Can You Use a Dog Harness for a Cat?

When your cat gazes longingly outside or when preparing them for the vet, you may wonder…can you use a dog harness for a cat? After all, they are a four-legged pet just like them, aren't they? But a dog harness won't come quite so easy to your cat. Let's examine why your cat needs a unique harness specifically designed with them in mind.

Understanding Cat Body Structure and Behavior

Dogs and cats often live together happily, but their bodies are quite distinct. A cat's body is loose and narrow-chested. The shoulder blades of a cat are loose (not connected to the body through bone, but rather muscles), allowing them to get into small places and do incredible things, which are entertaining to watch.

Cats act differently when they are restrained, too. Dogs don’t tend to have a problem with harnesses, especially Joyride Harness products that are easy to take on and off. But cats tend to be afraid and nervous when something new is being applied to them. Due to fear, they tend to pull away, and they can get injured should their harness be ill-fitting. This is why the cat harness vs dog harness debate is such an important one.

Furthermore, cats and dogs walk differently. Cats walk fast and smoothly, and their body should be able to walk freely. A dog harness specifically designed for dogs might restrict a cat’s motion, and so they end up feeling uncomfortable and strained.

Various Types of Dog Harnesses and Issues

There are various styles of dog harness, and they all are designed to accommodate how dogs are constructed. The step-in harness requires dogs to step into holes so that the harness can be almost wrapped around their upper body. This is difficult with cats, and it generally doesn't accommodate their narrow chest very well. Can cats use dog harnesses? You’re starting to see why this is such a problem.

Over-the-head body harnesses are put over a dog's head first, then fasten around their body. Cats generally do not appreciate having something pulled over their heads, and over-the-head body harnesses rarely fit correctly since a cat's body, neck, and head are quite unlike one another.

Vest-type harnesses encircle a cat's chest and back, essentially a jacket. They might look a promising option, but they were developed for broad-chested dogs to accommodate their body weight differently. It can lead to a poorly fitted or uncomfortable harness pressing against the incorrect areas of your cat's body. If you're shopping for the best harness for a golden retriever, for example, you'd find these designs ideal for dogs—but not for cats.

Hazards of Placing Dog Harnesses on Cats

The largest danger of a dog harness being put on a cat is that they might escape. Cats are generally able to get loose from ill-fitting equipment, and an imperfect harness exacerbates this danger considerably. An escaped, panicked cat might get lost or injured, even more so since they could be in a strange environment. 

Dog harnesses can also rub against sensitive areas, limiting your cat's ability to breathe, or rub against your cat's skin and hair. This, with repetition, can lead to bruises, hair loss, or behavioral issues since your cat could end up disliking the harness.

Additionally, stress from a bad or frightening piece of equipment can adversely affect your cat's health. Aggression, fear, or anxiety signs seen with restricted cats are lasting even after they are removed from a harness. Using a dog harness on a cat can therefore lead to these long-term issues.

Select Pet Accessories That Are Pet-Safe

You may think about using your dog's harness with your cat, but it's extremely critical to keep both comfortable and secure in the right harness. Quality harnesses specifically meant for cats are developed for their life and physiology, providing a better fit, comfort, and safety. Acquiring proper gear makes your cat's safety significant and your time together enjoyable. 

Can you use a dog harness for a cat? No, we recommend choosing gear specifically designed for each pet to avoid discomfort and keep them safe!