The Best Cat Harnesses

If your cat is ready for supervised walks, pick a harness made for cats that fits snugly and is easy to put on. Our top pick is the Rabbitgoo Classic Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash Set. Below are three more picks for stretchy leashes, long leashes and bigger cats.

Our picks at a glance

• Best overall: Rabbitgoo Classic Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash Set
• Best with a stretchy leash: PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Cat Harness & Bungee Leash
• Best with a long leash: RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness
• Best for larger cats: Kitty Holster Cat Harness

The best cat harnesses

Best overallPhoto: rabbitgoo

Cat harnesses

Rabbitgoo Classic Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash Set

Best for: Most cats new to walking

This harness has a Y-shaped front and is made of breathable polyester mesh with soft edges. Four sliders and two side buckles let you adjust the fit, and the set includes a 4.9 ft leash with reflective strips. Skip it if your cat is larger than a medium, because that is the biggest size.

• Pro: Y-shaped, breathable polyester mesh with soft edges
• Pro: Four adjustable sliders and two side buckles for a tailored fit
• Pro: Includes a matching 4.9 ft leash with a swivel clip and reflective strips
• Con: Sizes only go up to medium
• Con: The leash length is fixed at 4.9 ft

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Best with a stretchy leashPhoto: PetSafe

Cat harnesses

PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Cat Harness & Bungee Leash

Best for: Cats that tug at the leash

The bungee leash stretches when your cat moves, which spreads pressure across the harness. The belly strap is a different color, which helps you put it on the right way. The product page doesn’t list size measurements, so check the support information before you order.

• Pro: Bungee leash stretches so pressure spreads across the harness
• Pro: Quick-snap buckles and a belly strap in a different color to show which part goes where
• Pro: Rubber stopper on top helps the harness fit snugly
• Con: The product page doesn't list size measurements
• Con: Only three sizes (small, medium, large)

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Best with a long leashPhoto: RC Pets

Cat harnesses

RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness

Best for: Cats that like room to explore

This air mesh harness has reflective binding and buckles on both the neck and waist straps. It comes with a 6-foot leash. Keep a longer leash short and slack in busy spots. Choose another harness if your cat has a girth over 22 inches, the largest size.

• Pro: Air mesh fabric with reflective binding
• Pro: Buckles on both the neck and waist webbing for easy removal
• Pro: Comes with a 6-foot leash
• Con: Only three sizes, with the largest fitting a 15 to 22 inch girth
• Con: Patterned styles use a different fabric (nylon and spandex) than the solid ones

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Best for larger catsPhoto: Kitty Holster

Cat harnesses

Kitty Holster Cat Harness

Best for: Cats that dislike buckles and straps

This is a soft cotton vest that closes with Velcro at the collar and belly, so there are no thin straps or plastic clips. The XL fits a girth of 19 to 23 inches, the largest range in this list. The page doesn’t mention a leash, so you may need to buy one.

• Pro: Cotton vest with an undyed cotton lining, with no thin straps or plastic clips
• Pro: Velcro closures at the collar and belly that open in opposite directions
• Pro: Four sizes, with XL fitting a 19 to 23 inch girth
• Con: Sold by measurements, so you need to measure your cat first
• Con: The product page does not mention a leash, so you may need to buy one

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How to choose a cat harness

Pick a harness made for cats

The SF SPCA says to use a harness designed for cats. The leash should attach at the back of the harness, not at the neck. Never clip a leash to a collar.

Get the fit right

Fit comes first. The SF SPCA says you should be able to slip two fingers between the harness and your cat’s body. Best Friends Animal Society says it should be snug enough that your cat can’t wiggle out, but not too tight.

Measure your cat’s neck and chest with a soft tape before you shop. Then compare the numbers to the size chart. The RC Pets page says to measure girth first and size up if your cat falls between sizes.

Think about the closures

Look for soft, light materials

Best Friends Animal Society suggests soft, lightweight, high-quality materials. Mesh, soft cotton and nylon are all used in the picks above. Check the product page for materials, and watch for rubbing after the first few outings.

Check that your cat wants to walk

Not every cat enjoys it. Best Friends Animal Society says walking may not suit a cat that shows stress from the harness or leash. The SF SPCA says indoor enrichment is often better for fearful cats.

Safety tips

• Get your cat ready first. The SF SPCA says your cat should be up to date on recommended vaccines and have a microchip.
• Start indoors. Leave the harness near your cat’s food or bed for a few days. Then try it on for short times, with treats, before you add the leash.
• Carry your cat outside. Put the harness on away from the door and carry your cat out, as the SF SPCA advises. Pick a quiet, sheltered spot, like a fenced yard.
• Keep the leash slack. Best Friends Animal Society says never to pull on the leash. If your cat is startled, keep the leash slack until you can reach them so they can’t slip out of the harness.
• Never jerk the leash or tie your cat up. The SF SPCA says never to leave a cat tied outside, even for a moment.
• Stay away from traffic and other hazards. Best Friends Animal Society says to keep your cat well away from them.
• Stop if your cat is scared. The SF SPCA says stalling, crouching or trying to escape can be signs of fear.

Need a safe way to get to the vet instead? See our guide to the best cat carriers.