How to Make a Cat Harness
Updated: Jun. 07, 2023Make your own DIY cat harness from a few simple materials and watch your feline friend safely enjoy the sunshine.
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Time A few hours
ComplexityBeginner
CostLess than $20
Introduction
Who says indoor cats can't hang outside? All you need to make a DIY cat harness is a few buckles and some nylon webbing. You may also want to load up on cat treats to help your furry friend adjust to their new harness.
Tools Required
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Tape measure
Materials Required
- 3/4-in. buckle
- 3/4-in. nylon webbing
- 3/4-in. tri-glide slide
- D-rings
- Lobster Clasp
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
Cut the Straps
- Cut three straps from the nylon webbing material and prevent the nylon from fraying.
- The neck strap should measure 20 inches.
- The back strap should measure 10 inches.
- The stomach strap should measure 30 inches.
- Note: Measurements are for a mid-sized cat. If your cat is larger, add five to 10 inches to each strap. If your cat is smaller, subtract three to five inches from each strap.
Step 2
Loop Slides Through Straps
- Loop one tri-glide slide onto the end of the neck strap. Fold the strap over one inch, then sew to the other side of the strap.
- Repeat with second tri-glide slide and the stomach strap.
- Pro Tip: You don’t have to stick with 3/4-in. slides. You can use smaller or larger ones. Just make sure you are using the same size for the rope, slide and buckle.
Step 3
Attach the Pronged Buckle
- Slide the pronged end of a buckle onto the neck strap, then slide the strap back through the tri-glide slide, leaving the pronged end of the buckle in the middle of an inch-long loop.
- Repeat with the pronged end of the other buckle and the stomach strap.
Step 4
Attach the Flat Buckle
- Slide the flat end of a buckle onto the neck strap, then fold the strap over one inch and sew to secure, making sure the rough edge of the strap is facing the back.
- Repeat with other flat end of a buckle and the stomach strap.
- Buckle both straps to make full circles and test the buckles on your cat’s neck and belly, adjusting the size as necessary to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
Step 5
Connect the Back and Neck Straps
- Lay out two straps on a work surface.
- The neck strap should lay horizontally at the top.
- The back strap should lay vertically, connecting the neck and stomach pieces.
- Fold the top inch of the back strap over the neck strap, about one inch to the right of the buckle, then sew the two together.
Step 6
Attach the Stomach Strap and D-Ring
- Slide the open end of the back strap through a D-ring, then fold the piece one inch over the stomach strap.
- Sew the back strap to the stomach strap about one inch to the right of the buckle, leaving the D-ring exposed. Sew a square to secure the rope pieces and hold the D-ring firmly in place.
Step 7
Make a Leash
- Cut 30 inches of nylon webbing.
- Fold eight inches of strap over on one end and sew, creating a large hand loop that’s about 18 inches.
- Sew a lobster clasp to the open end of the strap by sliding the clasp on, then folding the strap over one inch and sewing in a square to secure.
- Pro Tip: You can skip making a leash and just use one you’ve bought or one you have lying around. As long as your harness has a D-ring, you can attach a standard leash to it.
Step 8
Take Your Cat on a Walk
- Buckle the harness over your cat’s neck and stomach.
- Adjust the straps as necessary to make sure your cat is comfortable.
- Attach the cat leash to the D-ring, and show off your colorful new cat harness.
- Make your cat a DIY cat toy as a reward for wearing the harness. Looking for more ideas to make your kitty happy? Build her a DIY cat tree and tower.
Originally Published: September 04, 2020
