Ready to give your cat the best of both worlds?! The safety of indoors and the adventure of the outdoors! We’re here to show you the best cat harness, recommended leashes, plus other tips.
Especially for active, intelligent breeds like Bengals, regular walks are a great way to provide mental stimulations and prevent boredom!
But just so we’re clear: you will not be walking your cat… your cat will be walking you 😉
What to Look for in a Cat Harness
Safety / Security: Difficult to break out of or back out of
Your biggest fear about taking your precious kitty into the big world: he escapes and runs away in a panic. That’s a legitimate fear, and it’s important to choose a harness based on its safety level!
Keep in mind that no cat harness is going to be guaranteed escape proof, no matter what the advertising says. Some cats are just Houdinis. If you see your cat backing up in the harness, that means they’re attempting escape… don’t let the leash get tight or she may be able to get out of it!
For the best chances at being escape proof, the harness should fit perfectly, so it needs to be adjustable around the neck and chest.
Comfort: Lightweight, distributes pressure
A heavy or oppressive harness will be more difficult to train you cat with. The best harness should be reasonably comfortable, especially if you expect your cat to enjoy frequent walks.
A good cat harness will also evenly distribute pressure. When pulling forward, there shouldn’t be any small bands that dig into them, especially around their necks. They are not like dogs. If a harness causes them pain, they are more likely to panic and make the situation much worse. A good harness should have no single pressure points.
The Best Cat Harness (Updated January 2021)
We’ve gone ahead and found the best cat harnesses that can be easily purchased through Amazon.
It’s super important that the harness fits properly. Pay attention to the sizing recommendations, and only use the harness if it fits well.
Cat Harness Option #1: Kitty Holster Cat Harness
The Kitty Holster is a classic Cat Walking Jacket. Jackets tend to be more comfortable and more secure. The Kitty Holster is lightweight, and has an adjustable velcro neck and chest.
Features:
- The Original, Award-Winning walking vest for cats
- Fits 5″ – 9″ neck and 10″ – 14″ chest girth
- Soft, non-abrasive 100% undyed cotton lining. Made in the U.S.A.
Alternative: Yizhi Miaow Adjustable Walking Jacket
If you’re looking for more fun prints or want a slightly cheaper harness, this one is worth checking out. With over 3,000 5-star reviews, this jacket has been serving cat owners well!
It may run small, so we recommend purchasing two sizes and seeing which one fits better.
Cat Harness Option #2: Sleepypod Martingale Cat Harness
This is a solid harness for the kitty who takes their walks seriously! Sleepypod is a fantastic, trustworthy brand and this harness checks all the boxes.
Features:
- Soft and breathable mesh fabric
- A gentle martingale cinching feature to help prevent escape from harness
- Adjustable at the neck and chest
- Available in 5 colors and 3 sizes
Alternative: Pangdi Cat Harness
This harness incorporates buckles as well, which we like. Both the neck and chest can be unbuckled, so it’s still easy to take on and off. It’s not quite as long as the Martingale Cat Harness, so this could make it easier to back out of.
It may run small, so we recommend purchasing two sizes and seeing which one fits better.
The Best Leash for Walking Your Cat
For walking a cat, we prefer a bungee leash. If your cat makes a sudden movement, they may meet the end of the leash very suddenly, which could result in a strong pull against their harness. A bungee leash will help absorb some of this impact.
Recommended Leash: EzyDog Zero Shock Lite Bungee Leash
This is a good leash that has enough length and isnt too heavy.
Alternative: Jerk-Ease Bungee Leash Extension (Size Small)
If you already have a leash, this is an extension that you can simply add to it to help absorb shock.
Training Your Cat to Walk on a Harness
First: Get your cat acclimated to the harness indoors
Once the harness arrives, allow your cat to thoroughly smell the harness.
Next, drape it over her while she sleeps or eats so she can learn that it’s nothing to fuss over.
Then, find a quiet time to put the harness on. Make sure it’s snug, but not too tight.
If she falls over and acts broken, that’s completely normal!
Start to make positive associations. Reward her with her favorite treats when she wears the harness, or once she’s used to the harness a little, start to put the harness on just before feeding her. If she seems obsessive about the harness and needs additional distractions, bring out some wand toys. Don’t leave the harness on for longer than you can supervise for.
Once she’s comfortable with the harness and walks around the house like normal, you can add the leash. Get her used to having the leash connected to the harness, with you on the other end.
If your cat refuses to get comfortable with the harness and refuses to be distracted by toys and treats, you can try to introduce her to an outdoor experience to see if that is enough to distract her from the weird harness… just make sure it’s in a safe, enclosed space!
Then: Try your first outdoor excursion in an enclosed space
Once your cat is completely comfortable with the whole harness experience, you can bring her outside! For her first adventure, find a place that is enclosed and free of distractions and dangers. Stay away from traffic or crowded areas.
You might find that she just wants to slowly meander around, or even sit in one place! Rest assured that she is still thriving from the experience and will continue to become more bold with more practice.
If she tries to reverse out of the harness, make sure not to hold the leash tight! Get back behind her and keep slack in the leash.
Some cats are able to get out of ANY harness. If the harness fits like a glove and you’ve tried several kinds and your cat still gets out, it may just be not meant to be.
If you find success, then congratulations! It may seem like a lot of effort up front, but we promise it’s worth it! Cats get so much mental stimulation from the outdoors. While the indoor life is undoubtedly safer than allowing your cat to roam freely outdoors, she can still benefit tremendously from having a taste of the great outdoors!
