Cat leashes and harnesses allow owners to take their cats outside safely while still maintaining control. They prevent cats from running off or getting lost outdoors. Leashes and harnesses also let cats get exercise and mental stimulation outside the home.
The history of leashing cats goes back thousands of years. Images from ancient Egypt around 2000 BC show cats on leashes, evidence that early domesticated cats were sometimes restrained. Ancient Egyptians valued cats highly and wanted to keep them safe. Cat collars were even buried with servants to prevent them from coming back as ghosts. Though cat leashes declined in popularity over the centuries, they have seen a resurgence in recent decades as a safe way to enrich a cat’s environment.
Safety
When it comes to potential risks, leashes can pose more dangers than harnesses. Leashes attach at the neck and provide less control, which increases the risk of tracheal damage from pulling or running suddenly. As one article explains, “Harness causes severe injury to stray cat” (http://www.reginacatrescue.com/blog/2020/6/harness-causes-severe-injury). Harnesses distribute pressure over the torso rather than the delicate neck area.
Injuries can occur if cats are able to escape from poorly fitted harnesses or leashes. As highlighted in “Mistakes to avoid when walking your cat with a cat harness,” escaping from a harness or leash can lead to injuries or worse for cats’ legs and necks (https://www.purrfectdesign.net/en/cat-harness-mistakes-to-avoid.html). Properly fitted, adjustable harnesses like the “Funfox Cat Harness Leash Set” help prevent escape and reduce injury risk (https://www.amazon.com/Funfox-Adjustable-Material-Prevention-Reflective/dp/B09N75G484).
Training
Proper training is essential for successfully walking your cat on a leash or harness. Many cats will resist wearing any restrictive equipment at first. Forming a positive association through treats, praise, and patience is key. According to How to Harness Train a Cat, take it slow by first letting your cat get used to wearing the harness indoors without attaching the leash. Provide treats and affection while putting on the harness and allowing them to walk around while wearing it. Do short sessions of just a few minutes at first.
Leash Training Your Cat also recommends after your cat is comfortable with the harness itself, attach the leash but keep it loose at first while following them around indoors. Slowly shorten the leash while providing positive reinforcement. Work up to holding the leash while your cat walks so they learn to follow your lead. Be patient throughout this process. While some cats take quickly to leash training, others may require many repeated sessions over weeks or months before being ready to walk outdoors.
Control
When it comes to controlling a cat’s movements, a harness generally provides more control than a collar and leash alone. Harnesses distribute pressure across the cat’s shoulders and chest rather than focusing it on the neck, which can help prevent choking or trachea damage from pulling. Harnesses wrap securely around the cat’s torso, making it more difficult for them to slip out or back out of the harness.
Cat harnesses often include a leash attachment on the back, which gives the human holding the leash better control over the cat’s direction and movement. With a collar and leash, cats can more easily twist their bodies around, but a harness keeps their chest facing forward. The RC Pets Moto Control Harness is designed with two leash attachment points to “steer” the cat.
Harnesses also allow for some restricted movement while keeping cats close and safe. For example, the rabbitgoo escape-proof cat vest harness has a bungee leash that provides some give for movement while preventing full escape. With training and proper use, harnesses grant more control over a cat’s wandering than a simple collar and leash.
Comfort
Cat harnesses are designed to be more comfortable for cats than traditional leashes. Harnesses distribute pressure over the torso rather than concentrating it on the neck, reducing strain and potential choking hazards (source). The soft, padded material of most harnesses cushions and protects the cat’s body, while breathable mesh harnesses help keep cats cool during walks.
Leashes can dig into a cat’s neck and cause chafing or even injury if the cat makes sudden movements or the leash gets caught. With harnesses, chafing tends to occur less often since pressure is distributed across the chest and shoulders rather than focused on the neck. However, harnesses should still be properly fitted to avoid potential chafing on the cat’s underarms or torso (source).
Escape Prevention
One of the most important considerations when choosing cat walking equipment is the ability to prevent escape. Both harnesses and leashes aim to keep your cat secure, but they do so in different ways.
With a standard leash and collar, there is a risk of cats slipping out of the collar or breaking away entirely. Cats are masters of wiggling and contorting themselves out of tight spaces. And given their flexible bodies and loose neck skin, it’s not uncommon for cats to slip a collar when the leash pulls. This allows them to make a quick getaway if they decide to bolt while on a walk.
Harnesses provide more escape protection by distributing pressure across the shoulders, chest and torso instead of the neck. A properly fitted harness with adjustable straps will form a snug fit that’s difficult for a cat to wiggle out of. Look for a step-in harness with a buckle on the back and adjustable straps around the neck, chest and belly areas. This full-body control makes it extremely difficult for a cat to break free.
For preventing escape while walking, a harness is the clear winner over a collar and leash. The design covers more of the cat’s body and removes the risk of slipping out of the neck strap. Proper harness fitting and strap adjustments are still important though for maximum security.
Exercise
A cat harness allows for more exercise and greater range of motion during walks compared to a leash. With a harness, your cat has more freedom to run, jump, climb, and explore while staying safe. The full range of motion and extra activity promotes better physical health. According to How to Harness Train a Cat, the extra exercise from harness walks can strengthen muscles, promote flexibility in joints, and prevent obesity.
In contrast, a leash limits the cat’s movement to a small radius determined by the leash length. While a short leash keeps your cat close by for safety, it restricts physical activity. The limited motion and exercise can lead to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness over time. For the healthiest walks, a well-fitted harness enables the most natural movement, range of motion, and physical benefits.
Enjoyment
Safety is paramount, but enjoyment is also an important consideration when choosing between a cat leash and harness. Some cats enjoy the freedom of exploring the outdoors, while others may become stressed. According to Amazon reviews, harnesses tend to allow for more natural movement and are less frustrating for cats. The chest and shoulder straps distribute pressure more evenly and allow for greater range of motion. With a collar and leash, constant tugging can become uncomfortable. Harnesses also reduce strain on the neck and prevent escape by backing out. So for a more pleasant and relaxing outdoor experience, a cat harness typically enables greater enjoyment than a leash alone.
Cost
When looking at cat leashes versus harnesses, cost is an important factor for pet owners to consider. Cat harnesses generally range in price from $10 to $30 at major retailers like Walmart and Petco (https://www.walmart.com/browse/pets/cat-harnesses/5440_202073_1014984_1738137). More heavy duty escape-proof harnesses with extra features can cost $40 or more. Cat leashes are often less expensive, with basic models starting around $5. Of course, more durable leashes with thicker materials and reflective strips can cost up to $20.
For pet owners on a tight budget, a basic nylon cat leash may be the most affordable option. However, cat harnesses provide more control and comfort, so they are often worth the extra investment. When choosing between a leash and a harness, assess your cat’s personality and your intended use. For very sporadic walks, a leash could suffice. But for regular walks or adventurous cats, a harness is likely the better long-term choice.
Conclusion
When deciding between a cat leash and a cat harness, there are pros and cons to each option. Cat leashes allow for more control and are often less expensive, but they don’t offer the same escape prevention and comfort as harnesses. Harnesses better distribute pressure across the cat’s body and make it harder for them to slip away.
Ultimately, for cats that don’t mind wearing them, harnesses tend to be the safer and more comfortable choice. Harnesses give cat owners more peace of mind that their feline won’t get loose while enjoying the outdoors. Though leashes work for some cats, harnesses reduce the risks of escapes, injuries, and sudden pulls or tugs. They also allow cats more freedom to explore than standard leashes.
If choosing a harness, look for adjustable, lightweight models made specifically for cats. Introduce the harness slowly and use positive reinforcement so your cat feels comfortable wearing it. With the right harness and training, both you and your cat can enjoy worry-free adventures outside.
