A statement harness for everyday adventures and special outings.
Each House Copernicus Bow Tie Harness is hand-curated and stitched in small batches from sustainably sourced, eco-printed Australian kangaroo leather. Pressed and dried leaves and flowers are arranged on the hide, then bundled and steamed so their natural pigments and tannins transfer to the leather—creating permanent, plant-made prints (not painted on). The sculptural bow adds refined style without compromising fit or freedom of movement, and no two harnesses are the same. This harness turns heads—expect attention!
Features
- Eco-printed kangaroo leather: Botanicals + plant-based dyes for naturally one-of-a-kind colour and pattern.
- Light yet strong: Kangaroo leather offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for feline comfort.
- Hand-finished details: French millinery ribbon (50% cotton; 50% rayon) lining for a smooth feel; hand-stitched where required for strength; solid metal hardware; signature brass logo disc.
- Marine-grade lead included: 2 m* high-quality marine rope (3 mm) with a brass carabiner—no fixed handle by design; wrap around your hand to shorten/lengthen on the fly.
- Made in Melbourne: Designed, printed, and crafted in-house in small runs.
- Showcase straps: Slightly wider to highlight the botanical print and spread pressure evenly. On very petite cats, the look is intentionally bold.
- Softens & moulds: Kangaroo leather warms with wear and gently moulds to your cat’s contours while staying light and strong. Re-check fit after the first few outings as it beds in.
- Finish: Available in two finishes—grain (shiny) for crisper contrast, or suede (matte) for a softer, velvety look.
Fit & sizing
Available in two generously adjustable sizes—Elegant (S) and Majestic (L) (measure snug, then add the ‘two-finger’ comfort rule). If your cat sits between sizes, choose based on their build and collar-to-shoulder-blade distance. See our Size Guide for a quick measuring diagram. Elegant (S)—Most cats under 5.5 kg with a slim to average build fit comfortably in our Small size.
- Bow tie: 10 cm width; 5.1 cm height
- Neck collar fits girth: 17–27 cm
- Check strap fits girth: 29–48 cm
- Shoulder strap (fixed length): 8 cm
Majestic (L)—If your cat is stocky, muscular, or 6+ kg, Big is usually the better choice. ~5–8+ kg
- Bow tie: 12 cm width; 5.5 cm height
- Neck collar fits girth: 22.5–32 cm
- Check strap fits girth: 33–55 cm
- Shoulder strap (fixed length): 9.5 cm
What’s in the box
- Bow Tie Harness
- 2 m marine-grade rope lead
- Care card + storage box
Colour & care
We photograph each harness carefully, but lighting and screens can make colours look a touch richer than in person. As with all dyed textiles and leather, colour will mellow gradually with UV exposure; with typical use (~30–60 minutes a day), we find fading is minimal. Our plant-based dyes and gentle processes mean a natural patina over time is normal. For longevity:
- Sun exposure: Avoid prolonged direct sun when not in use.
- Storage: Store in the supplied box so the bow keeps its shape.
- Smooth leather: condition occasionally with a suitable leather balm (a UV-protective finish is ideal).
- Suede components: use a suede/fabric protector—never balm. Always spot-test first. We like Renapur Leather Balsam (smooth leather) and Renapur Suede & Fabric Protector for a gentle, low-odour option.
Safety notes
Use under supervision. Check fit regularly (you shouldn’t be able to slip more than two fingers under the straps). We don’t label any harness as ‘escape-proof’. When fitted correctly, an H-style harness is widely considered one of the most secure designs and highly escape-resistant. The real safeguard is training: use positive reinforcement to build calm wearing, loose-lead walking, and reliable ‘check-in/come’ cues so your cat chooses to stay connected rather than defaulting to backing-out, crocodile rolls, or panic spins. For supervised use only—this harness is not a breakaway device. Keep away from chewers.
Training tip
Start indoors in low-distraction spaces: introduce the harness, reinforce calm wearing around the house, then progress to supervised lead-dragging and short, loose-lead walks guided with a target stick. Use positive reinforcement to reward desirable walking—your cat moving with you while the lead stays slack—and build reliable ‘come/let’s go’ cues. Add sights and sounds gradually. If your cat rolls, crawls or crouches, don’t remove the harness immediately; wait for a brief moment of stillness, reward, then remove so you don’t teach: harness on → roll → harness off. The goal is a confident, adaptable cat that doesn’t resort to escaping. For tailored help, book a consult with our Adventure Cat Academy.