps may stretch over time with regular use
Yizhi Miaow Escape Proof Cat Harness with Leash
The Best Escape-Proof Cat Harness
If you are looking for your cat to look stylish whilst staying safe on his walks, you might like the Yizhi Miaow Escape Proof cat harness.
It’s incredibly comfy for kitty with a padded, soft neck and chest strap that’s easily adjusted. An extra mesh layer adds even more comfort by providing anti-sweat ventilation.
For optimum safety, it uses magic tape instead of buckles as part of its unique escape-proof feature.
Why We Like It:
- Gorgeous, colourful designs
- Escape-proof design
- Padding for comfort
- Easily adjusted
What We Don’t Like:
- Sizes tend to be on the small side
- Can draw attention to the cat, which you may not like
Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash Set for Walking
A Great Choice For Safety-Conscious Kitty Owners
Looking for a harness with lots of great safety features? You might like the Rabitgoo cat harness. It is made to be comfortable with lots of adjustabilities. It is also lined with mesh and has plenty of chest padding too.
For optimum safety, it is designed to distribute pressure from the leash to the shoulders and chest. It also utilises strong snap side buckets and reflective strips to help your kitty stay out of harms way.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in a selection of cute colours
- Breathable and adjustable
- Reflective strips
- Design distributes leash pressure
What We Don’t Like:
- Buckles in underarm of cat can be an issue
- Cats may still find a way to squirm out
Kitty Holster Cat Harness
The Best Cat Harness And Leash For Snazzy Cats
The Kitty Holster cat harness has some beautiful designs, but the appearance isn’t everything with this award-winning walking vest.
Ethical customers will love that the vests are lined with natural undyed cotton, and a portion of the profits from the purchase go to an animal sanctuary.
When it comes to cat safety and comfort, the vest design makes it very secure for kitty. You just pop it on and then attach the lease to the metal ring.
Why We Like It:
- Ethics at heart
- Comfy and secure for kitty
- Epic designs
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Backbone section may be uncomfortable for some cats
- Cats can slip out of it easily
Eagloo Cat Harness
Reflective Straps For Extra Safe Walking
The Eagloo cat harness is a double stitched durable cat harness with cushioning and ventilation, making it comfortable and safe for kitty to wear.
For extra safety, there are reflective straps which catch the light, even at dusk, ensuring maximum visibility as it gets dark.
Those new to harness walking their cat will love how easy it is to use, and how easy it is to adjust.
Why We Like It:
- It is very durable
- Easy to adjust
- Safety features like reflective strips
- Selection of colours
What We Don’t Like:
- Cats can still slip out of it
- Straps can loosen over time
PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness
A Simple Design That Works
The PUPTECK cat harness is a simple nylon lead and harness set to fit smaller cats. It sits in a H style, with adjustable neck and torso loop to fit your kitty snugly.
Although the design is simple, it does come in a range of colors so there’s still room to reflect your cats personality with the color you choose.
Why We Like It:
- Budget-friendly
- Available in a range of colours
- Made from durable nylon
- Adjustable
What We Don’t Like:
- No padding
- Not suitable for larger cats
Voyager Step-in Vest Harness for Small Dogs and Cats
Step-In Harness To Get The Adventure Started Quickly
The Voyager Step-in vest for small cats comes in a huge range of colors, so you can buy the product that suits your kitty best.
Beyond snazzy colors, there are a lot of great features to the Voyager. Customers will love how durable and safe the product is, with a hook and loop fastener, buckle and double D rings. Cats will love the ‘step-in’ design as it’s quick and easy, and they can quickly get to their adventure without any fuss.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in a huge variety of colours
- Easy to put onto the cat
- Lightweight
- Soft and breathable
What We Don’t Like:
- Soft vest designs make it easy for cats to slip-out
- Only suitable for small cats
Puppia Authentic RiteFit Harness with Adjustable Neck
Soft And Cushioned For A Comfy Kitter
The Puppia RiteFit is a soft vest harness available in a selection of different colors to suit your cat’s personality. The harness is very soft and well-cushioned, ideal if your cat needs a gentle introduction to harness wearing.
To make the product easy for you to use, it is adjustable in three places. This makes it easy to secure the cat into the vest too.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in a variety of bright colours
- Easy to adjust
- Soft and cushioned
- Can be particularly useful for cats new to harness training
What We Don’t Like:
- Cats can slip out of them easily
- May not be strong enough for very strong cats
PACCOMFET Soft Mesh Dog Cat Harness
Small And Cosy For Littler Furry Friends
The PACCOMFET soft mesh harness is designed to fit extra-small dogs, or cats. It is made from polyester which is durable and easy to wash.
Cat-owners who love their cats to be comfortable will love that the harness is padded and made with a breathable light mesh for better ventilation.
Why We Like It:
- Block colours easy to match with another leash
- Soft and cushioned
- Easy to adjust
- Sturdy
What We Don’t Like:
- Cats can slip out of vest designs easily
- Does not come with leash
FAQs
For even more guidance on getting the best cat harness for your furry friend, we’ve answered some of the most common questions on the topic:
What kind of harness is best for a cat?
The best cat leash and harness is different for every cat.
It is usually best to try different designs out inside the home during training. Doing this before risking the cat being unhappy or escaping outside with the wrong harness design is sensible.
Are cat harnesses a good idea?
Cat harnesses are a great way to give your indoor cat exposure to the outdoors without them being at risk of things like predators and traffic.
Why do cats fall over when they wear a harness?
Some cats will freeze when they have a harness put on them for the first time. Even with lots of gentle training this can happen. It can occur because they feel safer close to the ground. It can also be because they refuse to have anything to do with your silly human plans to walk them. Don’t worry though, they usually come around eventually.
Can you walk a cat with a collar and leash?
No, you should not do this, you should source the best cat walking harness. Cats have very sensitive necks and breathing systems and should not be walked with a collar and leash like a dog. A cat is also highly likely to slip out of the collar and escape.
When using a harness, you can use a cat leash, or any suitable leash with it.
Can you walk a cat out on a hike?
Some people choose the best cat harness for traveling and get their cat to hike with them. Not all cats are suitable for this kind of life, but some are, and if your cat is, get the best cat harness for hiking and give it a go, they could make an amazing adventure buddy.
Does a cat need a cat harness and a collar outside?
A cat needs the cat harness to keep it from escaping. A cat collar is used to keep the cat safe, easily identified and to protect local wildlife. Often you can leave the cats usual collar on to wear whilst it is also wearing the harness.
Can you use a cat harness safely in the car?
Some people choose to harness a cat in the car instead of using a cat carrier. In this instance, the cat must be attached safely so they cannot roam around, and so they cannot get themselves tangled. In most instances, a cat carrier is the safest way to transport a cat in the car.
With our information and tips above hopefully, you’re off to a great start getting your kitty kitted up with a great harness and leash. At the very least you will find out all about your cat’s secret abilities to do mad yoga, liquify himself and seemingly become a statue, all in the first few minutes of trying a harness out. At the most, your cat gets loads of exciting times outside, and maybe even becomes your next adventure buddy.