No. In fact, cat harnesses can open up a whole new world for your cat. "Walking is a great way to keep indoor cats active and offer them more stimulation than they would normally get in a home environment," says Simpson. "Living indoors can lead to boredom and anxiety in many cats, so outdoor access can help to alleviate this." Walking can also help an overweight cat lose weight. That said, it is important to recognize that not every cat wants to be an adventure cat. If your cat is highly anxious, they may not be the best candidate — although Simpson told us that even fearful cats can enjoy the outdoors if they are carefully and gradually introduced to it. Other harnesses rely on secure and adjustable hook-and-loop closures. While most hook-and-loop can be super sturdy, some can become less effective over repeated use and if fur gets in the closure. So keep the hook-and-loop free of hair and debris for optimal performance. When recommending pet products, Treehugger always puts pets' comfort and safety first. We also look for sustainable and durable materials. When researching cat harnesses and collars for this article, we didn't find a lot of eco-friendly options, but we hope our readers will choose carefully and use any cat harness or collar for many years. If more eco-friendly choices become available, we'll update this this list. A properly fitted harness should have just enough space for you to be able to slip two fingers between it and your cat’s body. We like the Adventure Kitty Harness from RC Pets because it’s the right balance between enough coverage while still offering a good range of motion. Being adjustable in four places makes it easier to get the perfect fit, and therefore more likely to stay put, keeping your cat safer wherever you roam. If your cat is in the extra-large range, they’ll like the Voyager Step-in Flex Harness that is easy to put on and comes in ten bold colors. What to Look for in a Cat Harness

Felines are extremely sensitive creatures who require a perfectly fitted harness that won’t restrict their freedom of movement. The harnesses come in three sizes, extra-small, small, and medium, so if you have a very large cat, this harness might not work for you. Little Kitty Co. is based in Australia and offers a variety of colorful prints that speak to shared interests of cats and their humans alike, such as sushi, rainbows, and sunflowers. Finding a harness small enough to fit a kitten can be a challenge, says Sarah Olewski Klassen. The one that worked for her explorer cat Gibson, and the one she recommends to other kitten explorers, is Catit's Adjustable Cat Harness. "Sizewise, it's perfect, and it's pretty secure," she says. Designed to fit the unique shape of a cat's body, the harness is the main one Megan Ferney uses with her feline explorer, Leon. "Almost all cat harnesses are just small dog harnesses: They don't fit great, and cats can get out of them easily," she says. "This particular harness is made ergonomically for a cat."

Does your cat love to explore? The best cat harnesses deliver a secure and comfortable way to take your cat for strolls

Remember how we said harnesses made for dogs aren’t usually a great fit for cats? This harness is an exception to that rule. It offers several features that make it work well as a harness for cats. Introduce your cat to the harness slowly and use treats to create positive associations. Placing the harness beside the cat’s bed is a good way to start. Later, put on the harness for just a minute or two. It may take days or even weeks before your cat warms up to the idea of wearing one. When the days become shorter, and it gets darker early, you could be out for a stroll with your cat and be caught out. As such, a reflective harness is a great idea to ensure your feline can still be safely seen – and we’d recommend this H-style harness for more confident cats, since it isn’t quite as secure as a vest-style model.

Remember, it’s never safe to clip a leash to a cat’s collar, because breakaway collars can release easily, and other styles can cause injury. To determine our recommendations for the best cat harnesses, we relied on the advice of the guardians of cat explorers and veterinarians. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. Cats who aren’t used to harnesses may take a while to get used to the over-head style of the Comfort Soft, but the flexible and lightweight nature of this harness does make it comfortable to wear, with plenty of owners happy that their cat will leave theirs on all day.

At A Glance: Our Top Picks For The Best Cat Harnesses

Like anything new, it takes time for your cat to get used to wearing a harness and walking on a leash. Ease them into it with these three steps. Figure-8 Harness: This style looks like a number eight when laid flat. There is one strap that goes around the front of a cat and the torso. It is adjustable and crosses over itself at the top where a D-ring leash attachment is located. Example: Hamilton Figure Eight Cat Harness

The best cat harnesses you can buy in 2023 1. Kitty Holster Cat Harness: Best cat harness for choice of sizes available

In the UK, the vast majority of cats go outside on their own to wander round gardens and fields. But what if you live near a busy road or have a cat with health conditions that can’t go out unsupervised? You might even have a breed of cat that’s known for its desire to explore further afield. Being outside is enriching for the majority of cats, allowing them to explore their territories, and introducing your cat to new sights and smells can improve their quality of life – plus it helps them to burn off some excess energy. A previous version of this article was written by Maggie Badore, a lifelong cat lover and former Senior Editor for The Spruce Pets. Finally, when your cat is comfortable with the harness, you can attach the lead and carry them outside. The hope is that all the new sights and smells will distract them from the fact they’re wearing a harness.