Sometimes, you must travel with your cat, whether going on vacation or simply taking a trip to the vet. Some cats do not fancy traveling in cat carriers; in this case, a car harness may be an excellent option. Car harnesses are essentially harnesses that come with a restraint similar to a leash that connects to the seat belt to keep your cat safe and secure inside the car. Or you can buy the restraint/leash on its own if it attaches to your cat’s harness and the seat belt restraint.
In this guide, we’ll list the best eight car harnesses and restraints for cats based on reviews to help you choose the right harness and restraint for your cat while traveling in the car.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
The 10 Best Car Harnesses for Cats
1. Hepper Harness and Leash Set – Best Overall
| Size: | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Material: | Velvet fabric, breathable mesh |
| Closure type: | Quick release |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
Our best overall choice of harnesses is the Hepper Harness and Leash Set. Coming in six different sizes, this harness is made with velvet and soft, breathable mesh, ensuring your cat stays comfortable while traveling in a car. A harness made with stiffer material will make the cat feel uncomfortable during the car ride. The Hepper Harness and Leash Set comes in six different sizes. So, whether you have a petite feline or a chunky boy, you will be able to find the perfect size for them and adjust it as they grow. The Velcro straps make adjusting the fit of the harness a snap! In addition, the solid metal rings will ensure that your cat stays put while riding in a car.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
2. Size Right Snag-Proof Adjustable Cat Harness – Budget Buy
| Size: | S, M, L |
| Material: | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
The Size Right Snag-Proof Adjustable Cat Harness is simple yet effective in keeping your cat secure in the car. It has a swivel back clip for attaching to the seat belt that won’t get tangled with movement, and you can adjust the size from 12 to 18 inches. It secures with a snap-lock buckle, and it slips on over the head to prevent your cat from making a clean getaway.
This harness may not work for a large cat and may be too snug for some kitties. Overall, this is the best car harness for cats for the money.
3. Kitty Holster Cat Harness
| Size: | XS–XL |
| Material: | Cotton, natural fabric |
| Closure type: | Slip on |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
The Kitty Holster Cat Harness is easy to put on but difficult for your cat to escape. This harness is soft and made from 100% cotton for added comfort, and it’s easy to put on your cat by way of the two fuzzy Velcro fastener closures. What’s more, this harness is machine washable. It contains a back clip to attach a safety belt for the car, and it comes in various sizes and colors.
This harness may be bulkier than most cats like, and it may restrict some cats’ mobility. If your cat is an escape artist, this harness is an excellent choice. However, it’s more expensive than other harnesses.
4. Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash – Best for Kittens
| Size: | XXS, XS |
| Material: | Nylon, polyester |
| Closure type: | Fast-release buckles |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
If you plan to travel with your kitten, the Rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash is a safe option for keeping your kitten safe and secure while in the car. This vest-style harness is designed to distribute pressure to protect your kitten’s neck, and it’s fully adjustable. It has two snap buckles on the side for easy on and off with four adjustable straps to ensure your kitten is secured comfortably. The back clip allows for seat belt attachment, and the padded air mesh provides breathability and is ultra-light, making it perfect for kittens. It also comes with a long, sturdy leash, and the harness comes in multiple color choices.
While you have many ways to buckle your cat into the harness, it can be confusing at first, and it may take a little time to adjust it properly.
5. Dooradar Cat Harness and Leash Set
| Size: | XS, S |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Closure type: | Buckles |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
The Dooradar Cat Harness and Leash Set contains adjustable chest and neck buckles for the perfect fit. It’s made of light, soft, breathable mesh and features non-stick hair lining that won’t irritate your cat’s skin. It has quick-release buckles and plenty of adjustability. It also comes with a 59-inch leash for exploring, and it has reflective strips for safety while walking your cat. It’s easy to attach to a seat belt thanks to the sturdy D-ring on the back, and it comes in multiple colors to make your cat look stylish.
This harness may be too big for smaller cats, allowing them to escape while wearing it, no matter how it’s adjusted. If your cat is small, we suggest looking for a harness designed for medium to large cats for safety.
6. BWOGUE 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap Car Headrest Restraint
| Size: | S, M, L |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
The BWOGUE 2 Packs Dog Cat Safety Seat Belt Strap Car Headrest Restraint attaches to your car’s headrest for a snug and secure fit for the seat belt. It also converts into a leash for walks. The restraint is adjustable from 18 to 30 inches, and the adjustable buckle allows you to give your cat as much or as little roaming room in the car as needed. The sturdy nylon material will last a long time, and the clip is solid zinc alloy with 360-degree rotation to keep the restraint from getting tangled with movement. It also comes in many colors.
Ensure you clip this restraint to the back of your cat’s harness, not the collar, to avoid neck injuries. This restraint is made for both cats and dogs, and dog owners complain about the strap breaking; however, you shouldn’t have this problem with your cat, but it’s good to know, just in case.
7. SunGrow Cat & Dog Car Leash Elastic Seat Belt & Restraint
| Size: | Small, medium, large |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
The SunGrow Cat & Dog Car Leash Elastic Seat Belt & Restraint comes in a two-pack that features a seat belt loop for easy attachment to the seat belt buckle. The nylon straps are adjustable to ensure a snug yet comfy fit, and the leash is elastic. This restraint fits most vehicles and is easy to use. The elastic bungee-style leash allows your cat to roam a bit, but only as much as you’ll allow with the adjustments. It features an anti-rust hook and a 360-degree swivel snap, and the seat belt clip is stainless steel.
It may take time for your cat to get used to having the restraint on, and they may try to chew on it; however, the restraint is thick enough to make it chew-proof.
8. SlowTon Pet Seat Belt Car Harness Set
| Size: | XXXS–L |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Closure type: | Buckle |
| Adjustable?: | Yes |
The SlowTon Pet Seat Belt Car Harness Set comes with a harness and the safety restraint for your vehicle. It’s available in multiple sizes to accommodate any sized cat. It comes with two quick-release buttons and four adjustable points for the perfect fit. It works by attaching the hook to the back of the harness and then snapping the other end into the seat belt lock. The harness is made from breathable mesh, and the restraint works with any vehicle.
A downfall is the buckles on the harness are made of plastic and may fail, allowing your cat to break free from the harness.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Car Harness for Your Cat
After reviewing our list, you may still have a few questions before making a decision on the best harness or restraint for your needs. This next section will address some common questions and other specifications to be on the lookout for while searching.
How to Measure
Before buying a specific size, you must measure your cat to ensure you buy the correct size. Some items on our list are also made for dogs, so be sure you measure your cat correctly, so you don’t end up with a harness that is way too big or too snug for your cat.
To measure correctly, you’ll need either a measuring tape or a ruler. First, measure the chest. The best way to get an accurate measurement is to measure behind your cat’s shoulder blades but not on the shoulder blades. Ensure the measuring tape is snug around your cat’s torso.
Next, measure the lower neck by measuring from the shoulder blades, around the front to the breastbone, and back again. Now, measure the upper neck where your cat’s collar rests. You can also measure your cat’s length, but this is optional.
Once you’ve completed the measurements, refer to the company’s measuring chart (most have this to go by). Keep in mind that harnesses are typically adjustable, and the measuring guidelines will be a range you should shoot for.
Adjustability
Most harnesses are adjustable, and if one you’re looking at is not, look elsewhere. Having adjustability is a must to ensure your cat is not only secure but also comfortable. When looking for safety restraints, they should also be adjustable so you can allow your cat to have as much roaming room as you’d like while in the vehicle.
Material
Look for material that will be comfortable for your cat. Nylon is a comfy material for most pets that will not irritate the skin, and having breathable mesh is also something to look for to add even more comfort. The harness should be lightweight, durable, and easy to put on. Soft padding is another excellent feature to look for.
Read Consumer Reviews
We strongly suggest reading consumer reviews before making a purchase. Harnesses may run big or small, and even though you measured your cat correctly, it’s good to know if a particular harness has this issue to help you buy the correct size.
It’s also helpful to read reviews to get a feel for the company’s return guidelines if you need to return it; if the company seems difficult to work with, steer clear and look elsewhere.
Conclusion
We hope our reviews of the best car harnesses for cats help you make the best decision to fit your needs. The Hepper Harness and Leash Set is adjustable for a custom fit, comes with a long bungee leash and is made from breathable nylon material for added comfort. For our budget buy choice, the Size Right Snag-Proof Adjustable Cat Harness is made from nylon material and contains a swivel back clip for attaching to the seat belt that won’t get tangled with movement.
Featured Image Credit: Abi’s Photos, Shutterstock