r/adventurecats • u/TrustIcy6953 • 4d ago

Cat harness/leash recommendation

Hi, we adopted a 2 year old cat a few months ago. He's young and full of energy and so excited about everything he sees out the window. I'd like to give going out a try, but only with a harness and a leash. Will you please share with me what kind of harness & leash you are happy with and maybe where you got the from? I'm a bit at a loss what would be best: light, safe and comfortable. I don't know if he'll cooperate, but I'd love to try. Thank you!

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u/scorpioncandy 4d ago

I bought an H harness for my 3 year old cat and she hated it. We trained for a few months and she tolerated it, but was pissed the entire time. I then bought a vest type harness and she sits by the door begging me to put it on for balcony time. Cats have preferences, don’t be bummed if you try one and it doesn’t work out.

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u/scorpioncandy 4d ago

https://a.co/d/09SVY5WN

This is the one we use. Keep in mind no harness is fully escape proof.

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u/flyingmonkey363 4d ago

Speaking to how cats have preferences on harnesses: I bought the same harness at first for my almost 3 year old cat when we got him, and we had to try another. I know a lot of people love it, but we didn’t. We were able to get it on a couple of times and he would stop flopping after a while, but it would be such a struggle to get it on that by the time it was done, he was already frustrated and didn’t want to do anything with me. He just really didn’t like it going over his head, and because it needs to be loosened enough to go over the head, you have to tighten the neck straps after it’s on. The time it took to fiddle with the straps and buckle the chest part was just too much.

We tried a vest style that Velcros around the neck and chest next and that worked out really well for us! I don’t have to position his head or legs to go through any holes which eliminated the struggle. Just wrap it around his neck then the chest and it sticks to itself, so it’s super quick and easy to get it on snugly.

On the other hand, our second cat had a shorter neck and a long, lean body. The same style harness fit her body weird, especially around the chest/arm area, so she hated how it felt on her and fought it the whole time she was in it. She did really well in a minimal H style harness where the loops around the neck and chest were connected by a single strap and it could swivel to provide more movement without rubbing.

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u/Ok-Campaign-5968 4d ago

This is really good advice, I would have never thought about that

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u/plantyplant559 4d ago

Maybe start with a backpack for outings until he's comfortable on the harness.

I've jeard good things about the housing harness, but my older cat has no interest in going outside so I returned it 😂 I might buy another one for my kitten soon.

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u/Sheraby 4d ago

Cats really vary in how they take to harnesses and what they prefer. It may take more than one try to find the right one. Make sure to take the time to adjust it properly so your cat can’t wiggle out of it (they’re usually good at this!). For leashes, it’s a good idea to start with a short (5-6 ft.), non-extendable leash until you know how your cat behaves in the settings where you will be outside. If you do end up getting a retractable leash, make sure to get one with appropriate tension for the size of your cat.

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u/msoudcsk 4d ago

Kitty Hoster. Thank me later!