If you want to walk your cat, you absolutely need a cat harness. You cannot use a collar safely for a cat for walking purposes, as they tend to slip out of them. A harness lets your cat explore the world in a way they can’t without one. However, cat harnesses can be expensive and difficult to size correctly. Plus, they aren’t always widely accessible, depending on where you live.
Luckily, there are many different ways you can make your own cat harness with some basic DIY skills. Below, we’ve listed some plans to make effective and inexpensive cat harnesses.
The 10 DIY Cat Harnesses
1. Velcro Cat Harness
| Tools: | Scissors, sewing machine, tape measure |
| Materials: | Velcro strips, fabric, D-ring |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
Velcro helps keep your cat’s harness tight and well-fitting. This plan provides directions for a relatively simple harness for your cat that includes Velcro, making it easier to fit correctly to your cat. You can use any type of fabric you want. However, the plan recommends breathable fabric for your cat’s comfort. Don’t choose anything with too much elasticity, as this can allow your cat to get out.
This harness provides lots of support around your cat’s body, ensuring that they don’t get choked when on a leash. You can add plenty of additions to this plan, too, such as bows and bells.
2. Crocheted Cat Harness
| Tools: | H crochet hook, tape measure |
| Materials: | Acrylic yarn, keyring |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
Beginner crochet artists can easily create this cat harness pattern using simple stitches like half-double stitches and slip stitches. Accurate measurements are important for creating a perfect fit. For the best results, it’s recommended to have your cat try on the harness as you make it. You can adjust the size by crafting tight or loose stitches.
Once the base of the harness is complete, you can add an outer lining with a different color to make it more interesting.
It’s important to note that this harness is not suitable for cats that tend to pounce or pull. Test the harness in an enclosed area before using it outside to ensure that your cat cannot slip out of it.
3. Nylon Cat Harness
| Tools: | Sewing machine, tape measure, lighter, scissors |
| Materials: | Buckle, nylon webbing, tri-glide slide, lobster clasp, D-ring |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
With a straightforward design that utilizes nylon webbing cuts, this DIY cat harness can be assembled quickly and with minimal sewing. Plus, it’s adjustable, making it a practical option for a growing kitten and reducing the need for precise measurements.
This harness features two sets of buckles—one around the neck and another around the waist. The D-ring fastens to the waistband, ensuring that if your cat pulls, there is no risk of accidental asphyxiation.
4. Cat Harness with Reflective Materials
| Tools: | Scissors, sewing machine |
| Materials: | Fabric, Velcro D-ring, reflective tape |
| Difficulty | Easy |
For cat owners who prioritize their feline’s safety at night, adding reflective tape to a cat’s harness can provide reassurance. This particular harness incorporates two layers of fabric, allowing for creative patterns to be used for both the inner and outer layers. It’s also designed to be comfortable for daily use.
To make things even easier, a pattern template is included in this tutorial, enabling you to accurately measure and tailor the harness to your cat. Once completed, your cat will be ready to enjoy outdoor walks at any time of the day or night.
5. Harness & Leash
| Tools: | Sewing pins, measuring tape, sewing machine, iron |
| Materials: | Buckle clip, tri-glide adjustable buckle, D-ring, snap hook, cotton fabric, batting, Velcro strips |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
If you’re seeking a more personalized cat harness, this wide vest pattern might be perfect for you. It offers plenty of room to showcase the fun and charming fabrics that match your cat’s unique look and personality. For an extra-special touch, consider using a different type of fabric for the inner layer.
The harness boasts an inner and outer layer with a layer of batting in between, ensuring optimal comfort for your feline. The waistband features Velcro adjustments, so there’s no need to fuss over getting exact measurements.
6. Old Denim Harness
| Tools: | Scissors, tape measure, sewing machine |
| Materials: | D-ring, denim, tri-glide slide, buckles |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
Repurpose an old pair of jeans into a unique denim cat harness with this easy-to-follow project. The instructions are simple—cut strips of denim to match the width of your buckles and tri-glide slide. However, be prepared to invest some time and effort into the project, as each strip must be ironed down to lay flat and stitched along its entire length.
For an even more coordinated look, craft a matching leash by attaching a denim strip to a lobster clasp. Once complete, you and your feline can strut around in stylish denim gear during every outdoor walk.
7. Rope Harness
| Tools: | None |
| Materials: | Hairclip, cat collar, elastic rope |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
If you’re hesitant to invest in expensive harnesses for your cat or if your feline has never worn one before, this easy and affordable DIY project might be worth a try. All you’ll need is a cat collar and some elastic rope.
Bear in mind that this makeshift harness is not intended for extended use, but it is ideal for helping your cat acclimate to wearing one. It’s lightweight and thin, so your cat is less likely to be bothered by it than by thicker harnesses constructed from nylon or fabric strips.
Due to its slim design, this harness is not recommended for outdoor use. Once your cat has adjusted to this harness, you may consider transitioning to a thicker harness that’s better suited for outdoor adventures.
8. Easy Cat Harness
| Tools: | Scissors, tape measure, sewing machine |
| Materials: | Buttons, fabric, D-ring |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
Looking for an alternative to Velcro that won’t scratch your cat? Consider a button harness! This straightforward design features a fabric body that can be secured with buttons. Keep in mind that precise measurements are essential, as this harness is not adjustable.
In addition to the harness itself, this tutorial also includes instructions for crafting cute cloud wings that can be attached to the top of the harness. Not only does this make the harness suitable for use as a costume, but it’s also great for taking your cat for a walk outdoors.
9. Japanese-Style Harness
| Tools: | Measuring tape, scissors, sewing tools |
| Materials: | Fabric, bias binding, D-rings, big button |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
This harness is a unique and charming adaptation of a Kimono dog harness that has been modified to suit cats. The creator of this tutorial claims that it can be made in as little as one hour, making it a quick and easy project for anyone to take on.
What’s great about this harness is that it’s customizable and can be made with any fabric of your choice. The instructions suggest using a Hello Kitty fabric to stay true to the Japanese design, but you can choose any pattern or color that suits your cat’s personality and style.
Getting the right fit is essential for any harness, and this tutorial provides detailed instructions on how to measure your cat for the perfect fit. With careful measuring and a little bit of patience, you can create a comfortable and stylish harness that your cat will love to wear.
10. Fat Cat Harness
| Tools: | Scissors, sewing tools, iron, measuring tape, straight pins |
| Materials: | Fabric of your choosing, nylon webbing, D-ring, thread, sew-on Velcro |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
Allowing overweight cats to spend time outdoors can provide them with an opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. With this in mind, a harness can be a great option for cat owners looking to take their furry friend outside for a stroll. This particular harness is designed for larger cats and utilizes Velcro fastenings for easy on and off, a D-ring to attach a collar, and requires the use of a cat jacket.
To create this harness, you will need to make a coat and a collar for your cat. While instructions for these items are not included, there are many tutorials available online that can guide you through the process. Once you have made the necessary components, you can easily attach the harness to the coat and collar using Velcro fastenings.
Conclusion
There are many ways to make a harness for your feline. These harnesses range from short-term rope harnesses to professional-looking harnesses. You should choose the option that best fits your needs. You may end up making multiple harnesses, depending on your needs.
Most of these harnesses do require sewing, but most of them are very simple and can be done by someone with little experience.
Featured Image Credit: M.Pakats, Shutterstock
