The 8 Best Cat Harness and Leashes of 2024 - Travel Cat Your Cat Backpack

Looking to take your feline friend outside? You aren't alone. Cat harnesses and leashes have become increasingly popular, and many cat owners have taken to harness training their cat for outdoor adventures. We love to see it!

Cats thrive in an enriching environment, and switching up the scenery every now and then gives them just the mental stimulation they need to live a full & happy life. Using a secure cat harness and leash allows your furry friend to explore within arm's reach, giving you peace of mind to enjoy the quality time outside together. 

Every cat parent wants the best cat harness on the market, so we put together this comprehensive guide to finding the right harness for your cat, keeping adventure goals, safety, and maximum comfort for your kitty as first priority. 

The 8 Best Cat Harnesses For Safe Travels and Outdoor Adventures

• "The True Adventurer" Reflective Cat & Kitten Harness: The Best Adjustable Harness
• “The Day Tripper” H-Style Cat Harness: The Best Harness for a Snug Fit
• “The Pathfinder” Cat Harness & Tractive GPS Device Bundle: The Best Harness for Tracking Your Kitty
• Stray x Travel Cat Harness & Leash Set: The Best Harness for Gamers
• "The Complete Adventure Cat" Bundle: The Best Cat Harness for Hiking
• "The Wind in My Whiskers" Bundle: The Best Cat Harness for Walking
• "You're Kitten Me" Harness Bundle: The Best Harness for Kittens
• The Whole Kitten Kaboodle Bundle: The Best Cat Harness for Traveling

 

1. "The True Adventurer" Reflective Cat & Kitten Harness: The Best Adjustable Harness

Pros: Comes in four different sizes, to fit a wide range of sizes. Has multiple ways to adjust, keeping the harness snug & comfortable as your cat grows. 

Cons: The sound of the velcro closure may take some time to get your cat used to. 

If you're looking for an adjustable cat harness that can grow with your kitty, this is the one for you. This harness was made with your kitty's comfort & safety as top priority. With the adjustable velcro back & adjustable straps that clip in the back, it doubles the security and gives room to grow, too.

This harness comes in sizes xs to large, so it is purrfect for kittens, extra big felines, and every fur baby in between. It comes in four colors - grey, black, orange and red - and two fun patterns, "The Groovy Cat" and "Cash Cat" to suit your kitty's style best.

Some of its features include: 

• Reflective strip so you can always see your fur baby, day or night.
• Each harness comes with a 4 ft. clip-on nylon leash to keep your kitty safely within arms reach. 
• Clips, buckles, and has a velcro closure to keep your cat inside.
• This harness has adjustable clip straps to move higher or lower on their back, to make sure it fits their body nice & snug. 
• The leash clip is made of metal alloy & rotates 360 degrees, to keep up with your cat's every move when curiosity strikes.
• Pair this harness & leash set with any of our backpacks - they all come with leash clips to help keep your cat inside! 

 

2.“The Day Tripper” H-Style Cat Harness: The Best Harness for a Snug Fit

Pros: This harness is fully adjustable, making it a snug fit for kitties large and small, and easy to adjust as your kitten grows. Plus it comes with a bungee leash so you’ll always be ready for fun outdoor adventures!

Cons: It only comes in two patterns (checkered and primary colors), so options are limited.

Need a cat harness that fits your kitty like a glove? With “The Day Tripper” Cat Harness, every single strap is adjustable, giving your cat the perfect fit around their neck, belly, and back. This H-style harness has two loops (connected via a strap) that buckle around your cat’s neck and belly. It’s designed to give your fur baby the most freedom and flexibility possible, while still being a perfectly secure harness.

Since it’s adjustable, it comes in one size that fits most kitties, from chunky babies to itty bitties. It comes with a matching bungee leash so you can keep an eye on your kitty as they roam in the great outdoors.

 

Features include:

• Ergonomic adjusters and easy-to-use clips for an even tighter fit
• Lightweight harness to keep your kitty free and easy
• A matching 4-ft (when not stretched out) bungee leash
• Two fun patterns: Check Meowt and Purrimary Colors
• Perfect for cats who don’t like the vest style harness

3. Stray x Travel Cat Harness & Leash Set: The Best Harness for Gamers

Pros: This limited edition harness is a replica of the one worn by the cyber city cat in Stray: a new adventure game where you explore a futuristic cityscape as an orange tabby separated from its family. But it’s not just decorative—adjustable with strong velcro, it’s also a secure, comfortable vest-style harness for your kitty.

Cons: Since it’s a replica, it only comes in one color.

Ever wondered what it would be like to see life through the eyes of your cat? In Stray, a new game from BlueTwelve Studios, you play as a tabby cat who must solve an ancient mystery in a futuristic city. This vest-style harness is an exact replica of the one worn by the cat in the game—so you can bring your love of gaming and your love for your kitty together!

Features include:

• Adjustable chest strap and adjustable neck strap
• Buckles and velcro for a secure fit
• Comes with 6-ft reflective nylon leash 

Buy the matching backpack and complete your set!

 

 

4. "The Complete Adventure Cat" Bundle: The Best Harness for Hiking with your Cat 

Pros: This bundle has everything you need for a day out on the trails, but isn't too much to carry! Complete with a cat harness, retractable leash, water bowl & cat backpack, you'll be able to transition your cat from backpack to leash with ease. Don't forget to stop for water & food breaks along the way!

Cons: This bundle only comes with "The Fat Cat" Cat Backpack, so choice is limited. 

Dogs aren't the only companion you see blazing the trails anymore. Cats like a little dirt in their paws & wind in their fur too! Be prepared for wherever the trail takes you with this cat harness, backpack, retractable leash, and collapsable bowl bundle.  

This bundle includes:

• "The True Adventurer" Harness & Leash Set in red, grey, orange, or black
• "The Fat Cat" Backpack, in charcoal 
• "The Captain" Retractable Leash
• Two of "The Go Anywhere Bowl" Collapsible Travel Pet Food & Water Dish for Cats (2) so your kitty can stay fed & hydrated on the go.

"The True Adventurer" Harness & Leash Set

• This harness & leash set is essential for any hiker seeking to bring their cat along for the adventure. Whether you're charting new territory or trekking down a well-worn path, this harness & leash set will help your cat embrace their wild side, while safely staying within arm's reach. 
• This high-quality, adjustable harness has straps, buckles, and a velcro closure to ensure the most comfortable & snug fit, while still giving room for your cat to grow.
• See your kitty day & night with the reflective strip. 
• Two metal alloy rings to clip the leash onto, or clip into your cat backpack to keep them from jumping out when inspiration strikes on the trail.

"The Fat Cat" Backpack in Charcoal

• Adjustable chest & waist straps for ultimate comfort when hiking. 
• Plenty of ventilation for your cat, with mesh paneling & air holes to keep them breathing happy & stay cool on warmer days.  
• Interchangeable window bubble & screen attachments for whatever the hiking occasion calls for.
• Clip to attach your cat's harness or leash to, when you want them to stay safe inside their backpack. 
• Pockets on each side to hold essentials for a day out on the trail. 

"The Captain" Retractable Leash for Cats

• Give your cat a little more freedom on the trail, with 10 ft. of retractable lead.
• Control just how much "freedom" you'll give, with the slow release button. 
• Neutral design with our cool "Travel Cat" logo, that pairs well with "The True Adventurer" Cat Harness & our backpacks too!

"The Go Anywhere Bowl" Collapsible Pet Travel Food & Water Dish

• Silicone design that collapses for easy storage. 
• Has a clip to attach to your backpack when not in use, so you can hike hands free!
• Holds up to 8 oz. of food or water when you need to take a break on the trail. 

5. "The Wind in My Whiskers" Bundle: The Best Cat Harness andn Leash for Walking Your Cat

Pros: Get the original 4ft. nylon leash, and the 10 ft. retractable, slow release leash. Switch back and forth whenever you want to give your cat a little more freedom!

Cons: Harness color choice is limited to grey or black. 

This bundle includes:

•  "The True Adventurer" Cat Harness 
• "The Captain" Retractable Leash.

This set is perfect for a simple walk around the neighborhood, hiking trip, or following your kitty's lead around town. This extendable leash is great for letting your kitty explore a little further than a traditional leash would allow, at 10ft/3m. It has a slow release feature, which gives you more control over how fast the leash extends so you can keep your kitty closer when needed. 

Reminder - only attach a leash to your kitty's harness, never their collar! 

"The True Adventurer" Harness & Leash Set

• This harness & leash set is essential for any cat parent wanting the pleasure of walking their cat, well, anywhere really! Whether you're taking a walk around the block to your favorite cafe, or hanging tight in the backyard for now, this harness & leash set will help enrich your cat's experience by expanding their environment, safely staying within arm's reach. 
• This high-quality, adjustable harness has straps, buckles, and a velcro closure to ensure the most comfortable & snug fit, while still giving room for your cat to grow.
• See your kitty day & night with the reflective strip. 
• Two metal alloy rings to clip the leash onto, or clip into your cat backpack to keep them from jumping out if inspiration strikes while on the go.

"The Captain" Retractable Leash for Cats

• Give your cat a little more freedom to explore their surroundings, with 10 ft. of retractable lead.
• Control just how much "freedom" you'll give, with the slow release button. 
• Neutral design with our cool "Travel Cat" logo, that pairs well with "The True Adventurer" Cat Harness & our backpacks too!

6: "You're Kitten Me" Harness Bundle: The Best Harness for Kittens.

Pros: You can chose from 2 or 4 harnesses, for either one or two growing kittens! 

Cons: You can only get sizes small & extra small, so this is not an ideal bundle for bigger cats.

This bundle includes: 

• Two "The True Adventurer" Harnesses in sizes extra- small and small

If you're starting harness training young, this bundle is the best option for your quickly growing kitty. Plan ahead & make sure your cat will have a harness that fits through those first few months of exploring. Don't wait until your kitty outgrows their first harness! This bundle will help you be sure to have the next size up on hand so they are never without a little adventure.

 

7. The Whole Kitten Kaboodle Bundle: The Best Cat Harness for Traveling

Pros: Pick from four harness sizes & different colors to suit your cat best, plus choose from "The Fat Cat" Cat Backpack or "The Navigator" Convertible Cat Backpack. 

Cons: "The Jackson Galaxy" Convertible Cat Backpack is not included as a backpack option. 

This bundle includes:

• "The Fat Cat" Cat Backpack
• "The True Adventurer" Cat Harness
• "The Captain" Retractable Cat Leash
• "The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box
• "The Meowbile Home" Convertible Cat Bed & Cave
• "The Go Anywhere" Collapsable Pet Travel Food & Water Bowl

"The Fat Cat" Cat Backpack

• Provides a sense of security when away from home since it's a familiar place & carries their scent.
• Plenty of ventilation for your cat, with mesh paneling & air holes to keep the air circulating while you're on the go.
• Interchangeable window bubble & screen attachments to suit the mood of wherever your travels take you. 
• Clip to attach your cat's harness or leash to, when you want them to stay safe inside their backpack. 
• Keep their bag in place while you're in the car with the seatbelt. 

"The True Adventurer" Cat Harness

• Add an element of ease to your travels with this harness & leash set. Keep it on your cat to make pit stops, ever-changing adventure plans, and getting in and out of their backpack a breeze. 
• This high-quality, adjustable harness has straps, buckles, and a velcro closure to ensure the most comfortable & snug fit, so they can wear it however long you're traveling for.
• Spot your kitty day & night with the reflective strip. 
• Clip the leash onto their harness with the metal alloy rings, or clip your cat straight into your cat backpack to keep them from jumping out if inspiration strikes while on the go.

"The Captain" Retractable Leash for Cats

• Keep your cat close by without harshing their adventure spirit with this 10ft. retractable leash.
• Use the slow release button to control just how much "freedom" you'll give.
• "Travel Cat" logo in a neutral design, that pairs well with "The True Adventurer" Cat Harness & our backpacks too!

"The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box

• When your kitty has to go, they have to go. Be prepared for their routine! You don't want the your hotel room or car to turn into a smelly situation...
• Seamless design is easy to wipe clean when you're out & about.
• Zips up to keep the mess contained, and rolls up when not in use to make room for all the other travel necessities.

"The Meowbile Home" Convertible Cat Bed & Cave

• Super easy to transport - it comes with a branded drawstring bag!  
• Converts from a cave to a traditional bed, with a removable mat for whichever mood your kitty is in. 
• A home base for your cat while you're traveling, since it carries their scent. 
• Super soft fabric for a cozy snooze sesh wherever your travels take you.

"The Go Anywhere Bowl" Collapsible Pet Travel Food & Water Dish

• Silicone design that collapses for easy storage while traveling. 
• Has a clip to attach to your backpack when not in use, so you can take it with you wherever your travels lead.
• Holds up to 8 oz. of food or water when you need to make a pit stop.

How to Choose the Best Harness Type for Your Cat

Of course you only want the best cat harness for your kitty. In order to find the perfect harness, you need to consider what kinds of activities you will use it for. Are you going to be going on lots of outdoor adventures, or sticking close to home with the occasional walk? Are you looking for something to help your cat get in & out of the car easily? Do you have an indoor cat and want to use the harness to finally introduce them to the great outdoors? Whatever the reason, it all comes down to your furry friend's needs & your goal for getting a harness. 

Our cat harnesses are the most versatile on the market! We have the classic vest style, the step-in style, and h-style harness. Along with considering the adventure goals you have in store, it's important to research the different kinds of cat harnesses & find one that will best suit your cat. Let's take a look into some popular styles of kitty harnesses to help narrow down the decision making! 

What are different types of Cat Harnesses?

The first step to finding the perfect cat harness is researching the different style options. Is your kitty an escape artist and needs a more secure harness? Would they prefer something less restrictive with more room for movement? Has your kitty had a bad experience with a certain style harness before? These are good questions to think about when deciding what style cat harness is best for your cat. Their comfort & safety is top priority, after all! Let's take a look at some of the most basic & popular cat harness styles on the market:

Step - In Harness

Step-in harnesses are a soft & comfortable option for your cat, and are typically made out of a padded, lightweight material, with clips or a velcro strap that fastens around your cat's body. This style of harness provides a more even distribution of pressure as well! "True Adventurer" Harness  is our very own design, made with breathable mesh fabric, an adjustable velcro closure, and reflective strip. 

H-Style Harness - 

Like the name suggests, this adjustable cat harness has a band around the tummy & another around the neck, connected by another strap in the middle to form a sort of "H" shape. "The Day Tripper" H-Style Cat Harness is our newest harness, featuring unique ergonomic adjusters around the neck back & belly for the best fit for your cat. This lightweight cat harness is made of the same material/thickness as most collars, with adjustable buckles. These harnesses are a great option if your kitty likes a little more flexibility. It is extremely lightweight & allows lots of movement, while still keeping your kitty safe & snug within arm's reach. It comes in two fun patterns, Purrimary Colors & Check Meowt!

Vest Harness - 

This style of kitty harness is designed to cover more of your cat's body for maximum comfort, while keeping them safe & snug. Our "Stray x Travel Cat Harness & Leash Set is a vest style harness, featuring an adjustable chest strap and neck strap with buckles and strong velcro, this secure harness ensures the best fit for your cat. The strong nylon leash is reflective to keep your cat safely in sight and is the purrfect length of 6 feet to let your cat explore while you’re still in full control. An exact replica of the harness featured in the video game Stray, the decorative pocket will make your kitty look straight out of the game!

Cat Harness Size Chart

Before you buy, make sure you measure your cat so you pick the correct size.

The measurement should be done around your cat's chest. You want their harness to be snug and fitted so they can't get out of it.

When you take the measurement, make sure you're getting close and tight up against your cat -- down past all the floof!

Using a measuring tape works best, but you can always use a piece of string or yarn, and then measure that up against a regular ruler or measuring tape.

If you're between sizes, go for the bigger size if your cat is still growing, or the smaller size if you think they are fully grown. 

Are Cat Harnesses Cruel?

Of course, we know the answer is "No!" Let's look at some of the benefits cat harnesses bring to the table, and how our design was made with kitty's safety & comfort as top priority. 

Cat harnesses allow your kitty to get in touch with nature in a way that typical house cats don't get to experience. They can explore the world around them, scratch at real trees out in your yard, smell all the smells & feel the wind in their fur. Some cats don't take to cat harnesses, and THAT'S OKAY! Getting outdoorsy isn't for every cat, so don't force your kitty to love it if they don't. But most kitties enjoy the extra exercise, new kinds of enrichment and spending more quality time with you, of course.

Using a cat backpack and/or leashed kitty harness helps you do the things you love, together! This extra quality time is great for your kitty, not to mention the comfort of always having your favorite feline around. Whether you're feeling anxious about a trip & don't want to make it alone or just enjoy the furry friend in your passenger seat, getting a harness & leash enriches your life & your cat's life by introducing endless pawsibilities for spending time together.

How to Harness Train a Cat

So you've got the perfect harness picked out? Now it's time to get to work! (But the most fun kind of work) Harness training a cat might seem like an impossible feat, but with a little love and patience, your kitty will be ready to explore the great outdoors in no time. 

Needless to say, harness training your cat isn't always easy. That's why we've put together this little guide with all the steps for how to put on a cat harness and leash training a cat.

Some steps to get started on harness training: 

• Help them get used to the cat harness by showing it to them, letting them sniff it, and leaving it out for a few days before putting it right on them. Place it near their favorite toys or their bed, so that it will start to attract them & smell like their things that are already familiar. 
• After a few days, put the harness on your cat while indoors and let them test it out before venturing outside. Velcro the vest around your cat's body ensuring a snug but comfortable fit, and immediately reward your kitty with kisses and treats! Let them wear it around the house for a few more days, without attaching the leash.
• Keep the cat harness on your kitty for a little bit longer each day, to help them get used to it. Do some of their favorite things while they're wearing it - like eating, playing, or snuggling of course!

• Start leash training indoors, once they are fully adjusted to wearing their harness. Walk around without any tension on the leash so they can get used to the feeling of the leash on their harness. 
• Start training outdoors! But be careful - make sure you carry your kitty outside, otherwise they will think they can head out the door any time it's open! Explore the areas around your home first like your back yard or patio, slowly expanding to new territory. Gradually work up from walks around the block, to trips in the car, to longer walks & hikes! 
• Until your kitty is fully adjusted to their harness, keep rewarding your walks & outings together with treats and kisses! You want to build a pawesome association between your kitty & their new adventure gear. 

And there you have it! Getting a harness & leash for your cat is a great way to introduce them to the outside world, while keeping them safely within your reach. The adventure pawsibilities are endless! Enrich your kitty's life by showing them a whole new world outside your front door, while keeping them safe & secure by your side.

We hope this comprehensive guide to the best cat harness was helpful. Email us if you have any additional questions - we'd love to help you find the best fit for your kitty!

Check out our other informational articles & blogs for more help on how to harness train your cat, measuring your cat for their harness, and more!