1. Home
  2. Cats

How to fit a cat harness so they won’t escape

Everything you need to know before taking your cat outside on a harness

By

You don't feel comfortable with an indoor-outdoor cat, but you want your cat to experience the enrichment and curiosity that comes from going outside. A good harness can help you balance your cat's well-being with the safety of the birds outside.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

30 minutes

What You Need

  • Cloth tape measure

Cats are more wily than dogs. You must take extra care to fit your cat's harness so they can't escape, or you'll be sending out search parties for your cat on your first walk.

Orange cat in harness near water
Natasja Jovic/Getty Images

How to measure your cat

The fit is the most important goal here. The harness must be tight enough to secure your cat but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable or causes the dreaded cat flop the moment you put it on.

You should be able to put two fingers underneath the harness without much trouble. If it takes a lot of work, the harness is too tight. If you can fit three or four fingers side by side with plenty of space, your cat is escaping that harness the moment you go outside. Harnesses have multiple adjustment points to get the fit just right, but it all starts with the right size.

Here’s how to measure your cat correctly.

Step 1: Use a cloth tape measure

This will provide the best results.

Step 2: Measure the girth

Wrap the tape measure around your cat’s chest just behind its front legs to get the girth measurement. Make sure the tape is flat and fairly tight.

Step 3: Measure the neck

Repeat the same measurement technique with your cat’s neck.

Step 4: Find the correct sized harness

Based on those measurements you should be able to find a harness that fits like a glove. If your cat is between sizes, it’s best to size up so you can use the adjustment points for a customized fit.

sdominick/Getty Images

Get the right style

Cats are notoriously picky, so you may have to experiment to get the right harness. Much like their food or litter box location, your cat’s preferences may determine the style of harness you purchase, and that’s that.

There are three basic styles of cat harness:

  • H-style harness -- Gets its name because it looks like the letter "H" when spread out. One piece fits behind your cat's front legs and around the chest while the other fits in front of them. They're open and allow movement but can be easy to escape for some cats.

  • Step-in harness -- Allows your cat to step into it and then you slip the front piece over your cat's head. These harnesses are great for senior cats that need help getting into them but are also the easiest to escape from.

  • Vet harness -- Features a padded panel on the chest and sometimes the back, which helps secure the harness and makes it difficult to escape. The drawback is it also covers more of your cat, and some felines may protest wearing one.

g3gg0/Pixabay

Helping your cat accept the harness

Vest-style harnesses are the best for escape artists, but they may take some getting used to. The best thing to do is start your kitten wearing one so they’re used to it by the time they reach adulthood. If you adopted an adult cat, consistency and patience are key. Follow these steps to help your cat slowly adjust to wearing a harness.

Step 1: Let your cat get used to the harness while it's off

Allow your cat to explore and sniff the harness without pressure to put it on.

Step 2: Offer special treats

Praise your cat and offer treats that are only available when harness training.

Step 3: Put the harness on your cat while in the house

Put the harness on your cat after a few days of allowing your cat to explore it. Give your cat time to wear the harness in your house and continue to offer those premium treats.

Step 4: Take your cat outside with the harness on

When your cat seems more comfortable, go for a short time on the leash in your backyard or patio — wherever you have space. Keep a close eye on your cat for signs of escaping.

Step 5: Repetition is key

Repeat until you’re confident your cat cannot escape, and then your cat is ready to explore outside (and keep those premium treats around just in case).

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A matter of the right fit

A cat-walking harness can be a secure option for giving your pet valuable outdoor time, but the key is the right fit. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your cat, but if your cat always seems to escape, that’s a different story.

Escape artists may need harnesses that fit more tightly. A vest-style harness removes any space your cat may have to maneuver out, so tighten the harness carefully while indoors to find the right balance.

If you notice your cat chafing or having trouble walking, loosen the adjustments just a bit. Experiment with tightness to balance safety and comfort.

Your cat will thrive with quality time outdoors to explore. Have patience while choosing and fitting a harness, as well as leash training, so that your cat can go from a bored house cat to an excited explorer.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
PawTracks
Why do cats cover their face when they sleep? This adorable behavior, explained
Keep an eye out for these symptoms of feline sleepiness and discomfort

If you ever notice your cat sleeping in an especially cute or odd-looking position, you're not the only one. Most cats get comfy in unique ways -- whether curled up on top of a laptop or stretched out on their back like a dog -- but some feline sleeping positions are more difficult to understand than others.
For example, why do cats cover their face when they sleep? There are several noteworthy reasons, though it's up to you to decipher which reason applies to your kitty. The good news is that none of these reasons are cause for worry unless, of course, there are other unusual behaviors or symptoms present. If this is the case, please consult your cat's veterinarian instead!
If sleeping with their paws covering their face is all your feline friend is doing, all you need to do is keep an eye on them. If there is a minor problem going on, like seasonal allergies, you'll be able to notice and help your cat sooner rather than later.

Sense of security and comfort

Read more
Why do cats eat plastic (and when you should be concerned)?
The reasons for this behavior might be surprising

Cats are quirky — sometimes puzzling — creatures. Part of the fun of kitty parenthood is laughing off these funny, curious traits and perhaps looking into what each might mean. Is your cat staring at you because they're plotting against you? Why does your cat want to sleep on your chest? Does your kitty wish you would get back to the office already after several years of this work-from-home thing?

Often, these questions — and our search for answers — are all in good fun. Cats are cats, and that's why we love them. Yet, if your cat eats plastic, you might wonder, "Why does my cat eat plastic?" You'll want to get a formal answer to this question from a vet.

Read more
Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming
This totally normal behavior could mean a few different things

Cats spend the majority of their time doing one of a few things: eating, resting, grooming, using the litter box, or causing havoc. Their routines can become predictable at times, so it's not even worth a second glance when you catch your cat licking themselves as obviously -- and loudly -- as possible. Cats groom themselves all the time, after all, but when does licking become a bit too much?
Even though cat grooming is completely normal, if it becomes noticeably excessive, your kitty may be licking themselves -- or even licking you -- for another reason. Luckily, we can help you understand why cats lick themselves and how you can tell what may be going on. Here's what you'll want to know and what to look out for.

Is my cat grooming? When licking is normal

Read more