11 Best Cat Harness Selections To Keep Your Feline Friend Secure

Cat Accessories, Cats, Pet product reviews

Last Updated - December 12, 2023

Quick Comparison of Our Top 4 Picks

Best Overall
Voyager Step-in Lock Pet Harness thumbnail
  • Available in seven sizes
  • Easy step-in styles

5/5

Best lightweight cat harness
Good2Go Black Kitten Harness and Lead Set thumbnail
  • Adjustable
  • Perfect for kittens

5/5

Best for smaller cats
RC Pet Products Primary Collection Adventure Kitty Harness thumbnail
  • Fully adjustable neck and waist
  • Three sizes available

4.8/5

best for larger cats
Surfer Cat Mav Escape-Proof Extra-Large Cat Harness thumbnail
  • Great light harness
  • Can fit larger cats

4/5

More Top Picks & Recommendations

If you're planning to take your feline friend on outdoor adventures, especially your indoor cats, your everyday cat collar just won't cut it. You'll need a reliable harness for your cat that keeps them safe and secure while taking your cat outdoors on adventures. The harness and leash set should keep your cat comfortable and safe while you have full control, just like a dog harness.

To help you find the perfect one for your kitty, we've rounded up the best cat harnesses below. But first, let's take a look at some helpful information you'll need to know before you shop.

How to Measure Your Cat for a Harness

A proper fit is crucial to keeping your cat secure and safe in its harness. Put your furry friend in one that's too loose, and they can easily wiggle their way out and get loose. So before you start shopping, you'll need to measure your cat's neck to ensure you get the correct size. The best cat harnesses are made with adjustable straps for a custom fit.

To measure your cat for a harness, you'll first need to get a measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler. Next, measure around your cat's chest and neck (preferably while someone helps hold them still). Make sure you get a close fit around their body, not just around their fur. If you're measuring a growing kitten, be sure to get a harness with a bit of room for them to grow into.

While cat's size varies from harness to harness, these chest measurements should give you a good idea of what size to look for:

  • X-Small— 12 inches or less
  • Small— 13-15 inches
  • Medium— 15-17 inches
  • Large— 17 inches or more

What to Look for in a Kitty Harness

Cat harnesses vary in style and material depending on their intended end-use. To ensure you select the best cat harness, here are a few things to consider while you shop:

  • Harness Style— Are you looking for a simple nylon strap cat harness for everyday walks and adventures or a vest-style cat harness made from weather-proof materials that can withstand any outdoor activity?
  • Material— Cat harnesses come in a variety of materials, the most common being durable nylon, breathable mesh material, or luxe leather. This allows cat owners to rest easy, knowing it's a secure cat harness. If you have sensitive skin pets, make sure the material is soft and does not cause irritation. While most cats will only tolerate wearing the harness for a few hours at a time, seek a comfortable one for all-day wear. And for nighttime usage, make sure both the harness and leash have reflective strips available.
  • Adjustable Straps— For your cat harness to be effective, it needs to fit properly. While most nylon harnesses are made with adjustable straps, leather styles are often made with buckles.
  • Escape-Proof— If your cat is particularly sneaky, look for cat harnesses labeled as 'escape-proof.' They're designed to be harder for cats to wiggle out of, ensuring it's on your cat safe and secure.
  • Leash Included— Many cat harnesses come with a matching leash, so be sure to double-check if you'll need to purchase one separately.

11 Best Cat Harnesses for Outdoor Adventures with Your Feline Friend

Voyager Step-in Lock Pet Harness

Best Overall

overall 

4.8/5

Price

$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Voyager Step-in Lock Pet Harness

This Voyager Step In Lock Pet Harness makes exploring the great outdoors with your cat safer and easier than ever. The simple design features an adjustable wider shape and a specially rounded neckline. Fully adjustable to create the perfect fit for your cat. With strong buckles and a heavy-duty D-ring, securely attach your cat’s leash to the back of this harness. Choose from four colors and seven sizes, this harness can be used for cats of all sizes and even dogs.

Material

Mesh

Size

XXXS (Chest: 9 - 13" * Fit Cats); Multiple size available

What We Like

  • Available in seven sizes
  • With option of purchasing matching leash
  • Featuring a wider shape and a specially rounded neckline
  • Easy step-in styles
  • Fully adjustable

What We Don't Like

  • Sizing does NOT directly correspond to your pet's breed or weight

Good2Go Black Kitten Harness and Lead Set

Best Lightweight Cat Harness

overall 

4.8/5

Price

$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Good2Go Black Kitten Harness and Lead Set

Good2Go kitten harness and lead set is a great choice for growing kittens and small cats. The lightweight harness is made with adjustable skinny straps, easy on-off buckles, and a comfortable H-shaped design. Plus, it comes complete with a 4-foot long leash, so you can be adventure-ready as soon as your package arrives in the mail!

Remember, the best way to train your cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash is to get them accustomed to it while they're still young. If you plan on taking your cat on outdoor adventures, you'll want to start harness training when they're still a kitten.

Material

N/A

Size

Neck: 6-8"; Chest: 9-13"

What We Like

  • Adjustable
  • Perfect for getting your kitten comfortable wearing one
  • Secure and can't wiggle out of it
  • Made well and is really easy to take on and off

What We Don't Like

  • Leash can be a bit short

RC Pet Products Primary Collection Adventure Kitty Harness

Best for Smaller Cats

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

RC Pet Products Primary Collection Adventure Kitty Harness

Small cats and growing kittens can easily slip out of harnesses designed for full-grown cats and small dog breeds. But with this RC Pet Products Primary Collection Adventure Kitty Harness, your feline friend will stay safe and secure while you're on the go. It's designed with fully adjustable neck and waist straps for a perfect fit every time. Lightweight, air mesh fabric provides optimal comfort and breathability, while reflective binding improves visibility during nighttime walks. Plus, the kitty harness comes with a matching six-foot leash. Pet owners can choose from three sizes in black, pink, and light blue color options.

Material

Mesh fabric

Size

Neck: 12-17"; Chest: 13-20" (L)

What We Like

  • Three sizes available
  • Fully adjustable neck and waist
  • Available in multiple bright colors
  • Reflective RC Pets signature label and reflective binding keeps your pet visible at night

What We Don't Like

  • Leash can be a bit short

Surfer Cat Mav Escape-Proof Extra-Large Cat Harness

Best for Larger Cats

overall 

4.9/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Surfer Cat Mav Escape-Proof Extra-Large Cat Harness

Surfer Cat Mav's Escape-Proof Extra-Large Cat Harness is a great cat harness for adventurous large cats. It's made from lightweight materials with a snug fit that doesn't restrict movement or rub uncomfortably. The adjustable straps can accommodate up to 21 inches, making it the ideal size for large breeds and super-fluffy long-haired cats that need a bit more room. It's available in various colors and prints, ranging from baby blue to electric orange to rugged leopard. The handmade cat harness and leash set is perfect for training your cat to walk on the leash.

Material

N/A

Size

up to 21 inches in the Cats body measurements

What We Like

  • Handmade
  • Can fit larger cats
  • Great light harness for summer
  • Stylish and unique design

What We Don't Like

  • Be sure to measure your cat's body

Kitty Holster Cat Harness

Best Kitty Holster Cat Harness For Kittens

overall 

4.4/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Kitty Holster Cat Harness

Teaching your cat to wear a harness when they're young is the best way to get them comfortable wearing a harness and walking on a leash when they're full-grown. But in order to train your kitten, you'll need a lightweight, adjustable cat harness— like the Kitty Holster Cat Harness— that accommodates their growing frame. The award-winning walking vest uses an easy on-off design with two fuzzy fastener closures instead of buckles and adjustable straps. It's made from 100% cotton that's lightweight and machine-washable for ultimate comfort, breathability, and durability. Four sizes and seven color options ensure you find the perfect size and style for you and your feline friend.

Material

Cotton

Size

Chest: 13-17 inches; Neck 9-12 inches (Small/Medium)

What We Like

  • 7 Color and 4 size options
  • Easy to put on
  • Soft and made from 100% breathable cotton
  • Great for cats with allergies
  • Harness is machine washable

What We Don't Like

  • Be sure to measure your cat's body
  • A little stiff

Surfer Cat Mav Escape-Proof Harness Trainer

Most Escape-Proof

overall 

5/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Surfer Cat Mav Escape-Proof Harness Trainer

Surfer Cat Mav's Escape-Proof Harness Trainer was designed with wriggling cats in mind. Its lightweight materials and slim design keep your kitty secure without restricting their movement or annoying them while they explore the great outdoors. Adjustable straps on the neck and chest ensure a snug fit while you travel, walk around the neighborhood, or just play in the yard. Each harness is handmade from durable nylon in a range of rainbow colors like mellow yellow, awesome purple, and royal blue.

Material

N/A

Size

16 inches/40cm

What We Like

  • Can be customized 
  • Lightweight
  • Handmade
  • Very secure and allows maximum movement for your cat

What We Don't Like

  • Be sure to measure your cat's body

RAGiftShop Walking Cat Harness Leash Trainer

Best Leash Trainer

overall 

4.8/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

RAGiftShop Walking Cat Harness Leash Trainer

RAGiftShop's Walking Cat Harness Leash Trainer is made from luxe leather with an escape-proof design that's perfect for leash training. The adjustable fit ensures growing kittens don't slip out during outdoor adventures or training sessions. Each leather harness is handmade with careful craftsmanship for superior quality and durability. With multiple sizes and color choices to select from, there's a leash trainer out there for every pet!

Material

Leather

Size

Kitten- 5-8" neck/ 9-13" girth; Multiple Size Available

What We Like

  • Can be customized 
  • Lightweight
  • Escape proof and features the un breakable infinity ring
  • Very secure and allows maximum movement for your cat

What We Don't Like

  • Be sure to measure your cat's body
  • Can be difficult to put on 
  • Heavy

Beirui Suede and Rhinestone Cat Harness and Leash Set

Most Stylish

overall 

4.3/5

Price

$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Beirui Suede and Rhinestone Cat Harness and Leash Set

Your cat is sure to look like a star in this Suede and Rhinestone Cat Harness and Leash Set from Beirui. Not only is it sparkly, but it's also incredibly practical and versatile. The crystal-embellished harness and leash set is made from lightweight suede that's soft to the touch and comfortable against your cat's skin as they move. An adjustable chest strap ensures a snug fit around your cat's body. It even comes complete with a matching 4-foot leash. Pet parents can choose from three equally eye-catching color options: pink, black, and red.

Material

Suede

Size

S Chest:13-15.5’’

What We Like

  • Soft and lightweight
  • Full of rhinestone
  • Can also be worn for dogs
  • Affordable
  • Easy to put on

What We Don't Like

  • Leash is only 4 feet

Mynwood Cat Jackets Walking Harness Vest

Best Jacket-Style Harness

overall 

4.3/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Mynwood Cat Jackets Walking Harness Vest

Mynwood Cat Jackets' Walking Harness Vest is a great vest-style harness for cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It was specially designed to offer the perfect balance of security, strength, practicality, style, and comfort. It's designed with reinforced stitching that's triple-sewn for added strength. The long velcro strap closures allow for easy on-off and a secure, adjustable fit without needing to fiddle with small straps. There are tons of color and machine-washable fabric options to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect walking vest for your feline.

Material

Cotton velcro fabric

Size

kitten 0-8month (up to 12" chest) or Adult 8month onward (12" - 20" chest)

What We Like

  • Two size available
  • Handmade
  • Extremely durable, triple sewn for strength
  • Machine washable
  • A super secure steel fastening D-ring with extra reinforced stitching

What We Don't Like

  • Not designed for the cat to be left outside unattended 
  • Not escape proof

Kitty Holster Cat Harness

Best for Adventures

overall 

4.8/5

Price

$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Kitty Holster Cat Harness

This versatile Kitty Holster Cat Harness is designed with outdoor adventures in mind. It's made from lightweight, washable, and breathable cotton. The soft and comfortable walking vest secures around the cat's head and body with ultra-strong velcro-like hook and loop fasteners to keep your cat safe and sound. With many colors and four sizes available, you can find one that fits your cat's personality.

Material

Cotton 

Size

Multiple size available

What We Like

  • Crafted from 100% breathable cotton keeps your kitty cool and comfortable
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Safe on delicate skin
  • Easy to fasten & no harsh webbing

What We Don't Like

  • Measure your cat before purchasing

Harness & Leash Set

Best for Adventures 

overall 

5/5

Price

$$$

Sturdiness

Comfort

Range Of Motion

Harness & Leash Set

This Harness & Leash Set is best for walking as it was created for walk training. Whether you are thinking of training your indoor cat to walk on a leash or looking for a new walking leash, this handmade harness may just be what you are looking for. It is lightweight, adjustable, escape-proof, and recoil is gentle enough for a kitten. The matching leash has a reflective strip for night walks or adventure.

Material

Cotton 

Size

Up to 16 inches

What We Like

  • 16 Foot retractable leash
  • The recoil is gentle enough for a kitten
  • Adjustable
  • Lightest weight
  • Was created for WALK training

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive

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About the Author

Doctor of veterinary medicine with extensive experience in animal welfare with a strong interest in feline medicine and plans to pursue ABVP-Feline specialty board certification. A key member of many local veterinary associations and avid reader of animal related science journals and studies.