How to measure your cat for a harness

A comfortable fit starts with three simple measurements. Grab a soft tape (or a piece of string and a ruler), a treat, and your calmest voice. Don’t call your cat to ‘come’ for a chore—approach them calmly and bring a treat as payment.

Three measurements, two minutes, one comfy cat.

① Neck: Where a collar would sit. Measure it snug with the two-finger rule—close, not tight.

② Chest: Around the widest part of the ribs, just behind the front legs. Keep the tape level.

③ Shoulder: From the collar point down to just below the shoulder blades (scapula), following the body’s curve.

Not sure you’ve got it right? Send us your three measurements—we’ll reply with a free sizing check.

Fit & Sizing

Which size should I choose?

Around 5–6 kg & in between sizes? Choose based on body shape:

  • Slim/narrow-chested → Elegant (S)
  • Broader/rounder build → Majestic (L)
  • Fluffy coat or still growing? Factor in 1–2 cm allowance. Note that our harnesses are not suitable for kittens

Adjustablity & overlap

Our collar and chest straps are generously adjustable. They’re purposely designed to overlap, so the lining faces inward. This overlap keeps the straps looking nice, helps hold their shape, gives you a bigger usable range, and longer life span. If need be, they can be easliy shorened; see Shipping, Returns & Repairs. The sweet spot shown in the table is where that overlap sits best for the most aesthetically pleasing look. If your cat’s measurements are outside of this sweet spot it simply means the strap is nearer its shortest or longest setting.

About the shoulder strap

This measurement is fixed for each size (S = 8 cm, L = 9.5 cm). It’s the lenght of the shoulder strap—the short connector between the neck and chest strap. Across adult domestic cats, shoulder anatomy is quite consistent. The distance from the nape (where a collar sits) to the top of the shoulder blades (scapula) varies far less than neck or chest girth. That means the fixed shoulder-strap lengths work well. It doesn’t have to match your measurement exactly; small differences are normal and comfortable (bit like the postion of a bra strap).

Weight and comfort

Our harnesses weigh around 100 g (Elegant 95g; Majestic 103g—mid-range for cat harnesses, comparable to vest-style). Comfort comes from fit and balance, not just grams: the H-style spreads load across neck and chest; thin kangaroo leather flexes, allowing unrestricted movement; brass adds polish without bulk. For a 5 kg cat, ~100 g ≈ 2% of body weight. With a correct fit and gradual habituation (short, positive sessions paired with rewards), even a 100 g leather harness can feel effectively ‘invisible’. It’s important to pair the harness with good things and progress in tiny, successful steps so the cat’s response class shifts from avoidance to approach.

  • Sight → Treats: Place the harness near the cat’s preferred spot. Each glance/sniff earns a small, high-value reward. No pressure to interact.
  • Touch → Treats: Briefly touch the harness to shoulder/chest, remove, reward. Keep touches short enough to avoid flinching
  • Partial On: Slip one loop on, remove, reward. Then two loops. Hardware sounds? Pair clicks with food before fastening.
  • Fasten & Drop: Fasten for 3–10 seconds, reward continuously, remove before any fussing begins. Sessions stay short and end on success.
  • Micro-Moves: With the harness on, reinforce one step, then two, then a short wander. Build duration and distance separately before combining.
  • Generalise: Practise in multiple calm rooms, then near the door, then a quiet hallway/courtyard. Novel context always means smaller steps.

Still not sure?

Send us your three measurements (Neck, Chest, Shoulder drop) and a profile photo of your cat standing naturally—we’ll confirm the best size.

Need a custom fit for your Maine Coon, XL Bengal, or chunky bestie?

We offer made-to-measure harnesses for cats who fall outside our standard sizing. Please contact us for a comission.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top