If you want to take your cat outdoors on a leash, the best escape-proof cat harnesses fasten securely with buckles and/or hook-and-loop closures and offer the right amount of coverage for the cat. your cat’s agility. Adjustable straps are key to creating a secure fit, and there are a variety of colors and patterns to choose from to keep your cat looking stylish while out and about. Whether your cat is new to harnesses or has run away from them in the past, there are a few factors to consider when shopping to help you choose a comfortable and safe option.
what to consider when choosing a cat harness
While no cat harness can be guaranteed to be 100% escape-proof, you’ll want to consider your cat’s personality and comfort preferences when shopping to find one that’s less likely to escape and that you won’t mind wearing. lightweight, breathable fabrics like mesh and cotton can help keep your cat cool.
types of harnesses for cats
choosing the right style will also go a long way in ensuring your cat is comfortable and therefore less likely to squirm:
- h-harnesses feature an “h”-shaped design that uses minimal fabric to secure your cat around the neck and chest. Because they’re not restrictive, they’re a good choice for cats who are new to wearing harnesses, but you’ll want to make sure the harness is adjusted to fit snugly so your cat is less likely to slip out of it.
- vest harnesses feature a padded chest piece in the front with straps that secure up and around the back. they offer more coverage than h-harnesses and can be a safer option for active cats, but they are bulkier.
- full coverage jacket harnesses use padded fabric that wraps around your cat’s neck and abdomen. While jacket harnesses generally provide the most security, and most don’t need to slip over your cat’s head when putting them on, some Amazon reviewers note that they can be hard for your cat to forget due to their bulk.
Most cat harnesses use Velcro or buckle closures, but you can opt for a harness with both for added security. Whichever style you choose, keep in mind that it may take some time before your cat is comfortable enough to allow you to secure the harness.
how to measure your cat for a harness
To help keep your cat comfortable, the harness should fit snug but not so tight as to cause stress. For the best fit, start by measuring your cat’s neck and chest circumference, and then refer to the brand’s sizing guide to find a good match. Look for harnesses with adjustable straps to ensure there is room for a finger between your cat’s neck and the harness.
Check out the escape-proof cat harnesses below that have been tested and approved by pet owners on amazon. With a variety of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from, there is sure to be one as unique as your cat’s personality.
1. this vest-style harness with over 40,000 reviews
This vest-style cat harness is a critics’ favorite and comes in 13 fun colors. Made of comfortable, padded mesh fabric, it sits over the head and features four adjustable straps and buckles for a secure fit. The harness also has reflective strips for added safety and comes with a 59-inch leash. in addition, it is also available in sizes for kittens.
One reviewer wrote: “The material is soft and pliable, the buckles are sturdy, super easy to adjust, and with the recent bird chase it’s absolutely escape proof (at least for She doesn’t resist when I put it on and doesn’t seem to care at all.”
type: vest | fastening: buckles | sizes: x-small — small | colors: 13
2. an h harness that comes with an elastic leash
Unlike some h-harnesses, this pet-safe, lightweight cat harness is designed to apply pressure to your cat’s shoulders rather than their neck when pulling on the leash, so some cats may find it more comfortable. It is made of breathable nylon material. It has adjustable straps with buckles and includes a stretchy bungee strap that measures about 60 inches, according to one reviewer. Like most harnesses, it fits over your cat’s head when she puts it on. Choose from three sizes and a variety of colors, including dusty pink, lime green, and royal blue.
One reviewer wrote: “I have 2 big cats, 26 lbs and 32 lbs, who are complete escape artists and the large fits them just fine. […] these fit perfectly, are easy to put on and take off (once you figure it out), and the cats don’t actually mind wearing them […] the harness is also well made and sturdy. ”
type: h | closure: buckles | sizes: small — large | colors: 7
3. a jacket harness with rave reviews from cat owners
for a harness that stands a good chance against an escapist cat, this jacket design with strong hook-and-loop closures fits the bill. It’s made of washable cotton, has 10 colors and patterns to choose from, and can be easily secured with the neck and chest straps without having to place the harness over your cat’s head. Plus, 10% of the proceeds from this purchase go to help an animal sanctuary and rescue, so you can feel good knowing you’re making a positive impact. just know that you will have to buy a strap separately.
One reviewer wrote: “Our boy was an escape artist in his youth…no harness, and certainly no collar, could keep him contained if he decided he wanted to escape. until we got the kitty holster, that is… when fitted and sized right, he’s never been able to get away (and besides, he seems to take comfort in the skintight jacket style). he walks happily on his leash […] and is easy to contain on road trips.”
type: jacket | closure: velcro closure | sizes: x-small — x-large | colors and patterns: 10
4. the budget harness with a 4.5 star rating
This value-priced cat harness and leash set features a lightweight h-style design and adjustable buckled straps for a secure, comfortable fit. The leash measures 48 inches (slightly shorter than some others on this list), and the entire set is made of a soft, durable polyester webbing. The harness sits over your cat’s head, and the quick-release buckles make it easy to remove when the walk is done. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, this set also comes in three other fun patterns. however, this harness only comes in one size to fit cats with a chest circumference between 10.2 and 16.9 inches.
One reviewer wrote: “Not only is this harness super small & light but can’t kick it with feet either. we keep this harness on her all the time and after a day she didn’t even realize it was there. there was also plenty of room for adjustment, it seemed like it could fit anywhere between a kitten when fully tightened or a large adult cat when fully loose. the harness is very easy to put on and can be easily adjusted while wearing […] I would recommend this harness over most others simply for the quality and price.”
type: h | closure: buckles | sizes: 1 | patterns: 4
5. a harness with double closures for greater security
For the best of both worlds, this dual-zip vest harness features an adjustable buckle and velcro closure at the neck, plus an additional velcro closure at the chest. The vest fits over your cat’s head and is made of breathable mesh polyester to help kitty stay cool and comfortable. It also comes with a strap that, according to one reviewer, is 56 inches long. In addition to classic black, the vest comes in three patterns.
One reviewer wrote: “So far this is the only harness my foxy cat hasn’t figured out how to get out of, so I’d say it’s presented as ‘escape proof’. He doesn’t seem to care much either: we had another one before where he always came in weird, but with this one he can walk normally. It’s also fairly easy to put on and take off and doesn’t show any wear after several months of weekly use, so it’s durable.”
type: vest | closure: velcro and buckle closure | sizes: small — extra large | colors and patterns: 4
6. this harness with a design that glows in the dark
This cool glow in the dark cat harness is perfect for late night walks or finding your kitty in the dark. Featuring a cute moon and star design in each of four available colors, it fits over the head and is made of durable polyester material with adjustable buckles. Plus, it comes with a matching collar with a bell and an adorable cat-shaped safety buckle that will release if your cat gets caught on something. a 59-inch leash is also included. however, it only comes in one size to fit cats with a chest circumference between 10 and 18 inches.
One reviewer wrote: “We bought six different harnesses when we were taking our five-month-old kitten camping due to severe anxiety. Of all the harnesses, this is the one that works the best […] this was the least expensive of all. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to harness train her kitty!”
type: h | closure: buckles | sizes: 1 | colors: 4
7. this vest harness is ideal for larger cats
This vest harness is made for both cats and dogs, and will be especially useful for those with larger cats who might not otherwise find a harness that fits them properly. It comes in seven sizes and 40 amazing colors, so there’s sure to be an option to suit your cat’s style. It also features fully adjustable straps, breathable mesh fabric to keep them cool, and an easy-on design with buckles on each side. however, this option does not come with a leash.
One reviewer wrote: “I’ve tried 4-5 different harnesses for my cat and this is the best so far. My cat hates things going on her head/ears so I look for step-in straps however many step-in straps are not adjustable around the head so you can slip out of it since this one is adjustable around the head with a buckle and on both sides with buckles around the chest put it on and taking it off is very easy, once you’ve first adjusted it, I’m not at all worried about her getting out of this.5/5”
type: vest | closure: buckles | sizes: xxx-small — extra large | colors: 40
8. a cute patterned jacket harness that is easy to put on
For very restless cats, this jacket harness features quick Velcro fasteners that can be secured in an instant. Simply fold the upper straps around the cat’s neck area, then secure the lower straps around the abdomen. While jacket harnesses can use the most material, this one features a lightweight canvas fabric to help keep cats cool and comfortable. There are a variety of fun patterns to choose from, including polka dots and plaid, and a leash is also included (measuring about 47 inches long, according to one reviewer).
Please note, however, that cats that pull too hard on the leash may be at greater risk of opening the Velcro closures.
One reviewer wrote: “We’ve bought other cat vests that didn’t work well. the cats would just run away. well these are awesome. not only that, but my cats are skittish and hate vests and freak out when you put them on. not these! it’s like they feel safe with how it fits. they actually just sit back and let me put it on without scratching myself anymore. love them”
type: jacket | closure: velcro closure | sizes: x-small — x-large | patterns: 11
