10 Best Cat Harnesses in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Times have changed, and seeing a cat on a leash in public is not the unicorn it used to be. Cats can be trained to walk with a lead and some learn to love it! If you’re thinking about taking your cat on regular outdoor adventures, a cat harness is the best way to ensure your cat’s safety and comfort. We’ve reviewed 10 of the best harnesses available today to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading for more.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hepper Harness & Leash Set	Multiple adjustable points Quick-release buckles Comes with leash	Check Price
Budget Buy		Miss Pet Vest Harness	Breathable polyester mesh is comfortable for your cat Includes a matching treat bag Built-in D-ring and slide adjuster	Check Price
		Kitty Holster Cat Harness	Seven color options Suitable for most budgets Built-in D-ring for leash attachment	Check Price
		NCMAMA Cat Vest Harness	Three sizes available Six color options Large reflective strips	Check Price
		MUDINPET Cat Harness	Velcro and buckle closures Adjustable straps ensure a proper fit Padded, breathable nylon is comfortable for your cat	Check Price

The 10 Best Cat Harnesses

1. Hepper Cat Harness & Leash Set– Best Overall

If you’ve been on the hunt for the top harness and leash for your cat, look no further than our best overall choice, the Hepper Cat Harness + Leash Set. This high-quality set is available in five sizes, so it’s sure to fit your cat, no matter their breed size.

The harness offers multiple adjustment points, so you can customize the fit to securely fit your cat’s body. The Velcro strip provides added security and customized fit. It is lightweight and made from premium velvet and breathable mesh, plus it features soft edges and padding for added comfort. Reinforced stitching, double D-rings, and quick-release buckles all add to the safety and functionality of this harness.

The leash measures 5 feet in length with a ½-inch diameter, so it’s lightweight but sturdy for any cat while out on a walk. It’s made from nylon climbing rope that’s made to withstand far more pressure than your cat can put on it. It even features a padded handle to make the experience more comfortable for you as well. Both the harness and leash feature reflective tape, allowing your cat to be seen in low-light situations.

Currently, this set is only available in black, so you won’t be able to select a different color.

At PetKeen.com 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!

Our budget buy cat harness and leash 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.

Another good 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.

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.

Another great cat 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Harness

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 suitable product.

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.

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 Hepper Harness & Leash set, 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.

Related Read: 

• How to Keep an Outdoor Cat From Running Away (5 Tips)
• How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash: 9 Vet-Approved Tips

Featured Image Credit: Hepper.com