Take Your Cat Outside Safely With The Best Adjustable Cat Harnesses

For cat owners, few things bring more joy than seeing your feline friend happily exploring the great outdoors. However, letting your cat roam freely comes with many risks thatrange from encounters with predators to becoming lost. An adjustable cat harness offers the perfect solution, allowing your kitty the adventure of the outdoors while keeping them safe and secure.

Unlike collars or traditional carriers, cat harnesses disperse pressure evenly across the torso for comfort and injury prevention. Adjustable straps provide a customized fit to suit your cat’s unique size and shape. Harnesses give you better control over your cat than a collar, and more freedom for them than a crate or bag. With a quality adjustable cat harness, your feline can experience fresh air and new sights, sounds, and smells under your watchful supervision.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll review the top five adjustable cat harnesses available today. We’ll cover the key factors to consider when picking the best adjustable harness for your cat’s needs. You’ll also find answers to the most frequently asked questions about sizing, safety, and successfully introducing your cat to wearing a harness.

Let’s start by taking a look at the top five adjustable harnesses that provide the perfect blend of comfort, customization, and security for your feline escape artist.

The Top 5 Adjustable Cat Harnesses

1. Happy & Polly Reflective Cat Harness

The Happy & Polly Reflective Cat Harness is a top pick for nighttime walks thanks to its bright neon stripes and reflective bands that increase your cat’s visibility. Made from durable nylon, this vest-style harness has four fully adjustable straps to distribute pressure evenly.

Key Features:

• Reflective strips and vibrant colors for improved visibility
• 4 adjustable straps provide full customization
• Sturdy nylon construction
• Heavy-duty plastic quick-release buckles
• Recommended for cats 5-15 lbs
• Padded inner lining for comfort

Pros

• Great for night walks
• Very adjustable fit
• Well-made with reinforced stitching
• Cats seem comfortable wearing it

Cons

• Only comes in neon green color
• Buckles can be tricky at first

Price Range: $15 – $25

The Happy & Polly Reflective Cat Harness excels at providing a secure fit and peace of mind for owners who walk their cats at night.

2. Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash

For cat owners seeking an all-in-one adjustable harness and leash set, the Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash combo delivers. The H-style harness has four adjustable straps for the perfect fit. The included 4-foot leash attaches securely to the back.

Key Features:

• H-style harness with 4 adjustable straps
• Comes with sturdy 4-foot leash
• Mesh fabric over chest and belly for breathability
• Easy one-handed adjustable side release buckles
• Fits cats 5.5 – 27 lbs
• Available in 5 colors

Pros

• Good value for harness and leash set
• Very breathable for cats in warmer climates
• Generous size range
• Padded neck and chest straps

Cons

• Only a basic leash is included
• May not be escape-proof for crafty cats

Price Range: $15 – $20

For those seeking a complete adjustable harness and leash kit, the Rabbitgoo set is a great choice.

3. PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness

Featuring a streamlined design, the PUPTECK Adjustable Cat Harness is a safe and sturdy option. This vest-style harness has four straps that are each adjustable for the perfect custom fit. The neck strap is made of soft padded mesh for additional comfort.

Key Features:

• Streamlined vest-style design
• 4 adjustable straps including padded neck strap
• Heavy-duty plastic quick-release buckles
• Breathable lightweight polyester fabric
• Fits cats 5.5 – 33 lbs
• Comes in 6 colors

Pros

• Very adjustable for an exact fit
• Well-made with reinforced seams
• Neck padding prevents chafing
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Buckles can be tricky to unfasten
• Material tends to pick up lint and hair

Price Range: $10 – $20

With its fully adjustable design, padded neck strap, and range of color choices, the PUPTECK Harness is an excellent all-around option.

4. EcoBark Maximum Comfort Cat Harness

Featuring ultra-wide straps and extra padding, the EcoBark Maximum Comfort Harness prioritizes your cat’s relaxation and protects sensitive areas. The vest-style design has four fully adjustable straps for the perfect custom fit.

Key Features:

• Extra wide straps with dense cushioning
• Reinforced stitching for durability
• 4 adjustable straps with quick-release buckles
• Breathable mesh lining
• Fits cats 5 – 22 lbs
• Reflective strip for visibility

Pros:

• Very well-padded for comfort
• Great for older or arthritic cats
• Easy to put on and remove
• Larger size range accommodates big kitties

Cons:

• Bulky design
• Only available in black
• Padding leads to heat retention

Price Range: $25 – $35

With its heavy padding and adjustability, the EcoBark Cat Harness excels at providing ultimate comfort for older or achy felines.

5. EverTrust Two Handle Leash and Cat Harness

Uniquely designed with two grab handles plus a leash, the EverTrust Harness offers excellent control over active cats. The H-style vest has four adjustable straps for the ideal custom fit.

Key Features:

• Vest harness with two grab handles
• 4 adjustable straps
• Includes 5-foot dual-ended leash
• Fits cats 7 – 25 lbs
• Available in red or blue

Pros:

• Very good control from dual grab handles
• Handy double-ended leash included
• Escape-resistant design
• Two color choices
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Not as padded as some harnesses
• Grabbing both handles can twist the harness
• Only a basic leash is included

Price Range: $10 – $15

The unique grab handles make the EverTrust harness a great choice for maintaining control over large, strong, or easily excited cats on the move.

Now that we’ve reviewed the top five adjustable cat harnesses available, let’s go over some key considerations for picking the right one for your feline companion.

How to Choose the Perfect Adjustable Cat Harness

With so many adjustable cat harnesses to choose from, it can be tricky finding the ideal one for your cat. Here are some important factors to keep in mind during your selection process:

Check Your Cat’s Measurements

• Be sure to measure your cat’s chest girth and neck circumference with a flexible tape measure.
• Refer to the size chart for each harness brand and choose a size that fits your cat’s measurements.
• Remember to allow room for adjustability. It’s better for the harness to be slightly loose than overly snug.

Consider Your Cat’s Personality and Activity Level

• For bold explorers, prioritize escape-proof designs with reinforced stitching.
• Shy or nervous cats need styles with ample padding for comfort.
• Extremely active cats require durable materials and secure fasteners.
• Harnesses with extra handles provide more control over energetic kitties.

Look for Safety Features

• Quick-release buckles allow you to rapidly detach the harness in an emergency.
• Reflective elements improve visibility at night.
• Avoid anything that could catch and choke your cat.
• Ensure all straps are adjustable for limiting constriction risk.

Check the Fit and Movement Allowance

• The harness should not rub, chafe or constrict your cat’s range of motion.
• Proper fitting harnesses disperse pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders.
• Test out walking with the harness before going outside to check for issues.

Match Added Features to Your Needs

• If you’ll walk your cat at night, reflective surfaces and bright colors are useful.
• Opt for a harness with an attachment ring to connect a leash.
• Look for included accessories like leashes, pockets or ID tags if desired.

Know Your Budget

Quality adjustable cat harnesses typically range from $10 to $35. Set a comfortable spending limit before you start shopping.

Making sure to follow measuring instructions, reading customer reviews, and understanding your cat’s personality will help guide you to picking the perfect adjustable harness that checks all your boxes.

Now let’s go over some frequently asked questions about choosing, fitting, and using adjustable cat harnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustable Cat Harnesses

Here are answers to some of the most common questions cat owners have about adjustable harnesses:

Are harnesses safe for cats?

Yes, high-quality cat harnesses made by reputable brands are generally safe when used properly. The key is ensuring a proper anatomical fit and monitoring your cat’s tolerance. Introduce any new harness slowly and keep an eye out for signs of distress like panting, agitation, or vocal objections. Never leave a harness unattended on your cat.

Will my cat accept wearing a harness?

While some cats adapt right away, others may resist or require an adjustment period, especially if they’ve never worn one before. With ample treats, praise, and patience, most cats can be trained to willingly wear and even enjoy their harness. Start with very short sessions inside the home. Try having your cat wear it while napping or eating to associate the harness with relaxing experiences.

Can a harness injure my cat’s legs or shoulders?

Poorly fitting harnesses can cause discomfort, chafing and even injury. Make sure to accurately measure your cat and follow sizing guidelines. Proper fitting includes room for two fingers between the harness and your cat’s body. Adjustable straps allow you to customize a secure but gentle fit. Routinely check that straps are not cinching or rubbing. A wider harness evenly distributes pressure across your cat’s chest and shoulders.

Are harnesses better than collars?

Yes, harnesses are vastly safer than collars when taking your cat outside. Collars can choke your cat or enable them to slip out of them. Harnesses disperse pressure over the torso instead of the delicate throat. Kittens and cats with respiratory issues should only wear harnesses.

How do I measure my cat for a harness?

Use a soft measuring tape to wrap around the widest part of your cat’s chest for their girth. Next, loosely measure around their neck where the harness neck loop will sit. Refer to the specific harness size chart and allow room for adjustability. If between sizes, size up to the larger size. It’s ideal for the harness to be slightly loose rather than uncomfortably snug.

What safety features should I look for in a cat harness?

Key safety features include adjustable straps, quick-release buckles, durable construction that resists chewing or clawing, and design elements that prevent escape. Reflective accents are crucial for night walks. Inspect the harness regularly for any wear and tear. Avoid harnesses with dangling parts that could catch on something.

Can I leave a harness on my cat unattended?

Never leave a collar or harness on your cat unsupervised. Only put your cat’s harness on when you plan to directly monitor them outdoors. Always remove immediately when back inside. If left on unattended, the harness could get caught on furniture or fixtures, creating a dangerous choking hazard for your cat.

Are harnesses safe for kittens?

Adjustable kitten harnesses are available for younger cats. However, kittens may not be developmentally ready for leash walking until around 6 months old. Check with your veterinarian on the appropriate age and start very gradually. Frequent size adjustments will be needed as your kitten grows.

How do I get my cat comfortable with wearing a harness?

The key is taking it slow through positive reinforcement. First, let your cat inspect the harness without putting it on. Next, have them wear it for brief sessions inside, with ample treats and praise. Use lots of encouragement and keep sessions short. Slowly increase the duration of wear. Reward and monitor closely for any objections. Eventually transition outside to enclosed areas before wider adventures. With time and patience, your cat can adjust to their harness.

Hopefully this guide has helped you feel fully prepared to select the perfect adjustable cat harness for your feline friend. By following sizing guidelines, factoring in your cat’s personality, and looking for key safety features, you can pick out the ideal harness for adventures big or small. Remember to properly introduce your cat to their new harness gradually and with ample praise and treats.

Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying fresh air strolls together with your cat safely secured in a comfortable, custom-fit adjustable harness. Have more questions about cat harnesses or want harness recommendations? Feel free to reach out anytime!