Every year, around 5000 pets drown in pool-related accidents. Pet life jackets are essential for cat owners who live near large bodies of water, own a pool, or like to go boating with their feline friends. They provide the peace of mind that your cat will be fine if they happen to fall into the water.
The best cat life jacket for most people is the Outward Hound Life Jacket. It offers a comfortable fit, balanced floatation, durable handle, bright colors, easy-to-spot reflectors, and is affordable.
The only instances I wouldn’t recommend the Outward Hound Life Jacket are if…
- You’re on a tight budget. Go with the Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest (Available on Amazon).
- You’re looking for a slim & less bulky fit. Go with the Queenmore Lightweight Swimming Vest (Available on Amazon).
- You’re looking for more robust material and safety features. Go with Paws Aboard Pet Life Jacket (Available on Amazon).
- You want a more aesthetically pleasing look for your cat. Go with Queenmore Life Jacket (Available on Amazon).
In this article, I’ll review what you should consider when buying a cat life jacket and show you how each pick scores in these categories. I’ll also discuss more in-depth why the Outward Hound Life Jacket is the best choice for most people and other alternatives that may be better for specific situations.
Note: The majority of pet life jackets are marketed toward dogs. As long as you choose the appropriate size for your cat’s measurements and weight, it should fit them just fine.
Factors to Consider
There are four main factors to consider when choosing a life jacket for your cat:
- Proper Fitting/Size
- Balanced Floatation
- Visibility (Color, reflective material)
- Material Strength
Below I’ll explain all four:
Proper Fitting & Size Comparison
| Life Jacket | Smallest Size (Chest Girth) | Largest Size (Chest Girth) | Score |
| Outward Hound Life Jacket | 11-15 in. (28-38 cm.) | 33-44 in. (83-111 cm.) | 9/10 |
| Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest | 11-14 in. (28-35 cm.) | 31-38 in. (78-96 cm.) | 6/10 |
| Paws Aboard Pet Life Jacket | 10-14 in. (25-35 cm.) | 38 in.+ (96 cm.+) | 8/10 |
| Queenmore Lightweight Swimming Vest | 15-19 in. (38-48 cm.) | 26-35 in. (66-88 cm.) | 4/10 |
| Queenmore Shark Life Jacket | 13-18 in. (33-46 cm.) | 29-35 in. (73-88 cm.) | 3/10 |
Winners: Outward Hound Life Jacket, Paws Aboard Pet Life Jacket
Understanding proper measurement when choosing a life jacket for your cat is essential. It ensures that they can’t slip out of the vest accidentally.
The most crucial measurement is chest circumference. Using a measuring tape, measure the widest part around your cat’s ribcage (towards the front of their body behind their front legs). This measurement is what most life vests will base their sizes on.
Balanced Floatation
| Life Jacket | Neck Float | Ripstop Material | Lightweight | Score |
| Outward Hound Life Jacket | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10/10 |
| Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest | No | Yes | Yes | 7/10 |
| Paws Aboard Pet Life Jacket | No | No | Yes | 3.5/10 |
| Queenmore Lightweight Swimming Vest | No | No | Yes | 3.5/10 |
| Queensmore Shark Life Jacket | No | Yes | No | 3.5/10 |
Winners: Outward Hound Life Jacket, Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest
Life vests for cats work differently than one you might wear. As humans, our heads are on top of our bodies, whereas a cat’s body is behind its head. A good vest will give balanced floatation and keep your cat’s head above water.
A neck float ensures that a cat keeps its head above the water line and prevents them from accidentally swallowing water. This is critical for brachycephalic breeds, such as cat breeds with flat facial structures.
Also, the life vest should be made with ripstop fabric, which is generally made of nylon. The benefits of ripstop over other materials are:
- Durability
- Lightweight
- Water-proof
- Tear-resistance
Another consideration to take is how heavy the vest is. Life vests made from ripstop material are naturally lightweight, but materials such as cotton or other meshes might add more weight and make it difficult for your cat to maneuver.
Visibility
Visibility is critical when your cat is in the water. Bright colors and reflective material are essential to track where they might have fallen.
The majority of life jackets fulfill these criteria with no issues. There are a few options with darker color variations, such as black or dark blues. You want to stick with brighter, highlighter colors if possible.
The reflective strips should be easily visible across the top of the life jacket and shouldn’t be obscured by padding or other materials.
Winners: Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest, Queenmore Lightweight Swimming Vest
The two vests above provide the best visibility and offer the most variety of bright color choices.
Material Strength
| Life Jacket | Main Materials |
| Outward Hound Life Jacket | Ripstop, Nylon |
| Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest | Ripstop, Nylon |
| Queenmore Lightweight Swimming Vest | Cotton |
| Paws Aboard Pet Life Jacket | Neoprene |
| Queensmore Shark Life Jacket | Mesh, Nylon |
In a world where many products are sourced cheaply from China, it’s difficult to determine whether or not the materials used are strong and of decent quality.
A life jacket is useless if made with cheap and weak materials. The last thing you want is it breaking while pulling your cat out of water.
The main points here are how well put together the life jacket is and its strength, such as buckles, straps, velcro strips, etc.
Some material keywords you want to look for are:
- Ripstop
- High-buoyancy cotton
- Neoprene
- Nylon
Winners: Outward Hound Life Jacket, Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest, Paws Aboard Pet Life Jacket
The above vests are not only made with durable materials but also provide secure buckles and straps that will fit your cat securely. You can’t go wrong with any of the above options in terms of quality.
Best Overall: Outward Hound Life Jacket
A fantastic life jacket at a reasonable price, the Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket is the best choice for most cat owners.
With a built-in neck float, it supports your cat’s head and has excellent buoyancy throughout—an ideal choice for flat-faced cats to prevent waterboarding.
All available colors are easy to spot and include reflective accents for maximum visibility—no need to worry about your cat blending in with the water.
The handle is well stitched and strong enough to pull your cat out of the water with ease without fear of it ripping.
Bottom Line: I highly recommend the Outward Hound Life Jacket for your cat if you’re looking for a durable, well-balanced, and comfortable vest at a reasonable price. It’s all-around an excellent piece of equipment that will keep your cat safe in the water and last for years.
Pros
- Built-in neck float. This helps keep your cat’s head above water at all times. No more worrying about them swallowing or inhaling water.
- Secure. Adjustable straps and side release buckles make for a perfect fit and no-hassle removal when it’s time to come off.
- Ripstop material. It provides excellent buoyancy while staying lightweight and easy to move in on land.
- Reflective accents. Bright color options and reflective accents on the vest make it easy to spot your cat from a distance. No dark colors cause them to blend with the water.
Cons
- No D-ring. This vest doesn’t have a ring to clip your cat’s leash to but doesn’t cover the neck/collar area where you can connect their leash instead.
- Connector straps. Some users reported that the connector straps gave out after attempting to lift their pet out of the water by the handle. You likely won’t run into this issue, as most reports were by owners of large dog breeds.
Product Specifications
| Vest Size | Inches (Chest Girth) | Supported Weight |
| Extra Small | 11-15 in. (28-38 cm.) | 5-15 lbs. (2-7 kg.) |
| Small | 16-20 in. (41-50 cm.) | 15-30 lbs. (7-14 kg.) |
| Medium | 21-27 in. (53-68 cm.) | 30-55 lbs. (14-25 kg.) |
| Large | 28-32 in. (71-81 cm.) | 55-85 lbs. (25-39 kg.) |
| Extra Large | 33-44 in. (84-112 cm.) | 85-100 lbs. (39-45 kg.) |
Best Bang For The Buck: Vivaglory Ripstop Life Vest
The Vivaglory life vest is an excellent option for people on a budget or who take the occasional trip to the water with their cat.
This vest has thicker padding for added buoyancy, which means it’s perfect for heavier cats without adding much to the overall cost. The fastening on the bottom is made of thinner nylon to prevent chaffing and keeps your cat comfortable out of water.
The handle and attached D-ring make it easy to pull your cat to safety if needed.
There are two reflective strips that make finding your cat easy. It also comes in many colors and patterns so that you can set your cat apart from the rest!
Bottom Line: An excellent vest for owners looking for quality at a lower price. It covers most safety and comfort concerns without having to break the bank. Perfect for the occasional visit to the pool or lake.
Pros
- Affordable. This is the cheapest pet life jacket I’ve found that doesn’t sacrifice quality for cost.
- Comfort. The thinner nylon on the underbelly allows your cat to stay comfortable in or out of the water.
- Included D-ring. The built-in D-ring makes hooking a leash to the life jacket easy. No collar is required.
- Double fastening system. The combination of buckle straps and velcro under the belly makes for a firm fit.
Cons
- Straps may get caught. Some users reported that the straps sometimes catch onto objects, loosening them.
- Weak neck strap. A few users were concerned about the strength of the velcro in the neck strap. For some, it would become weak and not hold together.
Best Lightweight: Queenmore Lightweight Swimming Vest
This pet life jacket is perfect for those looking for a flexible and easy-to-move in vest. Its cotton material keeps the vest light and not nearly as bulky as other options.
It’s breathable and quick to dry, meaning your cat won’t stay soaked for more extended periods.
Also, the velcro and buckles make putting on and taking off the vest simple and quick.
Bottom Line: An extraordinary life jacket for those looking for something lightweight, easy to put on, and comes with all the safety of more bulky alternatives. This would work well with cats on the skinner side.
Pros
- Lightweight. Since the main fabric is cotton, this vest is super light, easy to store, and highly portable. It doesn’t take up much space at all.
- Metal D-ring. Most life jackets come with a plastic D-ring for leash attachment. This vest boasts a metal reinforced ring for extra strength.
- Highly reflective. There is a sizeable reflective portion on the back of the vest, making it easy to spot.
Cons
- Weak handle. Some users reported that the handle was subject to ripping when lifting pets in the 25+ lb. range.
- Runs small. Other users claimed that the vest tends to run on the smaller side. Buying the next size up seemed to solve the issue.
Best For Safety: Paws Aboard Pet Life Jacket
This life jacket by Paws Aboard is built to last. Its made with tough but light fabrics that give it excellent buoyancy.
The single-piece velcro band wraps nicely under your cat’s belly, while the straps and buckles make for a snug fit. They’re also tough and don’t snag on the fur.
Its bright red color and reflective strips make spotting your cat in the water easy while the handle is stitched on securely.
Bottom Line: This is a fantastic choice for cat owners who want both durability, comfort, and style. It’s great for cats who tend to wiggle their way out of harnesses or don’t like wearing them.
Pros
- Durable. This vest is made with neoprene material making it both strong and lightweight.
- Mesh underbelly. The fabric is gentle on your cat’s fur, preventing it from being tugged on or snagged.
- Heavy-duty buckles. The buckles tightly snap, providing a solid and firm hold.
- Classic-look. The old-school lifeguard aesthetic will give your cat a professional swimmer’s look.
Cons
- Weak D-ring. Users have reported that the fabric holding onto the metal D-ring tends to rip.
- Unbalanced. Some users have stated that the vest struggles to keep their pet’s head above the water while giving their rears too much buoyancy. This seems to be common with heavier pets.
Best Looking: Queenmore Shark Life Jacket
This shark-themed life jacket is a surprising mix of form and function. Great for showing off your cat’s fashion sense at pool parties and gatherings at the lake.
The bottom half of the vest is reflective, making it great for visibility. The shark fin also stands tall above the water, helping to spot your cat in an emergency.
Despite its bulky appearance, this vest is pretty lightweight and compact.
Bottom Line: An easy-to-put-on and robust life jacket that functions just as well as it looks.
Pros
- Cute style. What’s more appealing than a cat in a shark fin life jacket? I can’t think of much. Expect people to ask for pictures.
- Form-fitting. It fits snug and comfortably around your cat while maintaining mobility.
- Strong handle. While many life jackets have issues with their handles ripping, plenty of users are satisfied with how much weight this handle can support.
Cons
- Inaccurate weight rating. Some users have reported the vest of any size has trouble supporting pets on the higher end of its weight limit. Getting the next size up may be best if your cat is within that range.
- Weak stitching. Other users noticed the seam that connects the belly mesh to the rest of the vest tears easily.
- Shark fin can flop. Sometimes the shark fin on the vest doesn’t always hold up and flops over.
Key Takeaways
After considering the fitting, floatation, visibility, material strength, and cost, I’ve found that the best cat life jacket for most people is the Outward Hound Life Jacket.
Even compared to the other great recommendations above, the Outward Hound outperforms in every aspect.
Don’t forget to check out the Outward Hound Life Jacket on Amazon today.
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