If you want to take your cat out for walks, then a leash and harness is a must. But you've gotta get the best cat harness and leash to keep them safe.
No matter how obedient you may think your cat is, you need to keep them under control if you want to let them explore the wider world – and just as importantly, you need to make sure you have them in easy reach to protect them from other dangers too.
Jump to:
- What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cat Harnesses and Leashes
- Cat Harness Styles
- Cat Leash Styles
- Long-haired Cats and Harnesses
- Best Cat Harnesses and Leashes for Your Kitten
- For UK Cat Owners
- Cat Harness Training
- Cat Harness and Leashes FAQ
- In Conclusion
- Did you like this article about cat harnesses and leashes? Then, you need to check out these other posts, too:
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the best leash and harness for your kitty. You need to make sure that it’s comfortable enough for them, otherwise you’re going to struggle to get them to wear it, and it has to be safe too.
Also, not every cat can be walked. While some breeds are more likely to enjoy walking, remember that each pet is an individual and you shouldn’t force a cat to wear a harness if they don’t want to. You can try different options, to find one that’s comfortable, but the last thing you want to do is cause a dent in your bond with your cat by making them do something they really hate.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s take a look at the best cat harnesses and leashes, and what you should be on the lookout for when choosing one.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cat Harnesses and Leashes
There are four main factors you need to think about when choosing a cat harness and a leash.
Fitting
More relevant to harnesses, it’s absolutely vital that you choose one that’s the right size for your cat. Buy one that’s too small, and your cat isn’t going to be comfortable wearing it – it’ll be tight, potentially painful and could harm them. More likely is buying one that’s too big, which could make it easy for your cat to slip out. Cats are brilliant escape artists when they want to be!
Safety
You need to check the design of the harness and leash, so that you don’t accidentally choke your cat while you’re walking them. They shouldn’t be putting pressure on your cat’s neck – this is why you don’t use a leash with a collar. The leash needs to be one that doesn’t tangle and is resistant to knotting, as a confident cat will happily roll around on the grass during a walk and you don’t want them getting caught up or suffocated.
Style
There are different styles of harness and leash, so you’ll want to look at them all before you make your decision on which to buy. Ideally you’ll buy one, your cat will like it and you’ll be ready to enjoy walks, but if your cat doesn’t like one style of harness then you may want to try another. Also the style can contribute to how hot it makes your cat - so consider choosing one with a breathable cotton or other mesh fabric.
Durability
Any kind of harness and leash will come under pressure on a walk. You need something that won’t snap at the first sign of your cat pulling on it. Look for tough materials like nylon or even denim, but also make sure they don’t have sharp edges that can dig into your cat’s head or neck.
Cat Harness Styles
There are three main types of cat harness you can choose from.
H-Harnesses
So named because, when they’re unclipped and laid out, they look like the letter ‘H’. They’re the most minimal type of harness, consisting of a strap for the neck and a strap for the upper back, typically just behind the legs. These straps are connected by one single strap.
Some cats and cat owners prefer these types of harness because they have the least material and so are in the least contact with the cat’s body. But they can also be easy to slip out of if they aren’t properly fitted.
Cat Vest Style Harness
The vest-style harness consists of more material – it usually clips around the neck but has an almost v-shaped vest that covers the whole upper chest. These harnesses are sometimes called step-in harnesses because the cat can literally step into them. They tend to be more secure than an H-harness, and they do a better job of distributing pressure. This makes them a good choice for energetic cats that like to pull on the leash.
Jacket-Style Harness
Covering even more of the cat’s body, a jacket harness is sometimes called a butterfly harness because of how it looks spread out on the floor when unclipped. It’ll cover the entire upper-half of a cat’s body almost down to the belly, barring the legs and head. Not every cat will feel comfortable wearing one of these harnesses since they are more restrictive and are in more contact with the cat’s body, but they are some of the most secure.
Cat Leash Styles
Just as there are three types of harness, there are also three main types of cat leash you can choose from.
Standard Flat Leash
A standard flat leash is just a regular leash but rather than a cord, they’re almost like a flat tape shape. This helps to prevent knots and makes it easier to untangle. Because the leash is a fixed length and because of that flat shape, it’s harder for cats to get tangled in the leash if they start rolling around.
But be aware that if you need to grab the leash to shorten it – if an unleashed dog is nearby, and you need to protect your cat – then you can only do it manually and it might pull on your cat, causing them some discomfort. Also, it’s the type of leash that’ll take up the most storage space at home.
Bungee Leash
A bungee leash is a coiled elasticated leash, which has some give to it. It will keep your kitty closer, but also allow them to get excited and go explore something interesting without a sharp pull on their neck or torso. Because it coils back up it is easier to store, but the coiled nature means it can get more tangled, and you still don’t have full control over your cat since they can pull away from you.
Retractable Leash
Retractable leashes offer the most control over your cat, allowing you to control the length of the leash and keep your feline friend close if you need to. However, this also makes them more restrictive and can be frustrating for cats that like to wander. Some cats may also dislike the noise that the retractable leash makes, which can put them off wearing it.
Long-haired Cats and Harnesses
Long-haired cats can provide some unique challenges for owners who want to walk them. Just check out this post on Floppycats’ Facebook page about harnesses and you’ll see some of the challenges.
Finding a harness that’s a good fit over all that fur, keeping your cat snug and secure, can be tricky enough. But if it’s a Velcro harness, as many of them are…well, you’ll likely spend a lot of time having to clean the Velcro pads of all that loose fur that clogs it up. If you don’t, then the Velcro will become weaker, making it a lot easier for your cat to break free of the harness, which is a safety risk.
If you have a long-haired cat that you want to walk, consider harnesses that don’t use Velcro at all – either those that your cat just steps into, or ones with clips. And if you are using a Velcro harness, maybe schedule walks for just after a brush, so you’ve at least removed some of the loose fur, and then make sure to clean the Velcro regularly.
Best Cat Harnesses and Leashes for Your Kitten
Here are some of the best cat harnesses, including some that come with leashes.
A thin vest-style harness that is suitable for dogs and cats, this option is made from an all-weather breathable mesh fabric with a simple step-in, clip-and-go fastening design. It has a reflective strip on each side to keep your cat visible, not that they should ever wander off too far, and double D-rings for attaching the leash (not included). A massive range of sizes are available, including those specific to small cats, from XXXS through to XL.
Made with a padded air mesh in a vest style, this harness is designed to be escape-proof but also immune to choking. Available in a range of colors and two sizes (Xtra-Small and Small), it uses plastic buckles rather than Velcro, with 4 adjustment points to make it easy to fit onto your cat. A standard flat leash is included.
This simply-designed H-harness has adjustable nylon straps for the neck and back, with a metal loop on the central joining strap to help distribute the pressure evenly when your cat does pull. It’s a good choice for cats that don’t feel comfortable with the enclosed feeling of a vest or jacket, but not if they’re likely to try to escape. The leash that comes with this harness is a simple flat nylon design that won’t knot tightly.
This jacket-style Kitty Holster harness has a large Velcro fastener and no other clips or straps, with the idea that it should be more comfortable for your cat to wear. It comes in a range of sizes from XS to XL which should make it easier to get one that’s close to your cat’s body size. It has a cotton lining for extra comfort too, but is still ultra-lightweight. No leash is included.
This is a vest-style harness made from a soft mesh material that is comfortable and gentle on your cat. It’s fixed with plastic clasps, which could be a good solution for long-haired kitties that get their fur caught in Velcro closures, and once it’s adjusted to the correct size it can work as a step-in harness. There’s no leash included with this one, so you’ll need to buy one separately.
Designed for puppy training, this soft vest harness could be a good choice for some cats as well. It’s a step-in harness with a single Velcro fastener that’s kept more secure with a plastic buckle strap. It spreads the pressure evenly when pulled by the leash buckle, and has a lightweight material that will keep your cat cool. You’ll need a separate leash.
For UK Cat Owners
There are some great choices for British cat owners who want to buy a harness locally. These have been recommended by Facebook friends and are definitely worthy of your consideration. It’s worth noting that both of these stores do ship internationally
1. Mynwood Cat Jackets
There are some wonderful designs available if you want to try one of these jacket-style cat harnesses for your kitty. They’re made to measure too, so you can be sure of a perfect fit. Their website includes details of the measurements you’ll need to provide. They don’t come with a leash (or should that be ‘lead’ for British owners!) so make sure you buy one of those as well somewhere else.
2. Butterfly Cat Jackets
This is another custom-made cat jacket store in the UK with a wide range of styles available. Most are standalone but some do come with a leash. Again, make sure you follow the store’s instructions for measuring your cat before you place your order.
Cat Harness Training
It’s likely that your cat won’t take to wearing a harness immediately. There’s an element of training involved, both in getting them used to the harness and in how to behave when on a walk.
Cat Harness and Leashes FAQ
Can you walk a Ragdoll Cat on a leash?
While not every Ragdoll cat will take to walking (mine didn’t), they are a breed that loves to stay close to their owner and follow them around. So, if you can convince them to accept the leash and harness, then you can definitely walk them on a leash. Make sure to only walk them in areas you know are safe though – they’re a gentle, soft-natured breed and need to be well looked after.
Do Ragdoll Cats like to go outside?
Ragdolls are playful, energetic and curious cats, so the outdoors can be interesting to them as it gives them space to exercise and a lot of new sights and smells to explore. But they aren’t super adventurous, and generally they aren’t the best at looking after themselves in intimidating situations.
You shouldn’t let your Ragdoll wander outdoors unsupervised. And they don’t need to be taken for walks either – it’s fine for your Ragdoll to be an indoor cat, provided they have toys to help them exercise. They may also be happy on outdoor adventures in your backyard, when you can keep a close eye on them.
Are dog harnesses and leashes an option?
There are a lot more options for dog leashes and harnesses than there are specific cat ones – that’s understandable considering how dogs need to be walked, while for cats it’s optional. Ideally you would avoid buying ones that are marketed for dogs, and instead buy one that you know is designed specifically for a cat’s body shape and size. There are some smaller dog harnesses that might be suitable for larger cats, but make sure you check the sizing carefully. Small sizes for dog harnesses can still be pretty large.
How do I make sure that the harness will be a good fit?
The only way to make sure you get a harness that will be a good fit is to measure your kitty. You’ll want to measure them around the neck and the upper torso behind the front legs, so that you can find a harness designed specifically for your cat’s size. And if the harness you’re looking at doesn’t give dimensions, you could try messaging the manufacturer, but it might be better to consider another option. Or you might end up buying a harness that’s not a good fit, and having to return it.
How do you make sure your cat is strapped on tight enough?
You need to be careful when tightening a harness for a cat. Cats are a more agile animal than dogs, and will be able to slip out of anything which isn’t secure. But at the same time, you don’t want to crush your cat by having the harness too tight.
A good rule is the two-finger rule. If, when your cat is strapped into the harness, you can get two fingers between the harness and skin, without a huge amount of effort, but you can’t fit three fingers, then it’s a good level of tightness. That won’t cause your cat discomfort but also won’t let them slip out. If you can get three fingers into the gap without a lot of effort, it needs to be tighter. If it’s hard to get two fingers in there, loosen it very slightly.
Is it cruel to harness a cat?
It’s not cruel to put a harness on a cat. What’s cruel is trying to stick with a harness when it causes your cat distress or they clearly just don’t want to wear one. While there are certain cat breeds that can be walked, every cat is unique and some cats just don’t want to be walked, or don’t want to wear a harness, which makes walking them unsafe.
Trying a harness with your cat isn’t cruel. Trying different types of harness with your cat, if they don’t like the first, is also OK. Persisting when your cat just refuses to wear one and is clearly upset is definitely cruel. If your cat isn’t suited for walking, you have to accept that.
What type of leash is best for cats?
The best type of leash for a cat is just a standard flat leash. They’re the hardest leash to get tangled and when they do, they won’t knot as tightly as a round leash could, so it’s easier to free your kitty. Retractable leashes can get tangled, and the noise can upset cats. And bungee leashes have the same tangling issue, and are harder to control your cat with.
What type of leash is best for cats?
The best type of leash for a cat is just a standard flat leash. They’re the hardest leash to get tangled and when they do, they won’t knot as tightly as a round leash could, so it’s easier to free your kitty. Retractable leashes can get tangled, and the noise can upset cats. And bungee leashes have the same tangling issue, and are harder to control your cat with.
What type of leash is best for cats?
The best type of leash for a cat is just a standard flat leash. They’re the hardest leash to get tangled and when they do, they won’t knot as tightly as a round leash could, so it’s easier to free your kitty. Retractable leashes can get tangled, and the noise can upset cats. And bungee leashes have the same tangling issue, and are harder to control your cat with.
Why shouldn’t you put collars on cats?
It’s not that you shouldn’t always put a collar on your cats. That’s a personal decision, based on where you live, the potential dangers in your neighborhood etc.
But you should only use a breakaway collar. A cat’s collar needs to be able to separate when pressure is applied. If the collar isn’t a breakaway, then your cat could get caught by it and potentially hang themselves on a fence.
And while some owners like to add a bell to a collar to give any birds or other wildlife fair warning that a cat is approaching, the cat could get their claws stuck in the bell, causing other medical issues. If you do want to use a collar, make sure it’s a breakaway one and be careful of using a bell that could hurt your cat.
Also, you shouldn’t use a leash with a collar in the same way you might with a dog. Cats’ necks aren’t as strong as dogs’, and if they pull away from you in excitement on a walk then you will likely hurt them. You should always make sure you use a leash with a body harness.
And if you’re using a breakaway collar, then using it with a leash means that the cat will likely escape as soon as they do pull. So, a harness is always best. But be careful to never leave your cat tied up with a harness and leash – because they’re inescapable, they wouldn’t be able to get away from any predators.
How do I choose a cat harness?
When choosing a cat harness, think about what you know about your cat. Are they sensitive about things touching their skin? Are they adventurous and energetic, and more likely to want to wander off?
If your cat hates anything touching them, then you’ll want a minimal harness – an H-harness is probably the better choice. But safety is a bigger priority and if you’re concerned your cat may try to wriggle free or pull away to go explore, then a more secure harness like a vest or jacket-style one is the way to go.
Once you’ve decided on a style, think about the connection type. Long-haired cats can cause all kinds of problems with Velcro, but step-in harnesses can be tricky to put onto a cat, while ones with clips can be less comfortable.
With the style and clip type decided, you just need to measure your cat and find one that’s a suitable size for them.
Is it OK to leave a harness on a cat?
You shouldn’t leave a harness on a cat once you’ve finished your walk. No matter how comfortable the harness might be, it’s still not going to be as comfortable as not wearing it. Plus, it stops your cat from grooming itself.
Put a harness on your cat for short amounts of time when you’re training them to get used to it, then for the duration of a walk, but remove it when you get home. This also helps to get your cat used to the routine of going on a walk, and knowing that the harness will be removed again.
Why can’t cats walk with a harness on?
Cats can walk with a harness on. Cat harnesses are designed to allow full freedom of movement in the legs – otherwise what would be the point?
If you’ve put a harness on your cat and they aren’t moving, it’s less likely to be a case of “can’t”. It’s probably just that your cat “won’t” walk. It could be a mutiny from your kitty. That’s fine – give your cat a little bit of time to get used to it, but remove the harness if they show signs of discomfort or distress.
With training, cats will often be fine with a harness, but if they aren’t then you’ll either need to try a different style, or accept that your cat isn’t walkable.
Are cat harnesses and leashes safe?
Cat harnesses and leashes can be safe, as long as you get one designed for cats that is a good fit and that doesn’t have any hazards which could cause your cat to suffocate. You should never leave your cat unattended in a harness or leash, since even the safe ones could cause problems if they get caught on something.
Make sure the harness is a solid fit, so that your cat isn’t at risk of escaping, but ensure that it’s got enough give that it isn’t putting unsafe pressure on your cat’s neck or body.
In Conclusion
You cannot rush your decision when buying a cat harness and leash. It’s really important to get one that’s safe, secure and a proper size. And then don’t give up if your cat doesn’t take to it immediately – training and familiarity are important. But at the same time, don’t force your cat to wear one if they hate it. Walking isn’t suited to every individual kitty.
Do you walk your cat? If you’ve any recommendations for harnesses and leashes to share then leave a comment below.
Patti Johnson
Wonderful post, Jenny! TYSVM for all this great product info! Miss PSB is strictly an indoor kitty so we don't have a harness/leash for her. But I am fascinated by those who do take their indoor kitties outside for walks as I never even knew people did that until I became a Floppycatter! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3 <3 <3
P.S. Lurve those pink harness vests soooo much! 🙂 <3