If your cat is prone to a little adventure, likes to climb counters and curtains, chase the birds in your pet-friendly garden, and has mad zooming sessions at 3 am, expend some of that energy by taking your cat for a walk with the best cat harness. Though cats are known to be finicky, hopefully, the result will be happier, more fulfilled cats and kittens.
Yes, that's right, dogs aren’t the only pets going for walkies these days. A growing trend is of cats walking on a cat harness blow-up across the UK, with more cat owners understanding that exposing their cats to new environments, smells, and sights can enhance their lives tenfold.
Best cat harness at a glance:
• Best escape-proof cat harness: BINGPET Escape Proof Cat Harness and Lead Set - View on Amazon UK
• Best cat harness for kittens: rabbitgoo Escape-Proof Cat Kitten Harness with Leash Set for Walking - View on Amazon UK
• Best simple cat harness: pidan Cat Harness and Leash Set - View on Amazon UK
The best cat harnesses also allow cats to experience the outdoors if they are restricted indoors because of choice or lack of garden space. Walking your cat on a harness and leash can prevent both obesity and unwanted behaviours developed from boredom. Of course, you’ll need to judge your own furry friend on their temperament and whether they’d enjoy walking outside their known territory. More nervous cats may prefer to lay in a cat bed at home and sleep, which is entirely relatable.
So what are the safest cat harnesses to buy online? We’ve got the ultimate guide to the best cat harnesses with a variety of specifications, from the lightest to the smallest, to the largest for big cats like Maine Coons. If you want to keep tabs on your cats when they're exploring, consider a cat GPS tracker.
Best cat harnesses UK
Best cat harness overall
BINGPETOur Editor's Choice goes to the BINGPET Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash, which stands out due to its inclusive sizing range and low price point.
Made of a soft, breathable mesh fabric with padded edges, this harness will ensure your kitty stays cool, calm and comfortable while out on a walk. It features two sturdy D-ring fasteners that you can attach a lead to, ensuring your kitty is as secure as possible. You can opt to use your own lead but there is a 150cm lead included for your convenience.
Customers appreciate the overall quality of this harness and how easy it is to put on, that’s because the neck can be adjusted to fit as snuggly as required and there’s a Velcro fastening around the front for ease. While the Velcro is great for effortlessly putting the harness on and off, some customers reported that nervous cats were scared of the noise it made. Some customers with really fluffy cats also had issues with getting the right size harness as they found it tricky to get the harness to be tight to their body without the fluff getting caught or being in the way.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of sizes from S to XL so you can find the perfect fit for your cat
- Customers found it easy to take on and off thanks to the Velcro fastening
Cons
- Some nervous cats may not like the sound the Velcro makes when it opens and closes
| Sizes: | S-XL |
Best cat harness for kittens
rabbitgooAlthough you can teach an older cat how to wear and use a harness (more on that below), it's recommended you try to start as young as possible. Therefore, the rabbitgoo leash is ideal for kittens.
The vest style makes sure to distribute pressure to avoid the neck, because oh boy are kittens energetic and don't understand that trying to dart and run about when attached to a harness and lead could make it a more painful experience for them. Kitties will appreciate that it's made from a padded fabric because it'll feel more comfortable sat against their delicate skin and fur.
It's not just kittens that are thankful for the additional padding, reviewers on Amazon also mention that the padded design is a major benefit and they felt that it was a soft, lightweight option for them to wear. Customers as well as us also like that this harness comes in a variety of colours. Opinions are mixed on the sizing, with some cat owners commenting that the harness comes up small, which is why we think this harness is best suited to kittens.
Pros
- Smaller sizes make it perfect for little ones
- Padded to be soft and comfortable against a kitten's delicate skin and fur
Cons
- Some reviewers comment that this harness comes up small, which is one of the reasons why we think this harness is best suited to kittens
| Sizes: | XXS-M |
Best simple cat harness
pidanIf you've tried bulkier, more padded harnesses like the ones above, but your cat reacts badly to their head being put through the hole, it might be time for a lightweight harness and leash like this stylish one from pidan.
With a more minimalist design, it consists of buckles and straps that you can adjust to suit the size of your kitty, so it's ideal for claustrophobic kitties that may not like the more restrictive nature of a bulkier harness. As you have control over the fit, you can ensure it's not loose enough for them to slip out of it but not too tight that it feels restrictive.
The pidan Cat Harness and Leash Set wins points from customers for its stylish design of bright colours and bold prints and that it uses quality materials that feel nice and sturdy while also being lightweight. Opinions are mixed on how easy it is to adjust the harness, with some customers saying parts of it were too short for their cat's length and that the buckle can be a bit awkward to put together but then others have had no issues at all and felt that it fit well.
Pros
- Ideal for claustrophobic kitties as it has a more minimalistic design that shouldn't feel restrictive
- Super stylish design with bright colours and bold prints
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on how easy it is to adjust, with some customers finding the buckles a bit awkward
| Sizes: | One size |
Best leather cat harness
Supakitsupakit.co
If you've got a particularly nervous cat, but they have shown a real interest in the outdoors, Supakit's leather harnesses are specially designed to ease stress as it has a simple and easy-to-put-on design.
Crafted from soft, natural leather, this harness will not only be a comfortable option for your kitty to wear but as the materials to make it are sustainably and ethically sourced, you'll be supporting small local communities of artisan producers at the same time. As it's made using skilled craftsmanship, more care is taken when being produced so this should help to increase its durability and longevity.
Generally, the reviews for the Supakit Leather Cat Harness are super positive, with customers loving the design and quality as well as the softness of the leather so that it's a comfortable option for their cat. Some have experienced issues with getting the perfect size for their cat so be sure to double-check the size guide before you order and make full use of the adjustable straps to get a proper fit.
Pros
- Made from natural leather that's nice and soft so it'll be comfortable for your cat to wear
- Made using skilled craftsmanship to increase its durability and longevity
Cons
- Some reviewers reported issues with getting the right size for their cat
| Sizes: | Small-Large |
Best stylish cat harness
MynwoodWho said your cat couldn't be a fashion icon while out and about? We are in love with this gorgeously designed tartan harness from Mynwood. Designed and made by Maria who lives in the Highlands with her two Bengals and Maine Coon, it is certainly made with love and attention.
Made from a high-quality fabric, this jacket harness is triple-sewn for strength and it features a super secure D-ring with reinforced stitching to make it a super durable option for your cat's walkies. There are Velcro fastenings around the neck and tummy, which are hard for your kitty to get undone but easy peasy for you when you've both finished using it.
Due to its durability and high-quality materials, customers believe this is a worthwhile purchase for their cat. Unlike others on our list, this cat harness is only made in one size, suitable for adult cats with a chest measurement between 12 and 20 inches so if your cat is below the lower measurement and above the higher one, this may not be the best choice.
Pros
- Reinforced stitching for additional strength
- Velcro fastenings around the neck and tummy that are easy for you to put on and off but difficult for your cat to do
Cons
- Only comes in one size so if your cat's chest isn't between 12 and 20 inches, it's probably won't fit your kitty
| Sizes: | One size |
Best cat harness for size range
AnlitentAvailable in five sizes from extra small to extra large, the Anlitent Soft Mesh No Pull Cat Harness and Lead Set is designed to fit cats of all breeds and sizes.
This lightweight harness will be comfortable for your cat to wear and they won't get too hot while wearing it, thanks to the breathable mesh. If walking your cat in low light conditions, the reflective strip will help keep you both seen and safe.
Due to the number of sizes available, some customers had issues with deciding what size would be the best fit for their kitty. Opinions are mixed on the softness too, with a handful of reviewers finding the harness a bit stiff but others found it ultra soft and thought it would be comfortable for their cat to wear for long periods of time.
Pros
- Reflective strip for more visibility
- Breathable mesh design to stop your cat from getting too hot
Cons
- Some reviewers had difficulty deciding what size would be best for their cat
| Sizes: | X-Small-X Large |
Best cat harness for nighttime walks
Ancolwww.jollyes.co.uk
Keep your cat safe while out and about with the Ancol Reflective Cat Harness & Lead Black. This harness and lead set will be ideal if you're taking your kitty out for walks after dark or in low-visibility settings, such as fog. The harness and lead have a pretty stars and moons pattern that catches the light and increases visibility whenever you and your kitty are out on the prowl in the evenings.
The harness can be adjusted to ensure a snug and comfortable fit for your cat, while the quick-release buckle allows you to take it off. For your convenience, it comes with a matching reflective lead, making it a complete set for walks that will further increase your and your kitty's visibility in the dark.
This harness is only available in one size and is designed for kittens and smaller cats. So, if your cat is bigger than this, it might not be the right one for your kitty.
Customers praise this harness and lead for being safe and supportive. Reviews comment that it's easy to put on and their kittens were happy to wear it. Also, customers like that it's not too garish.
Pros
- Reflective pattern for increased visibility when heading out at night
- Comes with matching lead for a complete walking set
Cons
- Only available in one size and best suited to kittens and small cats
| Sizes: | One size |
How we chose the best cat harnesses
All of these cat harnesses have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered comfort, style and overall fit in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching harnesses for cats to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
Our verdict: Which is the best cat harness?
Our pick is the BINGPET Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash. It's soft and comfortable for your kitty to wear are it's made from a breathable mesh fabric that's also padded. Although some cats may not love the sound of the Velcro fastening opening and closing, it does make it easier for you to put the harness on your cat and take it off again.
FAQs
What to consider when choosing a cat harness
When finding the best car harness for your kitty, take into consideration the following factors:
Material and comfort:
Your kitty will be more inclined to wear a harness if it’s comfortable for them to wear and it causes them no bother. Look for cat harnesses made from breathable materials, like mesh, to stop your cat from overheating while wearing it, or soft materials, such as leather that won’t irritate their skin. A harness shouldn’t restrict your cat either and a lightweight one will ensure your moggy can still move as freely as they like. You may also want to look at a harness that has extra padding built in to stop it from rubbing and hurting your kitty.
Fit and adjustability:
Remember, the perfect fitting harness is one that’s not too tight but also not too loose. It should fit snug against their fur but you should also have wriggle room of about two fingers to ensure it’s still comfortable. Therefore, choosing the right size to begin with is important so make sure you check the dimensions of your chosen harness and consult the size guide if it’s available to help you get the purr-fect fit. If your harness is ill-fitting, this could make it easier for your moggy to be able to escape out of it.
If the harness you’ve picked is also adjustable, this is an added bonus as you can constantly tweak the fit to suit your cat, which is great if you’ve got a growing kitten.
Ease of use:
You should look for a harness that is easy for you to take on and off to minimise any stress it may cause your kitty. Look for ones with buckle clips or Velcro fastenings that will make the putting on and off process as simple and quick as possible. Although, bear in mind that Velcro may not be an anxious kitty’s preferred choice due to the noise it makes when being put together or taken apart.
How to harness train a cat
One reviewer who tested the BINGPET harness shared their tips and tricks on how to get a cat used to a harness, even a cat over 10 years of age. You could follow their advice and soon have your cat by your side to explore the world with.
"A large harness fitted my full-grown cat perfectly. He's at the stage of sniffing the air and the flowers and hardly notices he's got it on. He does wear a collar, so perhaps he's used to having some form of dress. I carry him out of the door so he doesn't expect to do that for himself (this prevents lots of scratching at the door and making demands!) The harness is brilliant, very sturdy and well made and quite clearly comfortable."
Can you harness-train an older cat?
Introduce your cat slowly to a harness:
- Place the harness under your pillow/in your bed for two days to give it a familiar smell.
- Grab a handful of treats or their favourite dry cat food. Let the cat have a couple before placing the harness, unbuckled, across its back. They will be too busy grabbing snacks to notice. If they're not ready for this, hand the treats through the harness, held in your other hand. Do this until they make the connection between treats and the appearance of the harness.
3. When they're relaxed in the presence of the harness, try reaching in and joining the Velcro straps. Do the neck first, then the chest, and then the buckle around the neck.
4. Only leave it on as long as they're happy with it (this may be just while they are eating snacks). - Please do not make a silly video of your cat struggling to get out of its harness. Cats are dignified creatures and this likely means they are distressed.
6. Finally, when they're OK with it, snap on the lead, carry them outside and put them down where all the gorgeous smells will distract them.
Ruby Barry is a Fashion & Beauty Products Writer for Bauer Media and specialises in anything cat-related (having owned cats for 24 years, she is a certified crazy cat lady).