How to Measure Cats for a Harness and Choosing the Best Style
- Rachel
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
In this article:
Why Would I Want to Walk My Cat?
As the human population grows bigger, built-up towns and cities have become increasingly unsuitable for the domestic cat, with many owners keeping them indoors due to concerns for their safety. Depriving cats of their natural instincts and behaviours isn't ideal, not only for their wellbeing but physical exercise and enrichment. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that over 60% of cats are overweight!
Walking your cat on a harness and leash can help to provide them with the best of both worlds, if the following conditions are met:
Cats have a well-fitted, comfortable and durable harness.
They're properly trained and prepared.
The temperament and personality of any individual cat will be a huge deciding factor on whether or not they're suited to being walked, as some may not appreciate being restrained. Even if they're comfortable around noisy traffic and crowds of people, a cat's natural instinct is to run when they're frightened.
A poorly-fitted harness could result in injury to themselves or slipping out of it and running away, where they might get lost or end up in dangerous situations. Therefore, training and confidence building should be a priority before attempting longer journeys.
How to Measure Your Cat
Harnesses come in different sizes and many are adjustable to some degree, but you still need to measure your cat for the perfect fit. As mentioned, if it's too big then kitty might escape; while a small or tight harness can cause chafing, difficulty breathing and affect a cat's ability to walk.
It should have a snug fit without being constricting; ideally, you should be able to fit two fingers underneath the harness while your cat is wearing it. Most sizing is based on a cat's neck and chest circumference, but some go off weight - which can be inaccurate because cats come in all shapes and sizes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines or refer to the size chart if applicable.
Here are some tips for measuring:
Neck: typically where a collar would rest.
Chest: behind the armpits and shoulders on the widest part of the chest.
Length: base of the head to base of the tail (along the spine).
You can use a standard tailor's tape to measure your cat, but it shouldn't be too taut to allow for their thick fur. You can apply the "two fingers" rule by ensuring there's still some wiggle room when measuring the neck and chest.
Measuring your cat may be easy or difficult depending on temperament, but this gives you a good idea of whether they're likely to tolerate wearing a harness in the first place. It might help to have a second pair of hands to hold kitty still while it's being measured, in combination with treats to reward and distract.
Most harnesses are adjustable so you won't need an exact measurement. If your cat is in between sizes then check the manufacturer's recommendation on whether to size up or down, but it's often best to go smaller to ensure a tighter fit and the harness isn't too bulky.
Alternatively, you can choose a different harness with a closer size range to what you need. Reviews are helpful in giving some idea of whether products come smaller or larger than advertised, as well as comparing how they fit other cats against your own.
Other factors to consider when choosing the right sized harness:
Long-haired cats may need a size up from their actual body measurements to account for their thick fluffy coats.
If walking an obese cat for exercise, you might have to downsize as it loses weight or adjust the straps onto a tighter setting. Obese cats can be difficult to measure as their bodies aren't always in proportion (for example, a large torso and small or normal-sized neck).
Similarly, kittens will need upsizing as they grow so harnesses don't become tight or restrictive.
Types of Cat Harnesses
If you're looking to purchase a harness, you'll have noticed that there are a few different styles to choose from. When it comes to style, we're not talking about cute designs and cool kitties! While there are some adorable harnesses out there, from pink princesses to rockin' skull and crossbones, they won't stop an adventurous kitty from trying to wriggle free.
What you should be looking for is comfort, safety and durability. A collar and leash is not suitable for cats - if they get scared or excited and attempt to flee, they risk being choked or worse. Wearing a harness ensures the pressure is absorbed by the body rather than the neck.
As shown in the image above, the most popular types of harnesses include:
H-style: forms an "H" shape around the body with two straps that fasten around the neck and chest, and a strip between the shoulders for a leash to clip onto. These are lightweight but flimsy and tend to slip.
Y-style: similar to H-style but the upper strap sits further back on the shoulders. Not as secure as an H-harness but safer for energetic cats that run or jump.
Vest: fits around the torso for a snug fit and fastens at the back with clasps and a D-ring for attaching a leash. These are more secure but heavier and restrictive on a cat's body.
Jacket: provides extra warmth in colder climates and covers most of a cat's back and sides. These are fairly new in terms of availability and not all cats will tolerate them.
Kittens generally shouldn't be allowed outside until 5-6 months old, by which time they're almost fully grown and have developed their exploration instincts. If you're unable to find a harness small enough then it's a good indication that they're too young for walking.
Looking for the purrfect harness for your kitty? Check out these top recommendations: Best Harnesses for Cats and Kittens
Once you've found a harness, it's time to begin training! The amount of time it takes cats to get used to wearing a harness and being comfortable outside depends on the individual, and the process shouldn't be rushed. Use rewards like treats or play to create positive associations with walking, and start indoors so you can check for any adjustments that need to be made to the harness.
Going on your first adventure can be exciting, but your kitty may be slightly more nervous or apprehensive. That's why I've prepared a full guide to help you on this journey!
Read it here: How to Harness Train Cats for Walking on a Leash Safely
Do you have a kitty that's ready to start exploring? Let us know if these tips helped in the comments.
Comments