Getting the best cat harness, tie right kind and putting one one

Having a stroll with the company of your beloved cat may seem next to impossible. However, with the best cat harness, your kitty will have fun strolling with you.

Unlike dogs, cats are not fond of accompanying their owners on walks. The main reason why they dislike it is that they particularly hate being on a leash.

For their safety and security, we also have no other choice but to walk them on a leash. However, the discomfort of wearing a collar tied to a strap makes them detest walking in the outdoors altogether.

So, how can we make our furry friends tag along with us on a walk? There’s only one solution to that: get the best cat harness for your kitty.

However, why use it when you can use collars instead? Compared to collar and leash, the best cat harness provides better comfort and security for your feline pet.

Indoor kitties, as the name implies, spend most of their times inside the house. Some pet owners would rather keep their precious felines indoors to keep them away from potential dangers.

While it's true that indoor pets are safer and more secure than outdoor kitties, their small environment could be a disadvantage.

Furthermore, their lack of activity can take a toll on their overall well-being.

This explains why most indoor kitties are obese and studies reveal that they are more likely to develop diabetes.

However, why can't our feline companions get enough physical exercise in the outdoors?

Indoors are not a suitable place where they can run, climb, jump and play to their heart's desire.

Toys may entertain them for some time, and play tunnels may provide new options for indoor exploration. 

However, there's nothing like the freedom and pleasure of exploring the outdoors.

Is it true that outdoor kitties are more prone to dangers than indoor kitties?

Yes, outdoor kitties are more exposed to dangers such as predator attacks, vehicular accidents, getting lost and being stolen.

However, all of these risks can be prevented if you supervise and accompany your furball in the outdoors.

To ensure that your pet is safe, make sure that it is within your reach, and it won't escape from you.

As mentioned earlier, our feline buddies certainly don't like the feeling of being tied to a leash. However, we can't just only let them have it their way.

Felines are known to be escape artists, and they can easily sneak away from you if you're not cautious.

So, does that mean we have to force them to wear collars and leashes? Not necessarily. We have a better solution to that problem.

Get the best cat harness for your kitty. Ditch those collars and use the best cat harness on your furball instead.

With the best cat harness, you and your pet can both enjoy a leisure stroll in the outdoors. It could be a great bonding moment for both of you.

Plus, walking is also a very stimulating way to encourage your indoor kitty to have some exercise.

As long as you're using the best cat harness, you can guarantee your pet's safety and security.

Are you ready to find the best cat harness available in the market? First, you need to familiarize yourself with the different types of harness.

Types of Cat Harness

best cat harness for traveling

Vest-style harness

Do you have a Houdini-like kitty that can sneak its way out from your grasp? If so, the vest-style type is the perfect fit your escape artist.

Also known as ‘walking jackets,' this type can provide maximum security by maximizing the surface area.

Let your feline pet wear it like a typical jacket to eliminate the feeling of being tied to a leash. It is equipped with hook and loop closures for optimum security with no room to escape.

For added comfort, its wide straps are designed to reduce pinch points.

Vest-style type is the ultimate choice for kitties that require extra security in high-risk situations.

Step-in harness

Some pet owners find a difficult time putting a vest-style type on their kitties. Typically, our feline friends don’t like it when we slip something over their heads.

Moreover, vest-style types are heavy and bulky since they are designed to provide maximum security to the pet.

If your pet prefers maximum mobility over security, a step-in type is undoubtedly the better option.

Specially designed for ease of ease, you slip your pet's front limbs into the armholes before it is fastened.

Step-in types provide greater mobility with their lower surface area and wider necks.

While these types offer lightweight feature and maximum versatility, they're less secure than the large vest-style types.

However, you can rely on its durability and security in high-risk settings.

H-style harness

Just like step-in types, H-style types also offer lightweight and more affordable alternative for your feline pet.

It comes in a simple H-shape webbing that you can wrap around your pet's body. Just slip your pet's front limbs into the armholes and buckle it up in 2 places: front and behind the front legs.

Ideal for calm pets in low-risk situations, it allows your pet to move quickly and freely without bulk or weight.

This is not the best option for aggressive pets as it is even less secure than the step-in types.

Figure 8 harness

As the name suggests, this type has webbing in continuous length that resembles a figure 8 shape.

Typical collars can bring pain and discomfort on your pet’s neck.  The figure 8 webbing reduces the pain by adding another hole to be wrapped around behind the front limbs.

Compared to other types of harness, figure 8 type is probably the closest thing to a standard collar. This is because it slightly tightens when your pet lunges forward.

The narrow straps can squeeze and irritate your sensitive feline pet each time you pull the leash. However, compared to collars, the squeezing action of this type is quite minimal and can be tolerated by docile pets.

Use figure 8 type only in low-risk situations and for pets that don’t mind wearing collars.

The Top 5 Best Harnesses for Cats

Picking the best cat harness among thousands of choices sounds like a painstakingly challenging job.

However, don't worry because we're here to help you out. We’ve scoured the internet to bring you our top picks of the best cat harnesses available in the market.

Take note that every kitty’s specific need differ from each other because not all felines are the same.

The idea here is to select the best type of cat harness that perfectly suits your pet’s personality and lifestyle.

Buying an expensive type that doesn't make your furball feel comfortable is just a waste of money.

For sure, your pet will never want to wear something that feels uncomfortable. This will only make your pet deepen its hatred towards taking a stroll with you.

If you intend to use it on trips, choose the best cat harness for traveling specially designed for long walks.

Of course, safety and security should be your top priority in choosing the best cat harness for traveling.

Here are our top 5 best cat harnesses that are well-loved by most pet owners for their outstanding quality and features. Take a look and choose your pick.

When it comes to maximum security, no other types of harness can beat vest-style types. Yes, these types are bulky, heavy and more difficult to put on intolerant kitties.

However, you can guarantee your pet's safety no matter how aggressive and sneaky they are.

Kitty Holster is a vest-style type, but it takes into consideration the ease of use. It has a butterfly shape to make it easier to put on your kitty.

There's no need to slip the vest over your pet's head. Just use its hook and loop closures to faster around your pet's waist and neck. Moreover, you're done!

For added comfort, its wide cotton straps evenly distribute the pressure from the leash across your pet's chest and waist. Hence, your pet won't feel any squeezing or pain every time you pull the rope.

Additionally, the wide cotton straps are highly adjustable to allow you to get a comfortable and secure fit. It can fit 9 to 12 inches neck width and 13 to 17 inches chest girth comfortably.

Available in 4 sizes: extra small, small to medium, medium to large, and extra-large. You can also choose from 7 different colors and prints: black, denim, red bandana, tiger print, green, gray, and purple.

Key Features:

  • Vest-style type for optimum security
  • Velcro closures make it easy to put on your kitty
  • Soft, cotton lining for added comfort
  • Extra wide straps that distribute pressure evenly when the leash is pulled
  • With D-ring for attaching a rope
  • Support a good cause: 10% of the profit goes to Crazy K Farm Poultry and Livestock Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

Pros

  • Made with 100% non-abrasive, breathable cotton making it ideal for pets with allergies
  • Vest-style type with wide straps make no room for escape
  • Machine-washable
  • Easy to use; no need to slip over their head – attach the Velcro closures and you're good to go

Cons

  • Some kitties may not feel comfortable wearing a bulky jacket for the first time, but they'll get used to it with continued use
  • The ripping sound of the Velcro closures may frighten some kitties

This step-in type was initially intended for dogs. However, its soft mesh design has a fit that also works well for cats.

Puppia Ritefit has been a popular choice among cat owners. Moreover, this is due to the product's unique combination of lightweight, soft mesh construction, moderate security, and adjustability.

Since it’s a step-in type, there’s no need to slip it over your pet’s head. It comes with a hook and loop closure and two quick release buckles.

Furthermore, it has an adjustable neck to allow you to get a comfortable and secure fit.

Moreover, its wide straps distribute pressure across your pet's chest to reduce pressure points when the leash is pulled.

Available in 4 sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Choose from 9 different colors: beige, black, camo, green, pink, purple, red, royal blue, and sky blue.

Key Features:

  • Made with soft, breathable mesh material making it comfortable for walks
  • Adjustable neck with hook and loop closure and two quick release buckles
  • Adjustable chest belt to fit pets of any sizes
  • Uses rubber Puppia label
  • A wide range of colors to choose from

Pros

  • Step-in style eliminates the task of slipping the straps over your pet’s head
  • Highly adjustable neck and chest girth to fit any size
  • Moderate security that can do well in high-risk situations
  • Soft, breathable mesh construction for added comfort
  • Lightweight and not bulky at all

Cons

  • This product was initially designed for puppies so it may be too short for large-sized kitties
  • The sound of the hook and loop closure may alarm some kitties

Are you looking for a lightweight harness intended for kitties in low-risk environments without the need for extra security?

PetSafe Come With me Kitty is the one you've been looking for. This H-style lightweight harness uses nylon webbing straps that are highly adjustable to fit any size.

Plus, it is equipped with bungee leash that will gently lead your feline pet without harsh tugging.

The webbing straps and the bungee leash work together to help you control your kitty when it does reach the end of the lead.

It gently tights along shoulders without putting any pressure on the throat when you tug the leash.

However, let us remind you that the webbing is very open. Hence, it is not the most secure choice as far as security and safety are concerned.

It is only recommended for calm pets and is an ideal option for low-risk situations such as indoor training or going to the vet.

Available in 3 sizes: small, medium and large. Select from 6 different color combinations: black/silver, dusty rose/burgundy, electric lime/green, lilac/bright purple, red/cranberry, and royal blue/navy.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight nylon straps put no pressure on the throat but rather apply gentle pressure on the shoulder
  • Comes with two adjustment points that allow you to get a comfortable fit for your pet's body size
  • Bungee leash that stretches as your pet reaches the end of the lead for more natural and gentler restraint
  • Large size can fit up to 18 inches of chest girth

Pros

  • Ideal for tolerant kitties that prefer lightweight straps over the heavy jacket-type
  • Stretchy leash for gentle leading without harsh tugging
  • Highly adjustable straps
  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it perfect for short trips in low-risk situations

Cons

  • Not ideal for aggressive and escape artists cats
  • Webbing straps are too narrow and may feel uncomfortable for your kitty
  • Not recommended to be used in high-risk situations

Here's another fantastic example of a step-in style known for its maximum comfort, lightweight feature, and breathability.

Best Pet Supplies Voyager All-Season offers ease of use as you can easily insert your pet's front limbs through the armholes. Then use its extra-durable Velcro closure to fasten it on their back.

Made with breathable mesh fabric, it is perfect for use under all types of weather. This product is ideal for short, casual trips in low-risk settings.

It will provide a lightweight and comfortable stroll for calm kitties that can tolerate walking on a leash.

However, this product is not adjustable, so you need to measure your kitty's neck and chest girths to find the perfect size. It is available in 5 sizes: extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.

Color choices: baby blue, army, black, blue, fuchsia, gray, lime green, orange, pink, purple, red, turquoise, and yellow.

Step-in types are preferred by many pet owners due to their ease of use and lightweight feature.

However, you may need to opt for the vest-style type if you're planning to go for long walks. More especially if you have a pet that would attempt to escape.

Key Features:

  • Breathable mesh fabric makes it an all-weather vest to be used all year round
  • Step-in type eliminates the need to slip it over your pet’s head
  • Wide straps reduce pressure points when you tug the leash, making it a better alternative to collars
  • Durable Velcro closure for moderate security and heavy-duty metal D-ring for leash attachment
  • Made with durable fabric material designed to last longer
  • Comes in 5 different sizes to fit your pet’s body size perfectly

Pros

  • Made with lightweight yet durable mesh fabric that can be used in all types of weather
  • Wide straps apply minimal pressure by distributing the load across the chest rather than the neck
  • Can be used for long walks and in high-risk situations
  • Step-in style for ease of use
  • Available in a wide range of colors

Cons

  • Velcro closure creates a ripping sound that may frighten some kitties
  • Not adjustable and less secure compared to flexible types

Most pet owners with manageable pets prefer to use the H-style type due to its simplicity and ease of use.

One of the best H-Style types in the market is the LupinePet Originals. Its adjustable straps are equipped with custom-designed side-release buckles for ease of use.

Made with high-quality jacquard is woven nylon webbing that can last longer than other H-style brands.

However, like most H-style types, LupinePet Originals uses open webbing that may not guarantee security for aggressive kitties.

We recommend this product for calm pets that don't require maximum security. If your kitty has experienced using collars before and can tolerate it, then you may consider this product.

Compared to typical collars, H-style types offer more comfort and security. However, it should only be used in low-risk situations such as short walks or a quick trip to the vet.

To put it just, the H-style type is not the best cat harness for traveling. You may need to pick more secured types such as vest-style or the step-in type for high-risk settings.

LupinePet Originals H-style is available in 17 vibrant patterns and prints.

Key Features:

  • Uses high-quality and durable nylon webbing that is designed to last
  • Highly adjustable straps to fit pet of any size
  • Padded handle leash for added comfort
  • Simple H-style design and functionality perfect for calm pets
  • Lightweight materials perfect for casual and short walks

Pros

  • Simple design
  • Machine washable
  • Available in a wide variety of exciting patterns
  • Ideal for calm pets that can tolerate collars

Cons

  • Narrow webbings may feel uncomfortable for some kitties
  • Not recommended for escape artist felines

Choosing the Right Harness for Your Cat

best type of cat harness

The best type of cat harness is an essential factor in selecting the right one for your kitty. Whether you opt for a more secured vest-style or the simpler H-style depends on your pet's personality and preference.

However, aside from the type, there are other factors to consider in choosing the best cat harness for your pet.

Perfect fit

A harness that perfectly fits, not too tight and not too roomy, should be your baseline in choosing the best cat harness.

Some models come with adjustable straps that allow you to adjust the girth around your pet’s neck and waist.

However, if your choice of model doesn't come with adjustable straps, you'll need to measure your pet's neck and waist manually. Use these measurements to find the perfect size for your kitty.

Remember, size does matter. A loose vest or webbing allows your kitty to escape from it. Moreover, a tight one can bring pain and discomfort for your pet.

To make sure that it fits, you should be able to fit two fingers between your pet's body and the harness.

A little room will provide sufficient space for your feline pet to freely move without the feeling of being squeezed.

Quality and Durability

why do cats fall over when they wear a harness

All of our recommended brands of best cat harness presented earlier significantly differ in every way. However, they have one thing in common, and that is durability.

Regardless of your choice among our top picks, you can be sure that your pet can use it for long periods of time.

Other brands may come at a lower price. However, some of these ‘cheap' brands have a reputation of using low-quality materials that may fall apart after a few uses.

Don’t compromise the safety of your pet and go for guaranteed brands that are preferred by most pet owners.

Comfort

Some kitties are way too sensitive while others can tolerate a little discomfort. If you happen to have a susceptible pet, you need to make sure it feels comfortable at all times.

Sensitive kitties prefer soft and lightweight materials. So you can cross out the big ones that could drag them down.

You also need to avoid narrow straps that can squeeze or pinch them each time you tug the leash.

For sensitive pets, always choose the best cat harness made with soft materials and wide straps to minimize pressure. 

Suitability

how to put on a cat harness

The best cat harness should suit your pet’s specific needs. Consider your pet’s lifestyle and personality.

Escape artist kitties would require more secured vest with no possibility of escaping.

If you're introducing your indoor kitty to the outdoors for the first time, make sure that it is fully secured. In this case, the vest-style type is the best type of cat harness to be used.

Outdoor kitties that have lots of experience with collars would prefer greater mobility over security.

Step-in types are less secure than the vest-style types, but they provide greater breathability and versatility than the latter one.

In choosing the best cat harness, it is essential to understand what your pet wants.

Reasons Why You Need to Get a Harness for Your Cat

best cat harness

It's common knowledge that walking is a healthy activity that can significantly improve aerobic capacity and leg strength. Moreover, it's not only applicable to humans but animals as well.

Domestic cats, in particular, are prone to obesity and other health issues due to their lack of physical exercise.

Felines thrive on a high protein diet. The body breaks down protein every day to produce amino acids which are then used to make glucose for energy production.

However, proper metabolism of protein can only be achieved through physical activities.

Without exercise, glucose together with fats and carbohydrates, adversely contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar.

Therefore, it is essential to make sure that our indoor kitties are getting enough physical activities.

Getting the best cat harness is one way of encouraging our feline pets to take a walk. 

Regular walks can help your furball stay fit, and this exercise also promotes longevity and better overall wellbeing.

There's certainly no doubt that walking is an excellent form of physical exercise. However, the safety of our furry friends should also be considered.

Whether you’re planning to walk your kitty on the sidewalk or in your backyard, there are always some risks.

This is where a secured vest or webbing comes handy. The best cat harness for traveling gives you the freedom to take your pet in the outdoors without any worry.

Aside from physical exercise, here are some of the critical reasons why you need to get the best cat harness for your pet now.

Enhanced cat-human bond

Having a walk together with your pet isn't just a fun way of getting an exercise. However, it also enriches the relationship between you and your feline companion.

Exploring together with your kitties also allows you to discover the things that they’re interested in.

Likewise, your pet will become more receptive with how you communicate with it.

Using the best cat harness for traveling will give both you and your pet the freedom and security to walk together.

Mental stimulation

best cat harness for traveling

Some pet owners attest that their indoor furballs are too lazy to take a walk. Do cats hate the outdoors that much?

Felines love the outdoors. If given a choice, they would prefer to live outside rather than to be confined inside the house.

Our feline friends don't hate walking. They love to explore places they've never been before.

The only probable reason why some kitties refuse to take a walk outside is that they hate the discomfort of wearing collars and leash.

Taking a walk is supposed to be a fun yet a relaxing way to explore the outdoors. However, if your pet feels the torment of being squeezed by the neck, it'll develop animosity towards the activity itself.

Instead of using collars, choose the best type of cat harness that will provide maximum comfort while they explore.

Letting them feel the breeze, scratch on real trees, and watch real birds outside can stimulate their minds. Of course, they can only experience these things if they feel comfortable.

Reduced stress

Anxiety, depression, and aggression all stem from one primary source – weight. Being one of the most perceptive animals, felines are also at risk of stress, indoor kitties more especially.

Letting them feel the freedom of exploring outside will help them release their energy and boredom.

An active lifestyle and mental stimulation work together to combat stress and other health-related problems in your feline pet.

Manageability

Felines tend to go out of control when they feel threatened or in pain. The outside world is abundant with dangers that can threaten your kitty.

That is why it's crucial to keep your eyes on them all the time while you go on walks.

Putting collar and leash on your pet seems to be the only way to keep your pet under control. However, as mentioned earlier, the pain caused by the collar on their neck can frustrate them.

With the best cat harness for traveling, you can manage your pet’s movement while providing ease and comfort.

Choose the best type of cat harness that provides minimal pressure and keeps them secure with no room to escape.

Getting the best cat harness is not just about taking your kitty out for walks. It is also a valuable facility if you wish to leash train your kitty.

How to Put On a Cat Harness

how to put on a cat harness

Considering your pet’s personality and lifestyle, you should be able to find the best cat harness that suits your kitty.

If your feline friend hasn’t worn any of this before, it may take some time before your pet can get familiar with it.

Test it out first before you take your pet outside for a walk. Give your pet some time to acclimate to it gradually.

Here are some tips to help you train your kitty to use its new harness:
  • Please don't put it on your kitty right from the get-go. Familiarize your pet with it by leaving on their usual places such as near their toys or beside their food bowls.
  • They tend to get frightened by the sound of Velcro closures. Get your pet used to the noise by opening and closing the closure where they can see it.
  • Your kitty is likely to avoid it at first. However, once they get used to it, they'll eventually approach it like it's nothing. If you notice that your pet is already aware of its presence, slowly put it on your kitty and give it a treat afterward.
  • Don't force it off your pet refuses to wear it at first. Make sure to reward your furball with a treat if it allows you to drape the harness over its body.
  • Learn how to put on a cat harness properly. Because once you’ve successfully put it on, you can start fastening the buckles.
  • Allow your pet to wear it for a few minutes.
  • Take it off immediately if your pet appears frustrated or uncomfortable. Then slowly reintroduce it again after taking a break.
  • Establish positive associations with it by giving treats each time your pet wears it.
  • Repeat this process until your kitty feels comfortable with it. After that, you’ll be ready to explore the outdoors with your feline friend at your side.

Learning how to put on a cat harness properly can make the job a lot easier. Comfort and security are the main reasons why we opt for the best cat harness.

Make sure that that the vest or strap webbing is a snug fit and securely in place. However, also make sure that it's not too tight to prevent squeezing or pinching irritations when the leash is pulled.


Why Do Cats Fall Over When They Wear a Harness?

best cat harness

Cats wearing it for the first time tend to fall over when they try to walk. Some kitties even stand still and refuse to make a single move.

However, why do cats fall over when they wear a harness? Moreover, why do they freeze like a statue when you put it on them for the first time?

Should it be a matter of concern? Some pet owners are quick to give up using a harness because they don't like to see their pets experience the said predicaments.

However, this reaction is just normal, and there's no reason to panic when you see your kitty falling over at first.

Wearing something unfamiliar for the first time is an uncommon experience for them. Due to their sensitive nature, even a slight alteration in their usual routine comes as a big deal.

To put it just, they're not used to walk wearing a jacket or some straps around their body.

As a result, they tend to get distracted by it and react by falling over or freezing in place.

If your feline pet reacts the same way, don’t worry. Let your pet spend more time in its harness until it learns to move and walk while wearing it.

You can help your pet overcome its unfamiliarity by interacting with it. Rewarding it with a treat can come a long way as this will give a positive affiliation with it.

Also, try rubbing some catnip powder onto the vest or straps to get your kitty to relax.

Felines are versatile creatures, and they can quickly adapt to their environments. No matter how unusual the sure thing is, they gradually become accustomed to it if they're exposed to it regularly.

Conclusion

Giving the best cat harness is tantamount to giving your kitty an opportunity to achieve happy, healthy well-being.

Taking care of an indoor kitty doesn’t necessarily mean keeping them confined inside the house at all times.

Doing so can take a toll on their mental and physical health. While it’s true that allowing them to go outdoors exposes them to grave dangers, you can avoid this by accompanying them outside.

The use of collars and leash has been the common practice among pet owners to keep their pets under control. However, it's also no secret that constant tugging can bring pain and discomfort to the kitty.

You don’t have to put your precious pet under the torment of collars anymore. Choosing the best type of cat harness for your feline friend is the ultimate solution to this problem.

The best cat harness for traveling provides comfort, security, durability, and ease of use that a typical leash cannot offer.

Once you’ve chosen the best type of cat harness, learning how to put on a cat harness properly comes next.

This is essential to ensure that your pet is comfortable and secure. Some aggressive kitties can easily escape from typical collars.

The best cat harness is designed to leave no room for your pet to escape while keeping it snug and comfy.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your kitty the best cat harness now so you can start all sorts of outdoor adventures together.


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