Cat harnesses are the perfect way to exercise your cat outside safely. Whether you have an indoor cat who loves a bit of fresh air, or an outdoor cat who loves coming on walks away from home, a cat harness and leash set gives you the opportunity to let your kitty enjoy exploring, while also keeping them safe.
we reviewed dozens of cat harnesses and leashes to identify the best of the best. We looked at features including the style of the harness, comfort, and how adjustable it was. Of course, we also considered if the harness was escape-proof, as many of us know that our cats can wriggle their way out of some impressively tight situations!
As our Top Pick, we selected the Gauterf Escape Proof Cat Harness. This vest harness stood out as a clear winner thanks to its combination of comfort and adjustability. Available in a wide range of sizes, suitable for small kittens up to the largest cat breeds, this harness is a great choice.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Harnesses and Leashes
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cat Harness Overall | Gauterf Cat Harness | 4.2 |
| Best Vest Cat Harness | Eagloo Vest Cat Harness | 4.0 |
| Best Budget Cat Harness | Supet Cat Harness | 4.7 |
| Best Escape Proof Cat Harness | Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness | 4.1 |
| Best Mesh Cat Harness | Fuleier Mesh Cat Harness | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at time of publication and can change
Best Cat Harness and Leash Overall: Gauterf Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash
The Gauterf Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash is an excellent choice for a wide variety of reasons. The comfortable vest harness is made from a soft and breathable mesh, helping your cat feel happy wearing their harness. Available in six sizes, with the smallest being suitable for kittens as small as 1 pound. It features two adjustable buckles on either side of the vest, as well as a secure velcro strip along your cat’s back, for smaller adjustments.
The harness also features a reflective logo on the chest, as well as a reflective strip along the waist of the harness. If you’re taking your cat out for a quick walk at night, this is a great feature. The color-coordinated leash is 47 inches long and fastens to two metal clips on the back of the harness. Reviewers love how easy this harness is to put on and take off, as well as the fact that the vest design does mean that this harness is difficult to escape from!
Gauterf Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash Key Features:
- Available in 14 colors
- 3-way adjustable
- 6 sizes available
Best Vest Cat Harness: Eagloo Adjustable Vest Cat Harness
If you’re looking for the best vest cat harness, we suggest the Eagloo Adjustable Vest Cat Harness. This super comfortable harness features a softly padded air-mesh fabric, designed to move with your cat without them feeling restrained. The harness slips over your cat’s head and then adjusts with 4 straps around their neck and chest.
The only downside is that this vest cat harness doesn’t come with a leash, but the quality and fit of the harness are so impressive that we still think this is a great choice. The quick-release buckles mean it’s easy to remove this harness from your cat when you’re safely at home.
Eagloo Adjustable Vest Cat Harness Key Features:
- Reflective strip on back of harness
- Available in 4 colors
- Fully adjustable from XS to XL
Best Budget Cat Harness and Leash: Supet Cat Harness and Leash
Coming in at under $10, the Supet Cat Harness and Leash set is a great budget option. This vest-style harness features a soft mesh fabric combined with 2 side buckles which can be adjusted according to the size of your cat. The sturdy D-ring on the back of the harness is placed to allow the distribution of pressure from the leash, keeping your cat comfortable.
The leash comes with a 360-degree swivel clip which means it won’t get tangles as your cat enjoys a roll in the grass or chases those imaginary mice. The reflective strip along the rear of the harness is also a great touch if you plan on walking your cat at night time.
Supet Cat Harness and Leash Key Features:
- Available in 4 colors
- 5 sizes, from XS to XL
- 100% quality guarantee
Best Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash: Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash
No matter how tight you fasten your harness, some cats can easily wriggle free. The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Harness and Leash is designed to stop that problem in its tracks. The shape of this harness is designed to fit the contours of your cat’s body perfectly, which keeps them securely in the harness without being able to wriggle free. The fit can be adjusted thanks to the adjustable neck and chest straps which allow for four-way adjustments.
This harness also features reflective piping along the back, helping your cat stand out on those winter evenings. The rear leash ring is designed to prevent pressure from the leash and protects your cat’s delicate throat while also allowing for full control.
Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Harness and Leash Key Features:
- Available in 4 colors
- 4 sizes
- Includes 59″ leash
Best Mesh Cat Harness and Leash: Fuleier Mesh Cat Harness and Leash
The mesh fabric of the Fuleier Mesh Cat Harness and Leash is designed to keep your cat cool. The harness features 2 adjustable buckles around the chest, as well as a velcro fastening along the back for smaller adjustments once the harness is fitted.
Reviewers found that this harness fitted their cats well. Thanks to the design which includes a broad piece of mesh fabric, reviewers also found that some cats definitely preferred this harness to others with thinner straps.
Fuleier Mesh Cat Harness and Leash Key Features:
- Available in 8 colors
- 4 sizes from XS to L
- Includes leash
Who Should Buy a Cat Harness and Leash
A harness and leash is a useful piece of kit for any cat owner. Many owners of inside cats are deciding to train their cat to accept a harness and leash in order to allow their cats some free some outside but in a safe and controlled way. Your indoor cat may love the opportunity to stretch their legs in your backyard, have a roll in the grass and spend some time exploring new sights and scents.
Outdoor cats recovering from operations can also benefit from being exercised using a harness and leash. When my cat was recovering from surgery to her cruciate ligament, our vet recommended short, controlled, exercise sessions on a leash each day. Perhaps your cat loves going on walks with you, but you’d prefer the option to do this safely using a harness. You might also decide to take your cat to the vets using a leash and harness rather than a traditional cat carrier. Once your cat is trained to accept their harness and leash, the sky’s the limit!
After a long walk, your cat will probably want a cool drink of water, so check out The Best Cat Water Fountains.
Important Features to Consider
Any cat harness and leash that you’re looking at purchasing needs to have a few important features. Here’s what to look out for when selecting the best cat harness and leash to suit your kitty:
- Style. Cat harnesses come in 2 styles – “H” harnesses, and vest harnesses. Depending on your cat, one style may suit them better than the other. We’ve discussed each type in our FAQ section but briefly, “H” harnesses are very adjustable but some cats can escape easily. Vest harnesses are less adjustable, but more escape-proof!
- Fit. Getting the correct fit on your harness is vital. Too loose and your cat will easily be able to wriggle free. Too tight and they will definitely feel uncomfortable. Spend some time in a secure place getting the fit 100% before you venture outside. As a general rule, you want to be able to fit 1 finger between your cat and the harness.
- Leash attachment point. When selecting a harness, make sure it has a secure metal clip to attach the leash to. This will usually be along the back of the harness. It’s important to attach the leash here so that any pressure is evenly distributed across the harness. Most of the harnesses we reviewed come with a leash, but others require you to purchase a leash separately. Just make sure you select one with a lightweight clip so as not to add an uncomfortable amount of weight for your cat to carry on their back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cat harness?
A cat harness is made of soft material and designed to securely keep your cat safe when outside. Because cats have soft throats, it’s very important not to attach a leash directly to their collar – as this can choke them. The harness acts to distribute pressure from the lead across a wider area than a collar alone – helping to protect your kitty’s delicate throat while also keeping them safe.
What kind of cat harness is best for a cat?
There are two main types of cat harness – a vest style harness, and an “H” style harness. Vest harnesses are made of a material that sits across your cat’s back and sides and covers a wide area. These harnesses are great for evenly distributing pressure, as well as preventing cats from wiggling free!
“H” harnesses are made of webbing straps, which fasten around both your cat’s neck and just behind their front legs. These two straps are joined together by a piece of webbing sitting across your cat’s back, which makes up the classic “H” shape for which this harness style is named. These harnesses are quick to fit and easy to adjust, but some cats can escape from this style of the harness with apparent ease!
Only you can decide which sort will suit your cat best.
Can a cat wear a harness all the time?
The short answer is no. You should never leave your cat unattended while wearing their harness. If your cat is an outside cat, then remove their harness before allowing them outside on their own. Don’t be tempted to un-clip the leash as they may run off while wearing their harness. If your cat is an inside cat, we still recommend removing the harness when you’re not specifically using it. There’s always a chance that they get it caught on something around the house, and we all know it only takes seconds for our pets to get themselves in a spot of trouble when you least expect it!
How long does it take a cat to get used to a harness?
The answer to this question really depends on your cat. Some cats will get used to their harness in a matter of days, while others will take longer.
It’s best to let your cat get used to wearing their harness for short periods of time in a safe enclosed space before you put the leash on. Many cats are initially suspicious of their harness, so reward them with treats and playtime while they’re getting used to wearing it. Once they’re comfortable, you can extend the time they wear their harness, as well as adding the leash and asking them to follow you using treats or a favorite toy. Even if your cat doesn’t mind their harness at all, never leave your cat in their harness unattended.
Other Cat Harnesses and Leashes We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat harnesses and leashes. While they didn’t make our 5 best cat harnesses and leashes, they’re the best of the rest and you can be confident that each is still a great choice for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Vest Cat Harnesses and Leashes
- Escape-Proof Cat Harnesses and Leashes
- Mesh Cat Harnesses and Leashes
- Adjustable Cat Harnesses and Leashes
Vest Cat Harnesses and Leashes
Bingpet Cat Collar Harness and Leash Set
This set includes a cute collar and bell, bright yellow vest harness with bee print, and a matching leash.
Key Features:
- Available in medium and large sizes
- 59″ leash included
- Soft cotton mesh
Cost: $13
This cute cat harness is suitable for medium to large cats, and the broad fabric vest will distribute pressure, keeping your cat comfortable as well as stylish.
Key Features:
- Available in 3 colors
- Adjustable neck
- Includes 59″ leash
Cost: $12
Expawlorer Reflective Cat Vest Harness
If you spend a lot of time walking your cat in low light conditions, this fluorescent green vest style cat harness also uses a large reflective strip along the back to help your cat stand out.
Key Features:
- Available in small and medium sizes
- Easy to adjust Velcro straps
- Includes lightweight leash
Cost: $14
Expawlorer Tartan Mesh Vest Harness
This cute plaid cat vest harness is made with a soft mesh fabric. The neck and chest are adjustable with Velcro, and an extra adjustable webbing strap across the neck too.
Key Features:
- Available in small, medium, and large
- Includes leash
- Sturdy D-ring on rear
Cost: $11
Scenereal Soft Mesh Vest Harness and Leash
This vest cat harness is adjustable using webbing straps over soft and breathable fabric. It can also be adjusted using the wide Velcro strips across the neck and chest.
Key Features:
- Available in S – XL sizes
- Two colors: denim blue and coconut patterns
- Leash included
Escape-Proof Cat Harnesses and Leashes
This ultra-lightweight cat harness uses Velcro fastenings to make sure of a super snug fit for your cat. Reviewers love the fact this is very hard for a cat to wriggle out of.
Key Features:
- Available in 9 colors
- 4 sizes from XS to XL
- No leash included
Cost: $25
Mynwood Escape Proof Cat Harness
If your cat is a master escape artist, this harness has been specifically designed to be as secure as possible. The design is slightly different from many other harnesses on the market, meaning it’s very difficult for your cat to reverse out of!
Key Features:
- No leash included
- Available in black, pink, blue, and yellow
- Suitable for adult cats from 1 year up
Cost: $28
Puptech Escape Proof Cat Harness with Leash
This harness can be adjusted around the neck with a webbing buckle, and then attached around the neck and chest using soft yet secure Velcro. The double D-ring on the back helps to distribute pressure from the included leash.
Key Features:
- Choose from 4 sizes, S – XL
- 10 colors available
- Leash included
Cost: $11
Scirkko Escape Proof Cat Harness and Lead
This 4-way adjustable cat harness helps you achieve the perfect fit, while the elastic expansion sections on the chest keep your cat comfortable.
Key Features:
- 59″ leash included
- Reflective piping
- One size
Cost: $13
Yizhi Miaow Escape Proof Cat Harness
Keep your precious kitty safe and stylish with this escape-proof harness and leash set, in a variety of 7 colors, including camo, sailor suit, and polka dots.
Key Features:
- Velcro chest and neck fastenings
- Available in 5 sizes
- Made from padded mesh and fabric
Cost: $15
Mesh Cat Harnesses and Leashes
AWOOF Mesh Cat Harness and Leash
This cat harness features a soft mesh chest piece and webbing straps across the back of your cat. This allows for easy adjustments, along with great comfort for your cat.
Key Features:
- Reflective webbing straps
- Available in 2 sizes, small and medium
- Leash included, with car safety buckle
Cost: $13
Ivenho Mesh Cat Harness and Leash
This soft mesh cat harness can be adjusted across both the neck and chest, allowing for the perfect fit.
Key Features:
- Available in 4 colors
- 3 sizes available
- Includes standard leash, and seat belt
Cost: $11
Pupteck 2 Pack Cat Harness and Leash
Two cats? You need 2 cat harnesses! This pack includes 2 mesh cat harnesses with matching leashes. You can adjust these harnesses with Velcro, and a webbing buckle on the neck.
Key Features:
- One red and one blue harness in each pack
- Available in small and medium
- Leashes included
Cost: $14
Puptec Plaid Mesh Cat Harness and Leash
The unusual cross-strap design of this harness helps to keep this harness fitting better, and more securely. The wide mesh fabric helps to distribute the pressure evenly.
Key Features:
- Fastened using Velcro and buckles
- 59″ leash included
- Machine washable
Cost: $11
Voopet Soft Mesh Cat Harness and Leash
This stylish cat harness features a cute and bold design available in 3 colorways. The canvas outer is hard-wearing, and the mesh inner will keep your cat cool and comfortable.
Key Features:
- Available in S – XL
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Matching leash included
Adjustable Cat Harnesses and Leashes
Expawlorer H Style Harness and Leash
This cute H-style cat harness features a bold design, with a detachable flower. The fabric includes reflective tape to help your cat stand out even more.
Key Features:
- 59″ matching leash included
- Easy to adjust
- One size
Cost: $10
Niteangel 2 Pack Adjustable Cat Harness and Leash
This 2 pack of nylon harnesses are designed for kittens under 12 pounds. Adjustable at the neck and chest for a perfect fit.
Key Features:
- Available in 5 colors
- 2 x 50″ leash included
- Snap-lock buckles
Cost: $10
PetSafe Come with Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash
This fully adjustable webbing harness comes complete with a bungee leash. This is designed to allow for some give as your cat reaches the end, which prevents sharp tugging and keeps your cat more comfortable.
Key Features:
- Available in 3 sizes
- Choose from 6 colors
- Fully adjustable
Cost: $15
Pupteck Adjustable Nylon Cat Harness and Leash
This harness is designed for kittens under 12 pounds and is easy to adjust thanks to the sliding webbing straps with snap-lock buckles.
Key Features:
- Available in 12 colors
- One size
- Leash included
Cost: $10
While some H-style harnesses can be easy for your cat to wriggle out of, Pupteck has used a figure 8 design made from soft webbing fabric to make sure kitty can’t escape. The super lightweight webbing features a bright print – choose from bright pink watermelons or yellow bananas.
Key Features:
- Includes matching leash and enamel charm
- Adjustable from S – L
- One-clip fastening
Cost: $10
