OutdoorBengal Houdini Escape-Resistant Cat Harness

The OutdoorBengal Houdini is a cat harness with a self-tightening neck, designed to make it harder for a cat to back out when it pulls the other way, and a neoprene chest pad for comfort.

Who it suits

Cats that have backed out of a harness before, and owners who want a harness that is quick to put on. Training still matters more than any escape-resistant design.

Key facts

• Self-tightening neck system that helps prevent cats from backing out when they pull in the opposite direction (OutdoorBengal)
• The maker says no harness can make an unsupervised cat completely escape-proof (OutdoorBengal)
• Sizes by chest: Kitten 7 to 11 in, Adult 11 to 20 in, XL 20 to 27 in; measure the widest part of the chest (OutdoorBengal)
• You should be able to slide about one finger beneath the straps (OutdoorBengal)
• Includes a matching 6 ft leash; never leave your cat tethered or wearing the harness unattended (OutdoorBengal)

What reviewers say

Cats.com found it the easiest to put on and take off of all the harnesses it tested on two cats. The tester noted the leash twists on itself easily and that it cinches at the top, which did not seem to bother the cats. We did not test it ourselves.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Easiest to put on and take off in Cats.com’s test
• Pro: Self-tightening neck makes backing out harder, per the maker
• Pro: Padded chest panel and 6 ft leash
• Con: Leash twists on itself easily (Cats.com)
• Con: The neck cinches when the cat pulls back, which some owners dislike
• Con: Only three broad sizes

Cautions

• The maker says no harness makes an unsupervised cat escape-proof; never leave your cat tethered or in the harness unattended.
• Measure the widest part of the chest behind the front legs; the maker says about one finger should slide under the straps.
• Before going outside, ask your vet about vaccinations and flea, tick and parasite prevention, and make sure your cat is microchipped.