A cat harness allows owners to take their cats outdoors safely while retaining control. Cat harnesses come in different styles and materials to suit various needs. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of selecting the most secure cat harness by examining key factors like safety, materials, style, adjustability, features, sizing, testing, top products, and more. We’ll outline what to look for in a safe, comfortable cat harness so you can find the right option for your feline companion.
Safety Considerations
When choosing a harness for your cat, safety should be the top priority. Some key safety considerations include:
Keeping your cat from escaping or jumping out – Look for a harness made with durable, tightly woven material without any gaps where your cat could potentially wiggle free. Avoid stretchy fabrics. Make sure the harness fits snugly.
Distributing your cat’s weight evenly – The harness should distribute weight across your cat’s shoulders, chest, and back. Don’t use collars, which put pressure only on the neck.
Preventing choking – Choose a harness with a quick-release buckle in case you need to remove it quickly. Avoid harnesses that cinch tight at the neck.
Materials
The most common materials used for cat harnesses are nylon, leather, and polyester. Each material has advantages and disadvantages:
Nylon is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly if wet. It’s also very durable and scratch-resistant. However, some cats may be able to chew through nylon straps over time. Sources: https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-cat-harnesses-4771652, https://theoreticallyteddy.com/2022/08/24/best-cat-harness-2022/
Leather looks stylish and is very difficult for cats to chew through. However, it can be quite stiff and less breathable than other materials. Leather also requires more care to keep it conditioned and prevent cracking. Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryleejohnston/cat-harness
Polyester is inexpensive, lightweight, and fairly durable. It dries quickly but can hold odors over time. Polyester may not be as escape-proof as nylon or leather. Source: https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-cat-harnesses-4771652
Style
There are various styles of harnesses available for cats:
- H-style harnesses – These are simple straps in an H-shape around the chest and under the front legs. They’re lightweight but may not be as secure as vest or jacket styles (source).
- Vest style – These wrap fully around the chest and torso more like a vest. They provide more security and won’t slide off (source).
- Jacket style – These are like small jackets that fully enclose the cat’s torso. They’re very secure but can be warm in summer.
- Figure 8 style – These wrap around the neck and chest in a figure 8 shape. They’re lightweight but may not be escape proof.
Vest and jacket styles tend to be the most secure options. H-style and figure 8 harnesses are lighter but may not prevent escapes. Choose the style based on your cat’s size, escape risk, and seasonal weather conditions.
Adjustability
One of the most important features to look for in a secure cat harness is adjustability. The harness should have adjustable straps that can be loosened or tightened to achieve a customized and comfortable fit for your cat’s unique body shape and size. As the Catharness Australia article notes, “Harnesses come with adjustable hooks and buckles for the leash to be plugged in.”
Customizable straps allow you to find the right tightness around your cat’s neck, chest, and torso. This prevents the harness from being too loose and allowing potential escapes, or too tight and uncomfortable for your cat. Harnesses designed for larger cat breeds should have longer straps and greater size adjustability.
Look for multiple adjustable touchpoints like around the neck, chest, and belly. High quality harnesses allow you to truly customize the fit for your individual cat’s body over time as they grow and change shape. The proper adjustable fit ensures security, comfort and optimizes control while walking your cat.
Features
When selecting a cat harness, some key features to look for include padding, buckles, a D-ring for attaching the leash, and reflectors.
Padding is important for comfort, especially around the neck and chest area where most pressure will be applied. Thick, soft padding helps prevent chafing and irritation (source).
High quality buckles that are secure but easy to adjust are also essential. Plastic clips are the most secure, while metal buckles allow for quicker release. Make sure to test the harness for any possible failure points before use (source).
A sturdy D-ring provides a safe attachment point for the leash that won’t break under pressure. It should be located on the back between the shoulder blades.
Reflective accents help keep your cat visible at night. Opt for harnesses with reflective stitching if walking near roads.
Sizing
Getting the proper sizing for your cat’s harness is crucial for safety and comfort. You’ll want to take some key measurements of your cat’s chest and neck to ensure the right fit. According to this source, the harness should fit snugly without being too tight. When in doubt between sizes, it’s best to size down for a more secure fit.
To find your cat’s size, first measure around the widest part of their chest behind their front legs. Compare this measurement to most harness size charts, which are typically given in chest circumference. It’s also important to consider your cat’s weight limit for any given harness size. Heavier cats will need a more reinforced design. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations, but allowing for future growth is wise especially for kittens.
According to SupaKit’s guide, their size small harness fits chests 10-12.5 inches, medium is 11.5-15 inches, and large covers 14.5-18 inches. Knowing the full range for each size makes it easier to choose the right fit.
Testing and Training
Proper training is essential for getting your cat comfortable with wearing a harness. The key is to introduce it slowly so they can get used to the feeling. Start by showing your cat the harness and letting them sniff it. Give them treats as a reward for positive interactions with the harness. Next, drape the harness loosely over your cat’s body while giving treats, without actually buckling it. Do this for short sessions of 5-10 minutes at a time until your cat seems comfortable wearing the harness passively.
When your cat tolerates the harness draped over them, try buckling it loosely and giving treats for a few minutes at a time. Gradually tighten the harness over multiple sessions until it is properly fitted but not too snug. Reward your cat with treats and praise throughout the process. Take things slowly, keeping sessions positive, short and low-pressure. With consistent rewards and patience, your cat will become more accustomed to wearing their harness properly.
It’s ideal to start harness training with kittens, but you can harness train cats at any age. The key is to be patient, consistent and reward desired behaviors. Never force or punish your cat during training, as this will only cause stress. With time and positive reinforcement, even older cats can learn to accept wearing a secure and comfortable cat harness.
Top Cat Harnesses
Based on my research, here are the top 2-3 cat harnesses to consider:
RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness
The RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness is one of the best overall cat harnesses. It has a vest-style design that wraps securely around your cat’s torso and velcro closures for adjustability. Pros of this harness include:
- Very secure and escape-proof
- Padding for comfort
- Reflective stitching for visibility
Potential cons are that it may take some time for your cat to get used to wearing it.
Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness
The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Cat Harness is also a top choice, especially for kittens. It has a H-style design with velcro closures on the chest and neck. Pros:
- Very adjustable for growing kittens
- Mesh material is breathable
- Reflective stripes for visibility
A potential con is that some cats may be able to back out of the harness if not adjusted properly.
Conclusion
When choosing the most secure cat harness, there are a few key factors to consider. Safety should be the number one priority – look for harnesses made of durable, escape-proof materials with secure closures. The harness should properly fit your cat’s body shape and size. Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit. Padded, comfortable styles help reduce chafing. Reflective accents improve nighttime visibility.
Test out any new harness in a safe, enclosed space and slowly get your cat accustomed to wearing it. With the right introduction and a secure, well-fitting harness, you can enjoy strolls outside with your favorite feline friend. The Ancol Escape Proof Cat Harness and the Kitty Holster Cat Harness stand out as two of the most secure and well-designed options to keep your cat comfortable and safe on adventures.
