Top 5 escape-proof Maine Coon harnesses

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A couple of points initially come to mind in writing this article. Cat harnesses have improved dramatically over the last 10 years. The harnesses featured on this page are much bulkier, wider and more secure than the ones that were available 10 years ago. Of course, they are also more expensive. These are not cheap harnesses. For example, the first one featured cost £45.01 p in the UK.

Amazon

The links to these harnesses go to Amazon.co.uk. I've checked on Amazon.com and noticed that these exact harnesses are available or the alternatives are very similar.

Truly 'escape-proof' is a necessity

The most important point about a harness is that it really must be escape proof. It depends upon the cat whether they want to escape which depends upon how athletic and active they are or whether they are placid and affable. I say that Maine Coon cats tend to be placid which is good news for harness training.

In my personal experience, and my cat is very athletic, when cats become anxious or a little stressed when on a harness because, for example, they've met a stranger 30 yards away, they might try to wriggle free of the harness. They might try anyway as it will feel unusual and constricting.

And when active and healthy domestic cats try and do that, they demonstrate their strength. And their agility and abilities to escape.

Because the modern cat harness as featured are much bulkier and fixed in a way which make them far more secure, I have suggested in the title that these are escape proof.

Tactical Cat Harness

The first one is described as escape proof as well. It is described as a "Tactical Cat Harness for Walking Escape Proof, Soft Mesh Adjustable Pet Vest Harness for Large Cat, Small Dog". You can see that it is also usable for a small dog.

Escape proof harness for a Maine Coon cat on Amazon
Escape proof harness for a Maine Coon cat on Amazon. Image: Amazon.

The picture on amazon.co.uk which I have downloaded to this website, actually features a Maine Coon which really does help me recommend this product. It looks super as well as it goes very nicely with the tabby markings. This is definitely my favourite, and you can see it on amazon.co.uk by clicking on this link.

Travel Cat: The True Adventurer

The next one is described as "Travel Cat: The True Adventurer - Reflective Cat and Kitten Harness and Leash Set for Walking - Lightweight, Breathable, Snug Fit - Strong Leash with Sturdy Snap Clip" on the Amazon website and it is very thick and solid. It looks strong and it is described as being lightweight and breathable. It's also reflective which is obviously useful.

Travel Cat: The True Adventurer harness for a Maine Coon
Travel Cat: The True Adventurer harness for a Maine Coon. Image: Amazon.

It can accommodate a large cat with a maximum of 19 inches chest size which is 48 cm. You can see this harness on the Amazon website by clicking on this link.

Voyager harness

The next one looks a bit lighter and is suitable for small and medium dogs as well as large cats. It is called the: "Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness - All Weather Mesh Step in Vest Harness for Small and Medium Dogs ". You can select the size of the harness and it goes up to a chest size of 21-23 inches. This is about half the price of the first one that I've mentioned at £22.98 p in the UK. 

Voyager harness would suit a Maine Coon cat
Voyager harness would suit a Maine Coon cat. Image: Amazon.

It obtains a really excellent review rating from over 25,000 reviews and gaining 4.5 stars. This particular product is the most popular based upon reviews by purchasers. You can purchase this product by clicking on this link.

Rabbitgoo harness

The next product looks a bit more like the old fashion cat harnesses. It is described as escape proof and comes with a 59-inch leash. It is designed for small and medium cats. This harness might not be big enough for a very big Maine Coon cat. You can see the product on Amazon by clicking on this link.

Rabbitgoo cat harness
Rabbitgoo cat harness. Image: Amazon.

Kitty Holster Cat Harness

The final product gets a very creditable 4.5 stars out of five with over 3000 ratings which indicates its popularity from customers. It is priced at £34 and is described as extra-large. It goes up to a 19–23-inch chest girth size and is made in the USA. To see this product on Amazon please click on this link.

Kitty Holster cat harness
Kitty Holster cat harness. Image: Amazon

Some considerations

That's the bare bones of purchasing a harness but you probably realise that it does take a little while to train a cat to accept a harness. They tend to flop down on their side because of the pressure from the harness on their flanks. It elicits the 'kitten response' by which I mean the 'become passive response' when mom takes kittens from one den to another. 

And when they finally learn to not flop down, they want to do their own thing and not walk beside you as a dog will because dogs follow their master. Note: some cats might not flop and be far more cooperative. This will be a cat-by-cat response.

Follow like a dog?

The inherently solitary nature of domestic cats means that they don't want to follow their master but follow their own instincts and desires. Don't expect at least initially to have a nice, pleasant stroll down the sidewalk with your Maine Coon cat. You might be lucky to get about 10 yards before you become frustrated and give up and carry him home. Although through training I'd expect success.

Stimulation

That said, I'm a great fan of taking a Maine Coon cat for a walk. Maine cats are normally going to be full-time indoor cats because of their value and the enhanced risk of theft because of their appearance. 

Being full-time indoor cats there is obviously an added onus on the owner to stimulate them and a great way to do this is to take them outside on a lead and spend some time with them.

Perhaps, it is the only way to get them outside to smell the air and feel the grass under their feet. Either that or you will have to build a cat confinement enclosure around your garden or as a second-best a nice catio. But they do need that stimulation.

Perhaps the key factor in purchasing a harness for your cat is to expect it to be quite time-consuming to train your cat and therefore the key advice is to be patient. Good luck.

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