Best Escape-Proof Cat Harnesses in 2023 for Safe Adventures
There’s a big world out there for your cat to explore, and we know how important it is to find a harness that lets your cat adventure in safety and comfort.
Let’s take a look at the considerations when selecting an escape-proof harness for safe adventures with your cat.
Best Escape Proof Cat Harnesses 2023
Let’s have a look at some of our Best Escape Proof Cat Harness of 2023
Best Escape Proof Cat Harness and Lead
Winner: Leather Cat Harness - Emerald & 'Emerald' Green Leather Cat Leash – Supakit
Pros:
Secure fit without being restrictive
Fully escape-proof
Soft leather - really comfortable for your cat
Natural scent puts your cat at ease
3 sizes available
Fixed leash length 1.2m/ 4ft for security and control
Best Escape Proof Cat Harness Vest
Winner: Leather Cat Harness - Burgundy & Burgundy Leather Cat Leash – Supakit
Pros:
Secure fit without being restrictive
Fully escape-proof
Soft leather - really comfortable for your cat
Natural scent puts your cat at ease
3 sizes available
Fixed leash length 1.2m/ 4ft for security and control
Best Large Escape Proof Cat Harness
Winner: Black Leather Cat Harness – Supakit
Pros:
Secure fit without being restrictive
Fully escape-proof
Soft leather - really comfortable for your cat
Natural scent puts your cat at ease
3 sizes available
Best Escape Proof Kitten Harness
Winner: Leather Cat Harness - Mint Green & Mint Green Leather Cat Leash – Supakit
Pros:
Available in a small size, perfect for kittens
Secure fit without being restrictive
Soft leather - really comfortable for your cat
Natural scent puts your cat at ease
4 colours available
Fixed leash length 1.2m/ 4ft for security and control
Best Eco-Friendly Escape Proof Cat Harness
Winner: Vegan Cork Cat Harness - Natural
Pros:
Vegan cork leather - low carbon footprint and sustainable
Strong and supple material
Waterproof
3 sizes available
Best Handmade Escape Proof Cat Harness
Winner: Leather Cat Harness - Emerald
Pros:
Secure fit without being restrictive
Fully escape-proof
Soft leather - really comfortable for your cat
Natural scent puts your cat at ease
3 sizes available
Fixed leash length 1.2m/ 4ft for security and control
Is Any Cat Harness Truly Escape Proof?
As cat owners, it’s important to understand that no cat harness is truly, 100% escape-proof - but don’t let that deter you. To ensure that any harness performs as an ‘escape-proof’ harness you want to make sure you follow the usage guidelines, ensure the correct fit for your cat’s body and maintain a good leash position at all times.
How to Choose an Escape Proof Cat Harness
Escape Proof Features
Escape-proof harnesses have a whole host of safety features including size adjustability, a cat-specific design that can prevent common types of escape such as backing out, good-quality and hard-wearing material, and a strong and secure fastening. These are important considerations when choosing a harness.
For a harness to maintain its escape-proof ability, it needs to be easily adjustable so that it cradles your cat’s body snugly, even as they grow (or shrink – seasonal changes in a cat’s body size are fairly common!). It is important to review the guidance and measurements set out by the harness provider to ensure a snug, safe fit.
These should be able to contain even the cleverest of little feline escape artists.
Fit and Size
It’s very important to get the right fit when you’re buying a harness for a cat. If your cat’s harness is too tight, it could become uncomfortable or hazardous. If their harness is too large, it could rub against their fur and is more prone to snagging as they explore. A loose fit can also impede the safety elements of the harness. Fortunately, most good quality cat harnesses come with adjustable straps, so you’ll be able to achieve a perfect fit – from kittens to adult cats.
With a variety of available harness styles, how you adjust the straps may vary. Some are adjusted with sliding buckles, Velcro straps or punched holes. For finer control over your cat’s harness size, we would always recommend the sliding buckle style. We also have extra small step-in harnesses for kittens or smaller cats.
It’s also important to keep checking that the fit of your cat’s harness over time. Throughout a cat’s life, their weight can fluctuate or if you have a kitten, they will grow much quicker in their first few years. For a Supakit harness we advise that you can fit one fingertip between your cat’s harness and their body when worn.
Related: How To Measure Your Cat For a Harness
Weight
Depending on which style and material of harness you choose, weight may vary. H-style cat harnesses for example, which have minimal material are usually lightweight. In comparison, jacket harnesses which wrap around the body consist of more material, which can sometimes make them heavier. Other components such as buckles, straps and leash loops may also add to the overall weight.
Choosing the correct weight of harness will depend largely on the needs of your cat, as every cat is different. That said, lighter materials do tend to feel less restrictive and easier to move in for your delicate feline.
It also can depend on where you live. In warmer climates, a lighter, more breathable material may be preferred or a harness style which leaves most of the cat’s body uncovered. In cooler climates, the opposite may be preferable.
Material
There are a variety of materials used for cat harnesses including synthetic materials like polyester and nylon and natural materials such as cork and leather. Each one presents its own set of pros and cons. For example, one material may be very durable but not the most comfortable for your cat. It is important to consider how the harness material will smell to your cat too (scent is a crucial sense for our kitties!), whether it will wear or fray, how lightweight it is and its overall suppleness.
To ensure optimal movement for your cat as it explores, look for a material that is soft, lightweight, and flexible. It should be durable enough to resist fraying if scratched at or caught. It can be beneficial to select a harness made from a natural material such as leather or cork, because the natural scent will help put your cat at ease in their new harness.
One last important consideration is to make sure the material on the inside of the harness is as soft and gentle on kitty fur as the outside of their harness. Often, harnesses can have rougher internal linings or less breathable materials. This is the part that is in constant contact with your cat’s body, so it’s essential that it’s smooth and delicate against their fur.
Related: Cat Collars
Leash Options
When choosing a matching leash set, you want to again consider the requirements of your cat. When starting out, you may want to consider a fixed leash which remains at one length. This can help give you better control and keep your cat closer to you as they grow in confidence.
As they gain more experience, a longer leash or extendable leash might be preferred. This will allow you cat to wander a little further, and is useful for the sudden onset of zoomies! With extendable leashes, its important to find one that has a gentle mechanism, still allows control and has an easy-glide tape to help you guide your cat back to a shorter leash when it’s needed.
At Supakit, we provide two main leash options: a fixed leash for close contact and greater control and a retractable leash for more confident explorers. Our retractable cat leash is the world's first retractable leash specially for cats. It extends up to 5 metres / 16 feet in length but has a special gentle mechanism so that a cat can pull the leash out with ease (when it is in unlocked mode).
They all use strong d-rings to connect to the harness securely, without pulling on your cat’s neck.
Colours and Style
When it comes to style, it’s best to always prioritise fit, safety and comfort. While different styles of harness offer different pros and cons, your cat can be trained to enjoy any style of harness as long as it is introduced properly and supported with the right training. There are various types of cat harnesses, including chest and vest harnesses, holster style harnesses, and cat jackets.
As for colour, go crazy! Many people have their own preferences so feel free to choose a colour that you feel best highlights your cat’s personality.
How Can I Stop My Cat from Backing Out of His Harness?
The best way to stop your cat from backing out of their harness is to ensure the fit is snug and secure, maintain a good leash position at all times and limit situations where your cat is afraid or stressed.
Cats usually try ‘back-out’ when they want to escape a certain situation. The easiest way for them to do this is to turn towards you, position the leash over their head and use it as leverage to retreat, slipping the harness over their head like a t-shirt. To avoid this, keep the leash behind them at a 45-degree angle.
What is the Best Style of Cat Harness?
The best style of cat harness is one that suits your cat’s needs. Every cat is different, and some may prefer a different style to another. However, it is important to remember that cats can be trained to enjoy walking in any harness style.
Related:
Should I Walk my Indoor Cat Outside?
You should walk your indoor cat outside only if you want to, and your cat enjoys it. There are many benefits to introducing an indoor cat to the outside world including sensory stimulation and environmental enrichment. Before embarking on an outdoor exploration with your cat, it is important to do some training and ensure the environment is safe for them to explore.
How Long Can You Leave a Harness on a Cat?
You can leave a harness on your cat for as long as they need to wear it. The correct fitting harness should be comfortable on your cat. However, it is not advised that you leave a harness on your cat unsupervised.
Can You Keep a Harness on a Cat All the Time?
You should not have to keep a harness on your cat all of the time. A cat should only need to wear its harness when you are using it, along with a leash, to explore or travel with your cat. When the harness is not being used, it can be removed.
Conclusion
Wherever you and your kitty roam, we hope our ‘Best Escape Proof Cat Harnesses 2023 for Safe Adventures’ has helped you to find the best harness for your adventure buddy!
Scroll back up to choose the harness that's right for your cat, or alternatively read some of our related articles below:
Best Comfortable & Secure Cat Harnesses 2023 - Supakit
