More and more people are starting to take their cats on adventures. But, as we all know, cats are made of liquid, so choosing a harness that fits properly is essential. Otherwise, you may find yourself putting up missing posters or trying to coax your spooked cat out of a tree. We’ve found ten great cat harnesses for you and whether you need the best cat harness and leash set or the best cat harness for long walks and hiking, there’s a product in these reviews that will work for you. The top priority when taking your cat on adventures should be safety, and these harnesses can help you achieve that when used properly.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
MUDINPET Cat Harness
Velcro and buckle closures
Adjustable straps ensure a proper fit
Padded, breathable nylon is comfortable for your cat
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Best Value
Miss Pet Vest Harness
Breathable polyester mesh is comfortable for your cat
Includes a matching treat bag
Built-in D-ring and slide adjuster
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Premium Choice
Kitty Holster Cat Harness
Seven color options
Suitable for most budgets
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
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Best for Kittens
NCMAMA Cat Vest Harness
Three sizes available
Six color options
Large reflective strips
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Heywean Cat Harness and Leash
Four sizes available
Ten color options
Adjustable buckle and Velcro for secure fit
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The 10 Best Cat Harnesses
The best overall cat harness, as well as being the best cat walking harness, is the MUDINPET Cat Harness, which is available in four sizes for cats with a chest width of 8.5–18 inches. There is a solid color option and a cute print option, and the harness closes with Velcro and three adjustable buckles, ensuring proper fit and secure closure. It’s made of breathable nylon and the fabric is padded for comfort. It has a built-in D-ring and features reflective trim, making it easier to spot your cat in low light environments. This harness is too large for most kittens, so make sure to properly measure your cat to ensure a secure fit, and it does not come with a leash.
Size: XXS, XS, S, M
Color: Black, cartoon lion print
Type of Closure: Buckles, Velcro
Leash Included: No
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Pros
Four sizes available
Two color options
Velcro and buckle closures
Adjustable straps ensure a proper fit
Padded, breathable nylon is comfortable for your cat
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
Reflective trim
Cons
Too large for most kittens
Doesn’t include a leash
The best cat harness and best cat leash for the money is the Miss Pet Vest Harness with Leash. This harness is available in two sizes and five colors, all featuring a cute daisy on the chest. It’s made from breathable polyester mesh for comfort and includes a matching treat bag. The included leash clips to a D-ring located on the end of the adjustable slider for accurate sizing. The small size includes a 4-foot leash, while the medium size includes an 11-foot leash. The slide adjuster may get caught in long hair, so this may not be the best option for longhair cats. This harness does require you to slip your cat into it since it doesn’t open and close, which may be difficult with some cats.
Four sizes available
Two color options
Velcro and buckle closures
Adjustable straps ensure a proper fit
Padded, breathable nylon is comfortable for your cat
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
Reflective trim
- Four sizes available
- Two color options
- Velcro and buckle closures
- Adjustable straps ensure a proper fit
- Padded, breathable nylon is comfortable for your cat
- Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
- Reflective trim
Too large for most kittens
Doesn’t include a leash
- Too large for most kittens
- Doesn’t include a leash
Size: S, M
Color: Blue, brown, grey, pink, yellow
Type of Closure: Step in
Leash Included: Yes
Pros
Best value
Two sizes available
Five color options
Breathable polyester mesh is comfortable for your cat
Includes a matching treat bag
Built-in D-ring and slide adjuster
Includes either a 4-foot or 11-foot leash
Cons
Slider may catch long hair
Cannot be opened to get cat in and out
The premium choice for a cat harness is the Kitty Holster Cat Harness, which is available in four sizes and seven color and pattern options. Although it’s one of the more expensive items reviewed, this harness is still affordable for most budgets. This harness is made from 100% breathable cotton and features an undyed cotton lining, making it suitable for cats with allergies. The Velcro closures allow you to quickly fit it to your cat and make it easy to get the harness on and off without allowing your cat to escape from it. It’s machine washable, making it the best harness for long walks and hiking. This harness doesn’t come with a leash, so that will need to be purchased separately, but there is a D-ring leash attachment. Some cats may be startled by the sound of the Velcro when you are taking the harness off or adjusting the fit.
Best value
Two sizes available
Five color options
Breathable polyester mesh is comfortable for your cat
Includes a matching treat bag
Built-in D-ring and slide adjuster
Includes either a 4-foot or 11-foot leash
- Best value
- Two sizes available
- Five color options
- Breathable polyester mesh is comfortable for your cat
- Includes a matching treat bag
- Built-in D-ring and slide adjuster
- Includes either a 4-foot or 11-foot leash
Slider may catch long hair
Cannot be opened to get cat in and out
- Slider may catch long hair
- Cannot be opened to get cat in and out
Size: XS, S/M, M/L, L/XL
Color: Denim, black, tiger stripe, grey, hunter green, purple, red bandana
Type of Closure: Velcro
Leash Included: No
Pros
Four sizes available
Seven color options
Suitable for most budgets
Made from 100% breathable cotton with an undyed cotton lining
Velcro closures allow for quick fitting, application, and removal
Machine washable
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
Cons
Doesn’t include a leash
Velcro closure may startle your cat
- NCMAMA Cat Vest Harness – Best for Kittens
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Size: XS, S, M
Color: Black, red, grey, grey pattern, khaki pattern, pink pattern
Type of Closure: Buckles, Velcro
Leash Included: Yes
The best kitten harness is the NCMAMA Cat Vest Harness, which is available in three sizes, three solid colors, and three patterns. It uses adjustable buckles and Velcro for a secure fit and is small enough to fit kittens with a chest girth as small as 7 inches. It comes with a leash that features a comfortable handle and 360° swivel head for mobility, which clips to the harness via a D-ring. The harness itself has reinforced stitching for strength and is made from breathable nylon mesh. It has large reflective strips for maximum visibility in low light. This harness may not be suitable for large cats as it may not provide a proper, secure fit. This harness does run quite small, so make sure you properly measure your cat before purchasing it.
Four sizes available
Seven color options
Suitable for most budgets
Made from 100% breathable cotton with an undyed cotton lining
Velcro closures allow for quick fitting, application, and removal
Machine washable
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
- Four sizes available
- Seven color options
- Suitable for most budgets
- Made from 100% breathable cotton with an undyed cotton lining
- Velcro closures allow for quick fitting, application, and removal
- Machine washable
- Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
Doesn’t include a leash
Velcro closure may startle your cat
- Doesn’t include a leash
- Velcro closure may startle your cat
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Size: XS, S, M
Color: Black, red, grey, grey pattern, khaki pattern, pink pattern
Type of Closure: Buckles, Velcro
Leash Included: Yes
Pros
Three sizes available
Six color options
Adjustable buckles and Velcro make it suitable for kittens as small as 7-inch chest
Included leash has swivel head for mobility
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
Reinforced stitching and breathable nylon fabric for comfort
Large reflective strips
Cons
Not suitable for most large cats
Runs smaller than most harnesses
- Heywean Cat Harness and Leash
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Size: XS, S, M, L
Color: Fruit green, lake blue, silver, turquoise, heather blue, heather green, heather pink, colorful stripes, heather grey, dark
Type of Closure: Buckles, Velcro
Leash Included: Yes
The Heywean Cat Harness and Leash is available in four sizes and ten color options. It uses strong Velcro and an adjustable buckle for an ideal fit. It’s machine washable and made from padded, lightweight, breathable mesh that dries quickly and deters odors. The reflective strip makes your cat visible in low light, and the included leash is soft and reflective as well. If not fitted properly, your cat will be able to escape from this harness, so it’s necessary to measure your cat. The material that this harness is made of is somewhat stretchy, which may not be suitable for cats that panic when frightened as it may allow them to stretch the harness enough to escape.
Three sizes available
Six color options
Adjustable buckles and Velcro make it suitable for kittens as small as 7-inch chest
Included leash has swivel head for mobility
Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
Reinforced stitching and breathable nylon fabric for comfort
Large reflective strips
- Three sizes available
- Six color options
- Adjustable buckles and Velcro make it suitable for kittens as small as 7-inch chest
- Included leash has swivel head for mobility
- Built-in D-ring for leash attachment
- Reinforced stitching and breathable nylon fabric for comfort
- Large reflective strips
Not suitable for most large cats
Runs smaller than most harnesses
- Not suitable for most large cats
- Runs smaller than most harnesses
Size: XS, S, M, L
Color: Fruit green, lake blue, silver, turquoise, heather blue, heather green, heather pink, colorful stripes, heather grey, dark
Type of Closure: Buckles, Velcro
Leash Included: Yes
Pros
Four sizes available
Ten color options
Adjustable buckle and Velcro for secure fit
Machine washable
Made from padded, breathable mesh
Reflective strips
Cons
Must be fitted properly
Stretchy material may allow for escape
The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Nylon Cat Harness is available in three sizes and six color combinations. It uses two adjustable buckles to securely fit your kitty and includes a matching bungee leash. This harness is made from sturdy nylon and is minimalist, allowing maximum breathability while maintaining security. The leash clips to an O-ring attached to the end of an adjustable slider for added security and improved fit. It includes a detailed fit and training guide to help you have success introducing your cat to a harness with safety and stress avoidance in mind. Since the leash is bungee style, it may not provide enough control for the handler in busy or high stress environments. The material that covers the bungee tends to snag and may appear torn up quickly, although it will still be fully functional.
Four sizes available
Ten color options
Adjustable buckle and Velcro for secure fit
Machine washable
Made from padded, breathable mesh
Reflective strips
- Four sizes available
- Ten color options
- Adjustable buckle and Velcro for secure fit
- Machine washable
- Made from padded, breathable mesh
- Reflective strips
Must be fitted properly
Stretchy material may allow for escape
- Must be fitted properly
- Stretchy material may allow for escape
Size: S, M, L
Color: Black/silver, red/black, royal blue/navy, dusty rose/burgundy, electric lime/green, lilac/deep purple
Type of Closure: Buckles
Leash Included: Yes
Pros
Three sizes available
Six color combinations
Includes a matching bungee leash
Sturdy but minimalist design
Built-in O-ring for leash attachment at the end of an adjustable slider
Includes a detailed fit and training guide
Cons
Bungee leash style provides minimal handler control
Bungee leash exterior may snag and appear torn up
The Necoichi ZEN Fish Charm Cotton Cat Harness & Leash is a premium-priced item that is only available in one size but does come in three color options that feature a traditional kimono pattern, making for an eye-catching product. It’s made from cotton, polyester, and PVC for strength and comfort and features a cute fish charm and bow. This harness has an adjustable buckle, and the leash is built into the slider. It is one size fits most and is suitable for most adult cats. It is a minimalist design, providing maximum breathability and comfort for your cat.
Three sizes available
Six color combinations
Includes a matching bungee leash
Sturdy but minimalist design
Built-in O-ring for leash attachment at the end of an adjustable slider
Includes a detailed fit and training guide
- Three sizes available
- Six color combinations
- Includes a matching bungee leash
- Sturdy but minimalist design
- Built-in O-ring for leash attachment at the end of an adjustable slider
- Includes a detailed fit and training guide
Bungee leash style provides minimal handler control
Bungee leash exterior may snag and appear torn up
- Bungee leash style provides minimal handler control
- Bungee leash exterior may snag and appear torn up
Size: One size
Color: Red, blue, green
Type of Closure: Buckle
Leash Included: Yes
Pros
Three color options
Eye-catching, traditional kimono pattern
Made to be sturdy
Features a fish charm and bow
Adjustable buckle and slider for adjustability
Built-in leash provides extra security
Cons
Premium price
One size
Leash is not detachable
- Greadped Cat Harness and Leash Set
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Size: XS, S, M, L
Color: Green/orange, orange/blue, pink/blue, red/pink
Type of Closure: Velcro, hook and loop, buckle
Leash Included: Yes
The Greadped Cat Harness and Leash Set is available in four sizes and four bright color combinations. It includes a leash, which connects to two D-rings on the harness for extra security. It uses Velcro, a buckle, and a hook and loop closure to keep your kitty safe and in the harness. It features multiple reflective strips for maximum visibility in low light situations. It’s made from machine washable cotton flannel and nylon webbing for strength and comfort, but it may be slightly less breathable than some other cat harness options. It includes a front clip D-ring, which isn’t ideal for use in cats.
Three color options
Eye-catching, traditional kimono pattern
Made to be sturdy
Features a fish charm and bow
Adjustable buckle and slider for adjustability
Built-in leash provides extra security
- Three color options
- Eye-catching, traditional kimono pattern
- Made to be sturdy
- Features a fish charm and bow
- Adjustable buckle and slider for adjustability
- Built-in leash provides extra security
Premium price
One size
Leash is not detachable
- Premium price
- One size
- Leash is not detachable
Size: XS, S, M, L
Color: Green/orange, orange/blue, pink/blue, red/pink
Type of Closure: Velcro, hook and loop, buckle
Leash Included: Yes
Pros
Four sizes available
Four color combinations
Included leash connects to hook and loop closure for security
Multiple reflective strips
Machine washable, sturdy fabric
Cons
May be less breathable than some other options
Front clip D-ring isn’t a good option for cats
The Catit Nylon Cat Harness & Leash is available in three sizes and three colors. This set includes a snag-proof harness with fully adjustable buckle closures, although the buckles are quick release in case of a problem. It includes a matching nylon leash that clips to a D-ring on the harness, which also has a cat bell. This harness does tend to run a little smaller than advertised, making it better suited to kittens and small adult cats rather than large cats. Some users also report finding the distance between the neck and chest straps to be too short for some cats, which may cause it to be too tight against the cat’s neck.
Four sizes available
Four color combinations
Included leash connects to hook and loop closure for security
Multiple reflective strips
Machine washable, sturdy fabric
- Four sizes available
- Four color combinations
- Included leash connects to hook and loop closure for security
- Multiple reflective strips
- Machine washable, sturdy fabric
May be less breathable than some other options
Front clip D-ring isn’t a good option for cats
- May be less breathable than some other options
- Front clip D-ring isn’t a good option for cats
Size: S, M, L
Color: Red, black, blue
Type of Closure: Buckles
Leash Included: Yes
Pros
Three sizes available
Three color options
Snag-proof harness has fully adjustable, quick release buckles
Matching nylon leash and cat bell attach to the D-ring on the harness
Cons
Not suitable for most large cats
May sit too tight against the neck of cats with longer bodies
- Comfort Soft Mesh Cat Harness
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Size: One size
Color: Black, blue, pink, red
Type of Closure: Buckle
Leash Included: No
The Comfort Soft Mesh Cat Harness is only available in one size but comes in four color options. It’s made from breathable nylon mesh and has a minimalist design. There is a D-ring on the harness for a leash to clip to, although a leash must be purchased separately. It’s designed to evenly distribute leash pressure across the chest and shoulders, keeping the neck safe. This harness is made for cats up to 10 pounds, so it’s not ideal for most adult or large cats. Some people find it difficult to put this harness on their cat because it must be slid over the cat’s head and then adjusted for neck size, which can be difficult with an uncooperative cat.
Three sizes available
Three color options
Snag-proof harness has fully adjustable, quick release buckles
Matching nylon leash and cat bell attach to the D-ring on the harness
- Three sizes available
- Three color options
- Snag-proof harness has fully adjustable, quick release buckles
- Matching nylon leash and cat bell attach to the D-ring on the harness
Not suitable for most large cats
May sit too tight against the neck of cats with longer bodies
- Not suitable for most large cats
- May sit too tight against the neck of cats with longer bodies
Size: One size
Color: Black, blue, pink, red
Type of Closure: Buckle
Leash Included: No
Pros
Four color options
Nylon mesh and minimalist design make for maximum breathability
Has a D-ring for a leash to clip to
Evenly distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders
Cons
One size
Not suitable for cats over 10 pounds
Difficult to put on
May be difficult to properly adjust the neck loop
Related Read: How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash (6 Tips)
Four color options
Nylon mesh and minimalist design make for maximum breathability
Has a D-ring for a leash to clip to
Evenly distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders
- Four color options
- Nylon mesh and minimalist design make for maximum breathability
- Has a D-ring for a leash to clip to
- Evenly distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders
One size
Not suitable for cats over 10 pounds
Difficult to put on
May be difficult to properly adjust the neck loop
- One size
- Not suitable for cats over 10 pounds
- Difficult to put on
- May be difficult to properly adjust the neck loop
Buyer’s Guide
Picking the best harness for your cat should be based on more than personal preference due to the need for a secure fit. Not all harnesses will fit all cats properly, so it’s important to properly measure your cat and fit the harness to them correctly. Choose a harness that matches up to your cat’s measurements and don’t hesitate to return or exchange a product that doesn’t fit properly. Your cat’s safety and wellbeing are on the line, so make sure you choose a product that is suitable.
Choosing the Right Harness for Your Cat
If your cat panics when frightened, you may need a different harness than what you might need for a more laid-back cat. Keep in mind that when a cat panics, they may be able to escape from a harness via a route you hadn’t considered, which is why the fit is so important. Once you’ve determined the size and type of harness your cat needs, you can begin to take your personal preferences into account. Do you need a leash, or do you have a leash? Do you like neutral colors or something bright and flashy? Do you anticipate you’ll be walking your cat when it’s dim or dark outside? All these things can impact the harness you choose.
How to Get Your Cat Used to the Harness
Below is a video detailing the way you can create positive associations for your cat with the harness, as well as the importance of the enrichment that walking your cat can provide.
The best cat collars are sturdy, comfortable, and safe. Our favorite is Hepper’s Breakaway Collar, a well-designed collar made from 100% natural hemp webbing that softens as your cat wears it. Featuring a quick-release buckle, adjustable slip-locks, and a jingle bell, this collar is as practical as it is stylish!
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Related Read:
- How to Keep an Outdoor Cat From Running Away (5 Tips)
- 10 Best Escape-Proof Cat Harnesses in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks
Conclusion
If you’re unsure how to properly measure your cat for a harness or adjust a harness to fit, make sure you watch videos or talk to your veterinarian for assistance. The best overall harness for cats is the MUDINPET Cat Harness, which is secure and functional. For kittens, try the NCMAMA Cat Vest Harness, which is ideal for the small chest and neck size of a kitten. If you’re on a tight budget, you have multiple options, but the top budget-friendly pick is the Miss Pet Vest Harness with Leash.
You might also be interested in our selection of Outdoor Cat Beds!
Featured Image Credit: Amerigo_images, Shutterstock
