Reddit mentions: The best cat harnesses

She had a grand time, and has demanded to go out each morning since that first day.
The harness is a "Kitty Holster" (Kitty Holster - S/M Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013TMV9LO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_8KiA6CQz5omrY). There's a lot of neoprene cat/dog harnesses out there, but I thought this adjustable cotton one would be better tolerated. It's light, not too grabby, with a gentle overall pressure (which can be comforting).
When I first got the harness, I put it in her favorite sleeping spot for a few days, so either she'd get used to the smell of it and/or it would start to smell like her.
Early one morning, when it was super quiet and she was super mellow, I tried putting the neck part on her loosely. She was surprisingly chill, so I then loosely closed the belly section.
Then I spent a few minutes spoiling her with tons of her favorite treats.
By then she was walking around comfortably, so I decided to push my luck and continue to build the association of the harness with good things, so I snapped on the leash and propped open the back door.
I let her explore at her own pace: the first couple of times out, she traced the edges of the yard, along the house, along the fence. Just like cats case an unfamiliar house: learn the perimeter, know how to get back to your safe place.
"Walking" a cat on a leash is the opposite of walking a dog: you follow them, not vice versa. I liken it to being the person on a boat tending a deep sea diver: they're focused on exploring, you're focused on following them about, maintaining their lifeline.
Sorry this is long! I hope some of it is useful. Good luck with your new feline friend!

Pandora's Mystery Summer Box of Goodies

Making people happy makes me tick :) Life's greatest pleasure, for me, is giving and receiving lots of love!

My perfect summer day involves friends, sunshine, frisbees, and SNACKS.

This would let my kitty come along on summertime adventures!

Also a shipping address is okay for me to give.

While /u/Cat_Man_Bane has a point about starting with kittens, I adopted my cat at 2 years, so it wasn't exactly an option.

What type of harness do you have? Dog harnesses rarely work. Like this type can be escaped from super easy. And it can't be any type that applies pressure to their neck - they'll just flop to the side like a kitten, as it's like grabbing their scruff. That's why collars suck. Well, one of many reasons.

This is what I have. It's velcro, and easy to put on. She gives me a tiny bit of a fight putting it on as I have to move her around but she's pretty chill about it, since once it's on it's not as offending as some of the others.

But getting her used to it? Eh. She has her moments where she hates it. Then she sees a bird and forgets it's on and goes running for the bird, happy as can be. The best way to get them used to it is putting it on inside, staying around them constantly and watching them so they don't panic and you can't help, and letting them get used to it. It might take a bit for them to decide to walk or to walk normal. It might take several days, a few hours a day. But it'll happen. Then once they're okay, attach a leash and let them drag it around (so obviously not a bulky retractable one). Once that's okay (that's the easy part, thankfully) then try outside.

Cats and walks are difficult with the best cat, because it's a lot of new sights and sounds. They're very territorial, so new territories scare them. But once they get used to a certain path or area, they're pretty chill.

I have a Hurtta Adventure Y-harness meant for dogs! My kitty is pretty large for his breed at nearly 6 kg (13 lbs), so a dog harness worked best. A thick Y-harness was chosen because of the seatbelt usage and because this particular one is reflective, so I only have to put a reflective vest on him when we're out in the woods during hunting season. With smaller cats I've used cat harnesses, but the ones that have only one strap on the back and none under the belly haven't really worked.

The most important thing is fit and buying one that can be adjusted around the neck. If a cat can fit their head through without adjusting, they can back out of it. The recommendation is tightening up until you can only fit two fingers under the straps.

This type has in my experience been the most escape proof. When it's tight enough it's incredibly hard to wiggle out, because it covers a large surface and it's tightened when it is already on the cat. If the band around the neck isn't adjustable, escape becomes much easier.

This type is okay and I've never had a cat escape. I have heard of escapees though. If the band under the belly moves around instead of being fixed to one spot a cat can get their paw under it a bit easier.

When I've been called to set up traps for someone's cat that has escaped from a harness, it's usually something like this or this. Bad adjustability, nothing under the belly and very easy to get on (and off).

1. Harness leash
   
   
2. Lily is too cute!! Congrats :D This is me and my Lily! I commend you on the beautiful name choice. I like to sing her pictures of Lily.
   
   
3. My last pup passed a few years back, so it's been a while since I've had a puppy. People seem to really like this guy's advice.
   
   
4. A lily by any other name is still a beautiful pet!

Leash training is an awesome way to give your cat exercise and enrichment!

As mentioned, they should be up to date on their shots. They should also get regularly dewormed, and be on flea/tick preventative. Talk to your vet about these at the home visit.


Leash training is easier when started young. Start by getting them an appropriate harness (like this, which is a great harness), putting it on them a few times a day by following this method - Dr. Sophia Yin's website has a lot of great resources on training animals positively. I personally would start with just the harness (no lead) for the first couple of weeks. Leave the harness on for longer periods of time, then add a lead to it.


It will likely take a while for them to be comfortable walking in the harness and lead, but with enough patience and perseverance you might have them ready in time for summer weather. :)


When on walks outside, keep an eye on what they are doing - make sure they are not eating anything, or drinking from puddles/ponds (parasites and bacteria can make them sick!).

Not the person you're replying to, but there's a step-in harness that I use for my cat when it's colder outside and I want her to have more protection.

Generally I use one similar to this with two buckles. It's easier to put on than the other. It's not the exact one I use but I can't find any info on the one I have.

As other posters have said, you want to get your cat comfortable with the harness before you ever go outside, or they will flip and twist and do their best to get out of them. Now my cat associates the harness with walking and will let me put it on her because she knows it means she's going outside. I also make sure I pick her up and take her outside so she doesn't bolt out on her own.

We adopted her as an adult (three yrs) and as far as I know, she was never on the leash with her previous owners. I did some research and bought the Come With Me, Kitty harness in medium for her (she's 11 lbs). I put it on her for the first time and imagined she'd flip out, but she practically ignored it and pranced around the house as usual. The first good sign. I attached the leash to it, picked her up, and placed her outside in a sunny spot in the grass. We tried this daily. The first few times, she just sort of laid down in the grass or walked around a little before trying to get back inside. Eventually, she walked around the perimeter of the house sniffing and rolling in the grass. We've been doing this for about a month, and she finally seems very well-adjusted to it. It helped her that I did not ever try to pull her in a certain direction or force her to walk. If she was laying down, I sat and waited with her. Sometimes I would bring treats outside and lure her around a little bit to get her used to it. Now she seems happy! I think it helps that she is a naturally well-mannered and curious adult cat.

This is my favorite leash training tips video. Catmantoo is an experienced cat trainer and his video worked great for me. My cats aren't very food motivated so I used toys and vocal/petting reinforcement. This video looks pretty good as well. In my experience, finding the right harness is the most important factor. I tested out 5 or 6 different kinds and found that my girl loves a heavier harness that clips around the neck instead of sliding over. Most cat harnesses are really lightweight, bodysuit style, or slide over the head, so I had to get a dog harness for her. She currently has this one, which many other cats also use.

Every cat will be different, I've not had much luck with my kitty but I'm still working with her. I picked up a harness from Walmart, similar to this that fits her decently.

I'm interested in getting her a harness like this, but she's a small cat and I'm generally worried about her slipping out of everything.

Every cat will react differently but you should start slowly. Introduce the harness to him. Then you can move on to getting him in it. He will most likely flop over like it's heavy. Just let him spend time in it and give him treats. Increase the time the next few days, and start using the treats to get him to come to you. Then you can move on to taking him outside. Do not pull him and let him go at his own pace. Try to pick a place that's quiet so that he isn't scared and therefore possibly ruining the experience.

I've gotten to the point of taking my cat outside my apartment door but she eventually walks back to the door as if to say "I don't wanna go anywhere!". I don't have the time to be consistent with her, or maybe she doesn't see the "benefit" in being in the harness as we haven't been outdoors, or she may just not even care to be outdoors. Hopefully though, she'll warm up soon! Good luck to you.

You're welcome! I got the one he has right meow from Petco, it does its job, just getting too small now, so I need to get him a bigger one! But this one is supposed to be the best:
Petsafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash, Medium, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OMD5ZA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Mujdvb079DEBR

If you are getting a kitty that's younger than 3 months then go with the small kitten size, but if he/she is like 4 months or so start with medium. I got him a kitten size one and he has almost grown out of it!

Also thank you, I live in a really old house and it has that Harry Potter door in my laundry room lol! It goes back another 10 feet or so, so I staple gunned up some vinyl fabric to make the cave!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBFHXU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kfIGAb17MKKMQ

So this is the one we got, and it’s pretty easy to get on! The one you linked looks more secure, but like you said, is prolly more of a pain to get on/off. We’re really happy with ours, and so is Mordecai when we take him out. He doesn’t normally wear a collar for the exact same reasons. Always hijinks his way out haha

How big is your bunny?

Some people have had a lot of success with the "walking jacket" style- basically a vest for their rabbit. I find this works pretty well on the "under 7 lb" group of rabbits. Sometimes the strap around the neck is too bulky.

For bigger rabbits, I'm partial to an "H-style harness" (link is to the same brand/style I use). The adjustability makes for a very secure fit and the dual clips allow for easy on and off when you are in possession of thumbs.

Whatever you do, skip harnesses that look like this. Squishing rabbit heads/dewlaps/ears through the nonadjustable neck hole is stressful and uncomfortable. It's very bulky between the legs. They often are made of a stretchy material, which allows bunnies to escape.

It is absolutely easiest to start when they're a kitten so they get used to the feeling of the harness. The harness must be tight enough that they will not escape, but loose enough not to choke or chafe. I like harnesses with the I design like this. They are sturdy and do not restrict movement. Bulky materials on harnesses can sometimes cause irritation and limit movements, but can also be more comfortable to some cats.

The most important:

Be Patient.
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Chances are, your cat won't like it at first. Some cats are so excited to be outside they don't even notice, but most will just lay down or flop. They'll want to eat grass and check everything out.

BE ALERT. Look for dogs or other people that might scare your cat. Keep their favorite toy or treats with you to distract them if you need to.

Take baby steps. You're bringing your cat into something they're not used to. Along with patience, know when and when not to push the boundary. Sometimes they'll be completely content with sitting on the front step, but if your goal is to get them to walk around in the yard, you might need to nudge them a bit out of their comfort zone to see how they react.

Not a brand, but I had better luck with the ones that were vest or "escape-proof", which don't seem to be the ones sold in PetSmart, which are considered H-type. Though those worked on my other generic tabby cats, my Bengal was too lean and could get right out of it. This one has worked for our girl: FUNPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness No Pull Comfort Padded Vest for Small Pet Cat and Puppy Yellow S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JU4AEQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oSh0BbNCFRJ78

She is about 7 pounds now, if that helps for size reference.

https://www.amazon.com/Voyager-Weather-Best-Pet-Supplies/dp/B00CHSW2D6

From the pics, it looks like it has a snap on the top, so I'd assume its pretty easy. Just lay it flat on the floor, have your dog put his paws in holes, pull it up and snap :)

Thank you! He is a bengal. He is so funny and sweet.

The harness is actually from Amazon: Best Pet Supplies Voyager All... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076BVMKW1?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

My pick is the favorite day of adventures and an adorable puppy! I'm sorry about your loss :( It was very hard for me when I lost my first kitty... I miss her still. But I have a new baby named Shaanty whom I also love very much :) he needs a harness so I can take him outside... but I understand if that's too much money so he could always use new toys :)

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. And so do cats!

Sure!

Leash: link
Harness: link

The harness was recommended when I googled around for reviews. Definitely go for a “vest” style harness because they’re much harder for cats to get out of than the classic harness-style ones (we all know cats can defy physics). Obviously you can use pretty much any leash with it.

I highly recommend it! It's designed so it does not choke the bunny at all, and both my bunnies (slightly different size) fit well. The tightness around the waist is adjustable, and the buckles prevent them the bunnies from chewing it off.


PS. I got mine from Amazon, it's a kitty harness, and I use the smallest size for my bunnies (they are around 2-3 pounds)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OBH1T8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's more your cats preference. They have plain strap harnesses and vest harnesses. If your kitty is an escape artist they have vest harnesses specific for that. I won't get my kitten till August but I got the come with me kitty cat harness/bungee leash combo. It got great reviews, was reasonably priced on Amazon, and I've seen it in PetSmart
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBFHXU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_czJBzb6CRV7GC

A small is plenty small enough for a kitten, you'll obviously have to get a bigger size if they grow/are a bigger cat

Last I checked, the ASPCA recommends the "Come With Me Kitty" Harness. I have one, and I would recommend it as well. This is the only one (out of three so far) that my cat has not managed to be able to "back" out of.

I got mine at petsafe.net. I am not affiliated with any of these orgs, products, etc.

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edit: for anyone curious, here is a no-affiliate link to amazon reviews of it:

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBIW9Q#customerReviews

Anyone on here have a suggestion on harnesses for a tripod? I have tried two different harnesses (this one and this one) and my cat’s lack of a front left leg always makes it fall off in some way. He’s also a wild one with some strong back legs but loves to explore so I want to take him outside!

Might want to get a harness and doggy seatbelt. My guy would ride shotgun with me and one day an on coming car decided he was going to pass the car in front of him, but was really close to me. I hit the breaks and slowed from 50 mph to 30 mph, but the little dude flew forward and hit the dashboard. He is fine, but after that I sprung 20 bucks for the peace of mind.

Seatbelt
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFP4ML5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Pzg7CbSECYGFK

Harness https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M0V7RYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KFg7CbARTYR3Z

I'm sorry to hear about putting down your buddy. I had to do the same thing to my black cat 2 months ago... he was only 4 years old =/

It's very different than training a dog. The younger you start, the better. The first step is to get a harness, and put it on the cat just around the house (leave the leash off). Try to get them used to the feeling of having it on them. Play with them while its on, distract them, try to make them forget it's there.

After they seem somewhat comfortable wearing it, you can try taking them outside. Stay close to the house/apartment. As soon as they get outside they will be so fascinated by the outside world that they won't focus on the harness/leash anymore. I did this only once and he acted a lot better than I expected. I would pick him up, walk a little, then set him down and let him explore a bit.

Start with short 20 min adventures per day. Then gradually work up to going further away. The cat wont really walk to a destination like a dog would, but instead just freestyles it and goes in random spots. I have to carry my cat to the park or else we'd never get there.

Don't pull the leash, dont try to direct the cat. If you want to go to a park or something, carry them there. My cat is starting to learn the way we walk to the park, so he will walk that direction sometimes.

If you see a dog, pick them up. If they pull or try to run somewhere, pick them up. Don't ever pull on the leash trying to get them to follow you or go where they want.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I've only actually been on 1 walk to the park so far so I'm still learning.



Here is the harness I have
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBIW9Q/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466097901&sr=8-1&keywords=come+with+me+kitty

I recommend this harness, nice and secure!

I'd recommend this one. They are Bengal proof... My girl has done backflips trying to get out of it when a loud truck drove up and it held. The only time she actually did get out was when she was in a tree and got it stuck on a branch, and she wiggled out of it. Plus they look pretty good on bengals :)

No workout wishlist as I don't really work out. Can't lift because of a bum shoulder but I do a lot of walking and would love a kitty harness so I could take my cats with me.

Try out Heroica for your board game fix

a link to a online webgame of the Heroica Castle Fortaan game

I have the voyager no-pull harness. It works really well for him, and it was great for my other little guy when he was around.

voyager Harness

I was hoping it was something like this one so I could see how you liked it: http://www.amazon.com/Alfie-Pet-Petoga-Couture-Step-/dp/B00KVUBI6E/

Right now I have a no pull dog harness because that's the only one big enough they had at Petco that tightened up so he couldn't wiggle out. If he was a little smaller I'd have a come with me kitty. http://www.amazon.com/Petsafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBIW9Q

What kind of harness do you have? They make ones out of cloth that Velcro on, a lot of cats like better than the typical harness.

Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007KAYDXI?cache=819a242b6684f22d3e028e9be9c97c57&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1415133847&sr=8-12#ref=mp_s_a_1_12

Sorry about the crazy link, on mobile.

Some cats just aren't into it though...we have 2 and only 1 took to it.

10 or under items are awesome! Bubbles really needs a new harness since he's gotten so big recently!

It’s a harness. He didn’t love things around his neck so we compromised with this:
come with me kitty harness

It sits around his chest and doesn’t press on his neck plus it dries quickly

We use this. Pumpkin loves going outside! If you try it and he just lays down and gives up when you have the leash on, put it on next to the door and then carry him out. Once Pumpkin realized the leash meant going out, she tolerated it being put on and then practically dragged me out the door!

Kitty Holster Cat Harness, Medium/Large, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAWSU8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_p1Rxyb12G89EH

Maybe you can figure out what i did wrong!! haha. i'm genuinely sad it didn't work out. seemed like a great idea for him cuz we go in 2+ hour car trips and he gets buckled in, plus we live in a shoebox apartment so he's leash trained so he can explore outside.

This is the one I use with my cat, she barely acknowledges it's on, very comfortable and not confining.

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Kitty-Harness-Bungee-Leash/dp/B000OBFHXU/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1473790441&sr=1-4&keywords=cat+harness

From a durability stand point when I was looking at harnesses I looked for something stitched on the inside. This makes it more difficult for the stitching to tear.

Like this

as opposed to this

Reflective is also nice if you plan on being out at night with your dog.

I have to get my puppy a new harness soon due to her chewing her current one and I am looking at one of the front clipping harnesses.

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007KAWSU8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAX8DO/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_8V2nybPZ5YYCX
This is the one.

You can start now! I used this one, although my cats stay with me without the harness now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBIW9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nQ9BDb9DQEPA7

I live in a 34' 5th wheel with a cat. If we are boondocking with few people around, we let him out and he doesn't go far. Otherwise he stays inside or if he gets real antsy, he goes out on a leash with this harness.

She’s wearing an x-small Voyager vest. I bought a small too because she’ll probably grow out of it fast. Here’s a link!

This is what I bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OBIW9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6oEvxb3H0K0C1

This is the one I use and would highly recommend. I had my cat out in it when he got spooked by something and went insane trying to get out of the harness. He was like a Tasmanian Devil on the end of the leash. He was trying to get out so bad that I had to just drag him through the yard and into the house. If you put this on correctly I don’t think your cat will get out of it.

Bonus pics of the resulting injuries I got trying to pick him up while he was thrashing around. I cannot stress enough how bad of an idea that was. I knew better than to try that, yet I still did.

This one He has a small one but it’s a bit loose. Getting him an extra small.

No worries. I think I might try this one.

Kitty Holster Cat Harness, Small/Medium, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAX8DO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6taVCbKD48HD0