How to pick the right harness for your cat

When your are trying to pick the right harness for your cat, it can be overwhelming. There are many options available. The harness you choose will depend on the activity you will be doing and your cat’s personal preference. Some cats prefer more material touching them, others less. You can experiment to find the best fit for your cat, but also keep in mind the activity, as some harness types are not ideal for certain things.

There are 3 main types of harnesses most people use for cats. Of these 3 basic styles, there are different variations as well. But here is the basics to know:

1. H-Harness

   1. H-Harnesses get their name because they are shaped as an H. They have the least amount of material of the 3 types.
   2. This is a good choice for cats just starting out. The less material touching them, usually the quicker they will adjust to it.
   3. These harnesses are lightweight and thin. Often times adjustable as well. They are easy to slip under or over life jackets or clothing on your cat.
   4. These harnesses are not great if your cat makes lots of sudden movements. Since these have the least amount of material, they are not the greatest at distributing pressure. If your cat makes any sudden movements, it may dig into your cat.

2. Vest Harness

   1. Vest harnesses look like a vest and offer more contact to your cat’s body. This makes them better than the H-style at distributing pressure if your cat makes any sudden movements.
   2. Most vest style harnesses have some sort of mesh material in them. If it does, it can soak up water, so may not be the best option for water activities.
   3. Most vest harnesses will require your cat’s head to go through an opening. Some cats may be okay with this, but others may not. so think about your cat’s preferences.

3. Jacket Harness

   1. Jacket harnesses have the most material, as they are more like a jacket and cover more of your cat’s body.
   2. Since the harness does cover more of your cat’s body, they are good for colder temperatures, as they can help keep your cat warm. However, if in warmer temperatures, it can make them overheat easier, so keep that in mind.
   3. There are so many different styles, variations, lengths, fabrics, etc. for jacket harnesses, so always look up what your specific harness has to know what activities it would be good for.

To pick the right harness, check how it falls on your cat and the fit. A harness should be tight enough that cat cannot slip out of it, but not too tight that it digs into them or is uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is that if you can fit two fingers in between your cat’s body and the harness, it is not too tight.

Your cat’s size might give you some trouble as well. Very tiny kittens may not fit into cat harnesses. One trick is to look at harnesses for ferrets or rabbits. If your cat is a large breed, a small dog harness might fit more comfortably than a cat harness.

Once you pick the right harness, its time to start training! Check out our article on harness training her