Best Cat Collars, Leashes, And Harnesses in Canada

When it comes to choosing new and proper collars, harnesses, and leashes for your cats, keep these different factors in mind:  

Collars 

Material – Most pet collars are made from nylon, polyester, and cotton blends as it’s durable and easy to keep clean, while being comfortable for your pets. Some cats may not like certain fabric collars though and prefer smoother material such as leather or even rubber. 

It’s worth trying out a few different types if you find that your cat is not getting used to their collar and always scratching or trying to get it off. Some may not ever like any collar, but it is worth trying your options first.  

Size – Size is very important, especially if you have a kitten or younger cat that grows very quickly. A rule of thumb for all pet collars is that it should be snug enough that you can fit your fingers underneath the collar without it being too loose. If you can’t, then the collar is too tight. 

Be sure to measure your cat’s neck or go by their weight size and make your best guess. Pet collars are adjustable and if you’re in the ballpark for measurements, it should be a good fit. (Until they need a new one)  

Durability – Small cats, especially kittens, will chew and play with anything they can get their mittens on. Which also includes collars and leashes. If for any reason they’ve popped their collar off, it’s important that the material doesn’t fray or break apart easily and present any sort of choking hazard. Most pet collars are made well, but there are always cheaper options that may not be the best in the durability category. 

Always read reviews and be sure that they match up for what you need.  

Easy-release or buckles – Quick release or break away collars are recommended for cats (and most pets) as the collar will ‘break away’ if it ever gets stuck or caught on something, allowing your pet to be safe and not potentially in danger. Other collars such as leather typically have a buckle or snap to keep them in place, and these should be used cautiously and/or with cats that are typically very calm that don’t tend to get into trouble. Older cats and calm demeanours are perfect for these kinds of collars.  

Accessories (i.e. – bows, bells, etc.) – Some cats may not be bothered at all by any added bells or whistles attached to their collars. Others may think that it’s always play time and try their best to wrestle out of their collars. 

Safety is also another factor as some fabrics or add-ons can get caught on things around the home. Bows, bowties, larger bells, and even small decorations such as rhinestones can cause troubles if not monitored at first to ensure that your cat won’t destroy their collar or eat any small parts. 

Harnesses 

Material – Harnesses typically come in similar materials, such as nylon, cotton blends, and polyester. Your cat may have preferences as to what they consider comfortable. Some material may also be more breathable than others and it’s important to keep in mind the weather and humidity as well. 

If you happen to be out in the rain or it’s a warmer day, breathability and water-resistance are good material benefits to investigate. 

Size – It goes without saying that size is important, especially around their waist and neck. As long as a cat can get their head through something – they can typically squeeze through, as they have floating collarbones. (The joke that cats are liquid is not far off for how easily they can fit through small spaces) 

Most importantly is that the neck portion of the harness (regardless of style) is snug but not too tight. If you can fit a finger or two snuggly underneath, you should be good to go. The other area is around their waist. Snug but not too tight or too loose. 

Style – There are three styles of cat harness available. The H-harness, the popular vest version, and a more encompassing jacket style. 

• H-harnesses are simply straps that have adjustable sections around the neck and waist. They allow the most movement for your cat, and some prefer it since there is less material touching them. It does however allow them to escape much easier. 

• Vest styles are the most popular currently and are much safer. Certain cats may take some time before you can get their head through the top section, but most can be coaxed with treats and patience. They distribute the weight easier when your cat may be pulling a lot on their leash and are harder for your cat to squirm out of. 
• Jacket styles are used less, but they are easier to put on and are the most durable/protective. You typically just put your cats two front legs through the holes and then wrap the harness around their back with velcro closures. These types of harnesses are great for escape artists and cats that don’t enjoy the other types. 

Durability – Durability is important, especially if you’re taking your cat out for walks or travels regularly. Breathability and water resistance are important, especially on hotter days. 

Leashes 

Material – Materials for leashes are like everything else on this list. Nylon, cotton/polyester blends, and leather are the most popular. Water-resistance and durability and typically most important.  

Durability – A durable leash is great for longer walks and to make sure that it won’t break if your cat pulls, chews or scratches on it while out or even while getting used to it before you use it.  

Length – Leashes for cats can be very long or short, depending on where they’ll be wandering around. If you’re going on walks, you can have short clips with carrier backpacks to ensure they don’t jump out. Medium lengths can be great for walks around the neighbourhood and for keeping your cat safe while on a balcony or in the background. Long leashes are great for allowing your cat the freedom to roam (where it’s safe of course) such as camping or on property with large yards, etc. 

For this article, we used the top-rated reviews from owners across Amazon, the web, and other trusted review websites that specialize in pet products. We also considered our own personal use with these products with our own pets. We took into account budgets, styles, and pet sizes as well, to ensure that there is a range that will fit most pets and owner’s lifestyles. 

Is it ok to harness a cat? 

Absolutely! Of course, it depends entirely on your cat – some will never, ever get used to a harness, and sometimes won’t even allow a collar, but with patience, training (and a lot of treats) most cats can become accustomed to a harness and be taken outside for walks or as a safety while in the backyard or on a balcony. 

The key is to be patient and to not stress out your cat (or yourself) in the process. Some may just never get used to a harness regardless of how much positive reinforcement you give them and that’s okay too. Overall though, yes a harness is incredibly safe for cats.  

How to put on a cat harness? 

Some cats require different methods for getting into their harness, but all require patience. (Unless your cat has no problems with wearing collars, leashes, and things in general) 

The easiest way to put on your cat harness will depend on what kind of harness you have. Most are made so that you have to put their front legs through and then get their head through the neck loop section. Some you just put their legs through the holes and the top of the harness wraps around with velcro and a clip. 

Some cats may need to be coaxed through with a treat, some may be fine to just slip into their harness no problem. The key is to be patient and not make the process stressful, otherwise your cat may never warm up to it. You can also encourage them with cat toys and other distractions while they’re getting used to it.  

How to leash train a cat? 

Leash training a cat is similar to getting them used to a harness, but is typically easier in that you generally would clip a leash to their harness as that’s much safer than attaching it to just a collar. 

Go slow and give them time to walk around with the leash attached first, giving them slack and only pulling slightly when they’re going too far/when they reach the end of their lead. Cats should not be tugged or pulled back while on a leash.  

What are the best types of harnesses for cats? 

The best types of harnesses for cats varies on how well your cat reacts to certain designs, though most come in two to three variations – 

1. The simple H-harness that can be adjusted around your kitty’s waist and neck. These are simple straps that allow the most movement and freedom for your cat, and up until the last few years – these were most likely the only ones you could see available in stores.
2. Vest style harnesses are arguably the most popular as of now and for good reason. They allow for wide movement ranges still, while keeping your cat safer and snugger while being out and about. It’s perfect for cats that easily squirm out of H-harnesses, and also advised for cats that tend to pull more on a leash.

It keeps them safer and doesn’t pull on their neck, as the harness encompasses their entire chest and body area compared to a point around their neck and waist only.  

1. Jacket style harnesses are used less than the other two types on the list but are worth noting, as they are generally easier to put on and off, and they keep your cat even safer. They cover far more area of your, and some might actually prefer it.

They come in various colours and they typically have a velcro closure as opposed to snaps and buckles. These styles tend to work where you put their front legs into the holes and then just wrap the fabric around the top of your cat. If your cat is sensitive to noise, they may need to get used to the velcro ripping sound when you open/close the harness. 

The best of these really depends on your cat and how much security they might need/how often they try to get away. If your cat is more prone to breaking out of things, opt for the more secure ‘collar’ style one where you must put their head through the top section, or a jacket-style harness. Pet behaviourists also recommend the jacket style when available for cats.  

Do cats like collars with bells? 

It truly depends on the cat and their personality! Speaking for myself, one of my cats doesn’t mind her collar with a bell at all and it’s great for me because I can always hear her whenever she’s getting into trouble. My other cat can’t stand any collars at all, even after trying different materials. 

The best thing you can do is try one out and see how your cat or kitten reacts to it! Most don’t mind and it does give peace of mind when it comes to knowing where your cat is, when they’re jumping up on a counter, or other such things.  

Travel harness vs travel bag: What’s best for cats? 

Carriers and travel bags are generally the best for cats when they’re travelling, whether it’s by car or (especially) by plane. Some cats can have extreme anxiety while being in a carrier and if you are in a car for example – if you have them set up safely with a travel harness and leash with the option to rest in their carrier, that can work best as well.  

For the most part though – whenever possible, travelling with your cats in a carrier will keep them the safest throughout the whole process, with the least amount of stress on them and for yourself.