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  • Recommendations re cat harness

    Posted by Andrew Carter on September 25, 2025 at 11:32 am

    Hi

    We have recently brought our overseas-born cat back to the UK, and want to acclimatise her to going outside on a harness, before we allow her to run free. Ideally it needs to be quite escape-proof, as she’s managed to wriggle out of the one we’d bought for her; intended for smaller cats; easy to fit (Velcro would possibly be preferable to a buckle, for instance); and one which doesn’t require putting her head through a collar before securing it. Can anyone out there make recommendations as to suitable harnesses which tick these boxes?

    Many thanks in anticipation.

    Shoaib replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago 3 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Melina

    Behavior Specialist
    September 25, 2025 at 9:26 pm

    Hi Andrew

    Your kitty is stunning!

    Thank you for the great question.

    Many cats dislike wearing a harness that must be worn over their head.

    A jacket style fastened with high-strength velcro around your cat’s neck and belly would be an excellent option. The jacket is designed to make your cat feel secure, like being hugged. Your cat also has the flexibility in its shoulders to feel more confident on its walks. The jacket design should be escape-proof as long as it’s appropriately fastened, as a cat can’t wiggle its arms through the arm hole.

    Feel free to let me know if you want me to email you A Step-By-Step Guide for Harness and Leash Training Your Cat

    Here are a few options to consider:

    USA: https://www.kittyholster.com/

    Australia: https://catharnessaustralia.com.au

    UK: https://www.mynwoodcatjackets.com/

    I hope that helps

    Melina

  • Shoaib

    Member
    October 10, 2025 at 9:50 am

    Hi there! When I brought my own cat from overseas, I experienced the same difficulties because at first, she was a complete escape artist. It makes a big difference to find a harness that is both safe and simple to put on. Instead of the conventional strap types, you might want to consider harnesses that are vest or jacket style. Cats find it much more difficult to back out of them because they cover a larger portion of the body.

    A few good options I’ve personally seen or used are the Rose and Bramble escape-proof harness and the Max & Woodys harness — both are UK-based brands that use strong Velcro and don’t require putting the harness over the head. They’re soft, adjustable, and pretty quick to fit on even a wriggly cat. The BOJLY harness on Amazon is another solid choice; it combines Velcro and clips for extra security and has reflective material for outdoor safety.

    Start slowly, no matter what you decide. Let her wear it inside first, then reward her with treats. Once she feels comfortable, gradually move outside. Once she’s at ease, those brief outdoor excursions will be well worth the patience it may require.

    • This reply was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Mariam.

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