Best cat harnesses of 2023

We're probably all fairly familiar with the idea of a dog harness, but what about our feline friends? There are plenty of times when a cat harness may come in handy: when travelling, while moving house with your cat, going to the vets… you might even be the proud pet parent to an indoor kitty who loves the occasional stroll around the neighbourhood!

A good cat harness will keep your kitty safe, secure, and comfortable - whatever the outing. But where do you begin? Attaching a leash to your cat's collar can pull and tug on your cat’s neck - and let’s be honest, it probably wouldn't take much for your feline friend to soon wiggle free.

With so many choices out there (and trust us - we had to sift through a lot of options to bring you this list!), it can be tricky for pet parents like you to know what type of cat harness is the best option for your feline pal. Luckily, we’re here to make your hunt for the purrfect cat harness a breeze, with our complete list of our best cat harness picks of 2023.

How to find the best cat harness

But firstly - what should you be looking for when it comes to finding a good cat harness? While we’ve shared our favourite picks below, ultimately, your kitty is unique and only you will know what's best for them. That said, there are five main things to keep in mind...

Is it safe? The last thing you want is for your feline friend to wiggle free from their harness mid-walkies. Look for a harness that provides a snug, safe fit, made with materials that will stand the tugging of even the most determined of felines! 

Is it durable? - Unless you want to be buying a new cat harness every other week, opt for durable materials that are made to last and will stand the test of time (and your kitty’s claws!)

Is it adjustable? - An adjustable cat harness not only means a safer and more secure fit, it also means you can adjust the size of your harness as your kitty grows. 

What’s the design like? - There are 3 common cat harness designs: H-harnesses (the strappy kind, that go around your kitty's neck and chest); cat vests (these cover more of your cat's body, and either slip over your cat's head or have a step-in style), and jackets (which typically feature a Velcro closure, and more or less cover your cat's entire body). Some cats will prefer a step-in style vest, while others may prefer something a little less restrictive - it might take a bit of trial and error, but finding the right design for your kitty is key. 

Is it comfortable? - And lastly, you’ll need to make sure your cat is comfortable - we recommend looking for cat harnesses that feature air-padded mesh and soft edges that won’t rub, for ultimate kitty comfort. 

Best harness for cats overall - Kitty Holster Cat Harness

The award-winning Kitty Holster Cat Harness has a lot to shout about. It’s lightweight and made with soft, 100% breathable cotton, so is guaranteed to be super comfy for your kitty. The undyed cotton lining also means it’s even suitable for cats with allergies and skin problems. 

It’s easy to put on and off, thanks to the quick-securing fastener closures, but difficult for your cat to wiggle free from. It gets rave reviews from pet parents, and it’s machine washable, making it super easy to clean if your adventure-loving feline does get a bit mucky en route. 

It comes in sizes XS-XL, and for truly fashion-forward felines, the Kitty Holster Cat Harness comes in 7 seriously stylish colours and patterns, including tiger stripe (for all your cool cats and kittens out there).

Ultra-safe, lightweight, comfortable, and super easy to put on? If you’re looking for the best cat harnesses, we don’t think you’ll get much better than this one!

Why we love it:

• Quick and easy to put on (two fuzzy fastener closures)
• Difficult for cats to escape from
• Lightweight and comfortable (100% breathable cotton) 
• Undyed cotton lining makes it great for cats with allergies

Best escape-proof cat harness - Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness 

If you’ve got a real Houdini of a cat on your hands, then only an escape-proof cat harness will do - and the Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness is certainly one to consider. 

It's made from soft, breathable mesh and features a gentle martingale cinching design that will help prevent your feline friend from slipping free. It has adjustable Velcro closures at the neck and chest for added safety and support, and the laminated, triple-layer mesh means it’s more durability than your standard cat harness. 

This lightweight harness comes in sizes S - L, and in 5 colours that fashionista felines will adore. If you’ve got a feline escape artist, we think this might just be one of the best harnesses for cats out there!

Why we love it:

• Durable yet lightweight 
• Martingale cinching feature for added safety
• Breathable, soft mesh

Best harnesses for small cats - Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness and Lead

The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness and Lead is great for small cats, but it also doubles up as an excellent kitten harness, too. 

It has a step-in style cat vest and fast-release buckle with minimal adjustment points, meaning it's super easy to put on - and is ideal for getting your kitten used to wearing a harness. 

It's made from a breathable, soft edge air-mesh padding that helps to prevent injuries and guarantees a super comfy fit for cats and kittens alike. For added safety, it features bright reflective strips and a velcro block and back buckle design. 

Make sure to measure your cat and check the sizing chart when ordering - the ‘extra small’ is best for kittens and small cats with a chest girth of 9 to 12 inches. 

Why we love it:

• Great for small cats and kittens
• Step-in vest design makes it easy to put on and off
• Lightweight and comfortable (breathable soft edge, air-mesh padding)

Best harnesses for large cats - Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness

Ok, paws up - this one is a small dog harness, but hear us out. The Best Pet Supplies Voyager Harness gets rave reviews from pet parents, and the smaller sizes are great for cats that find traditional cat harnesses a bit of a squeeze. 

One pet parent called this ‘the best harness for large cats’ - and we must agree that this cat harness is a particularly great pick for larger felines. Sure, most cat harnesses go up to a size L or even XL, but some large breeds like Savannah cats or Maine Coons will still struggle to find the purrfect fit. 

This one is made with a soft and breathable mesh fabric that provides a snug fit, keeping your cat safe while not uncomfortably digging into their shoulders. The fuzzy fastener closure, quick-release buckle, and easy step-in design make it super seamless to put on your cat’s body, and for added safety, there are sturdy 2-D rings to help control your kitty. 

Why we love it:

• Small sizes that are suitable for larger cats
• Snug yet comfortable fit
• Adjustable straps and snap-in buckle

Best budget-friendly harness - Size Right Snag-Proof Adjustable Cat Harness

At just $10.99 (at the time of posting), the Size Right Snag-Proof Adjustable Cat Harness is an excellent option if you’re looking for the best cat harness and leash that won’t break the piggy (or kitty) bank.

It features an over-the-head design and the secure snap-lock buckle is there for extra security and peace of mind. It's a great choice if you're looking for a cat harness that is adjustable, too, as the strap can be adjusted from 12 to 18 inches. Finally, the clever swivel O-ring design means no more getting your legs tangled up in your kitty's leash!

Really, it has a lot of features, at just a quarter of the price tag!  

Why we love it:

• Great low price
• Over-the-head design
• Swivel O-ring means no more tangled leashes 

Best cat harness for walking - Travel Cat Reflective Cat Harness and Leash

When taking your kitty out for a stroll, your cat harness - at a minimum - needs to tick three main boxes. 1) it needs to be safe and secure; 2) it needs to be comfortable for your kitty, and 3) you need to be able to easily control your kitty. And, arguably, the Travel Cat Reflective Cat Harness and Leash ticks all three boxes (and more!). 

Perfect for adventure cats, this secure harness features a snug, comfortable fit made from a strong, breathable mesh fabric that Travel Cat claim is even claw-resistant. It also comes equipped with some pretty hardy safety features, including reflective strips, durable nylon, and a 360-degree rotating snap clip. The leash extends up to 3.9 ft, allowing your cat to explore to their heart's content while keeping you firmly in the driving seat. 

If you’ve been looking for the best cat harness for walking your feline friend, this might just be it! 

Why we love it:

• Snug, comfortable fit 
• Durable
• Reflective strips for added safety at night time

Best cat harness for adventures - RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness

The clue is in the name with this one! ‘Specifically designed for the feline form’, this durable cat harness is a great choice for intrepid felines in pursuit of outdoor adventure. 

It features a flexible-yet-snug fit, with a fully adjustable neck and waist to keep your kitty secure and comfortable. For added safety, it comes with RC Pets' signature reflective label and binding for night-time strolling. The air-mesh fabric is comfortable and breathable, and the generous 6-foot leash will give your kitty the freedom to prowl. 

Honestly? We think this might be the best harness for a cat who loves nothing more than to explore! 

Why we love it:

• Reflective features - great for nighttime strolls
• Durable and machine washable
• Generous 6-foot leash

Best cat harness for traveling - Frisco Wrap Cat Harness

We all know pet parents who have tried (and failed) to jimmy their cat into a traditional cat carrier - and have the arm scars to prove it! 

If your kitty prefers the freedom of a cat harness, but you’re looking for something that is guaranteed to keep them safe and secure, this option from Frisco could be the solution. 

The soft poly-cotton material provides maximum kitty comfort and breathability - which is great if you need to travel with your kitty for longer than your average walk. The wrap-style design makes it easy to get your kitty in and out of, and it's fully adjustable with hook and loop fasteners.

There are just two sizes, so it may not be ideal for larger kitties - the Small has a chest girth of 9 to 14 inches, while the Medium comes in a slightly roomier 11 to 16 inches. 

Why we love it:

• Soft poly-cotton for comfort and breathability
• Wrap style design

Best lightweight cat harness - PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Nylon Cat Harness & Bungee Leash

If your cat struggles with traditional vest-style harnesses, or dislikes anything that feels too restrictive, the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Cat Harness could be a great choice. 

The easy slip-on design should make putting this harness on a breeze (good news for pet parents and cat sitters alike). It features multiple adjustment points for a snug, secure fit, and the lightweight, breathable design will ensure your kitty stays comfy and cool as a cucumber.

The bungee leash is a great added feature that, unlike other cat harnesses, has a gentle “give” when your kitty pulls, which prevents tugging. Perfect if you’ve got a sprint-happy kitty that can’t resist the sight of a good squirrel…    

Why we love it: 

• Lightweight 3/8" wide nylon straps
• Multiple adjustment points
• Bungee leash

Got a canine companion in need of a harness, too?

If you're in the market for a great dog harness that is comfortable, safe, and stylish, then look no further than our list of the best dog harnesses.