Introduction
Coyotes live in every state in the U.S. except Hawaii. Because they’ve adapted to living in suburban and urban areas, it’s likely that your neighborhood has coyotes even if you’ve never seen one. If your feline friend spends any time outdoors, shopping for the best coyote vest for cats now could save their life.
Coyotes are opportunistic hunters. This means that they will eat anything they can catch, including domestic cats. A coyote vest will give your feline friend a chance to escape with minimal damage if they’re attacked.
Coyote vests surround your cat’s torso and neck with a physical barrier to sharp teeth and claws. Some employ other physical obstructions, including sharp spikes. Others use visual deterrents to disorient coyotes – and even birds of prey like hawks.
The following review can help you select the right coyote vest to protect your precious kitty from falling prey to a coyote or raptor like hawk, owl, or eagle.
- CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest
- Designed to slow or prevent attacks from aggressive animals
- Constructed from a super-tough, puncture-resistant Cordura fabric
- Comes with a large, attached neck collar
- Available in five sizes and seven colors
- Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest
- Protects cats — as well as dogs — from coyotes, birds of prey and other predatory creatures
- Puncture-proof and durable construction keeps cats safe
- Available in four sizes for pets less than 22 lbs
- Adjustable neck and chest straps ensure secure and comfortable fit
- CoyoteVest CoyoteWhiskers Protection Nylon Bristles
- Brightly-colored bristles deter coyotes and birds of prey
- Bristles easily attach to your cat's spike vest
- Available in eight colors
- Bristles don't harm your pet
- CoyoteVest HawkShield Pad for CoyoteVest or SpikeVest
- Easily attaches to CoyoteVest SpikeVest for added protection
- Features three layers of Kevlar to help prevent punctures and injuries
- Easy-release separation gives pets the opportunity to escape
- Available in seven colors
#1 Overall Best Coyote Vest for Cats: CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest
Our choice for the overall best coyote vest for cats is the CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest. The name says that it’s for dogs, but it will provide your cat with the same high level of protection from aggressive predators like coyotes and birds of prey.
The CoyoteVest SpikeVest is crafted from puncture-resistant Cordura fabric to protect your pet from razor-sharp teeth and talons. It features a wide collar to protect two of your cat’s most vulnerable areas: their neck and throat.
This vest provides an additional layer of defense in the form of sharp, hard-plastic spikes. These removable spikes will protect your cat’s neck and both sides of its back.
You can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine which of the five sizes of CoyoteVest SpikeVest to purchase. This waterproof protective vest is available in seven colors and features reflective strips that will make your cat more visible in the dark.
- Designed to slow or prevent attacks from aggressive animals
- Constructed from a super-tough, puncture-resistant Cordura fabric
- Comes with a large, attached neck collar
- Available in five sizes and seven colors
Best Basic Coyote Vest for Cats: Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for Small Dogs
The Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for Small Dogs works equally well to protect cats from birds of prey and coyotes.
This vest is made from is made in the U.S.A. from puncture-proof, lightweight, durable, polycarbonate. It’s available in four sizes designed to protect pets under 22 pounds. The Raptor Shield Sizing Guide can help you select the proper size for your kitty.
Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest’s adjustable neck and chest straps will allow you to customize the fit so your cat will be safe and comfortable.
- Protects cats — as well as dogs — from coyotes, birds of prey and other predatory creatures
- Puncture-proof and durable construction keeps cats safe
- Available in four sizes for pets less than 22 lbs
- Adjustable neck and chest straps ensure secure and comfortable fit
Best Coyote Vest Visual Deterrent: CoyoteVest CoyoteWhiskers Protection Nylon Bristles
CoyoteWhiskers are lightweight, brightly colored nylon bristles that you can attach to your cat’s CoyoteVest SpikeVest with Velcro tabs. Because coyotes and birds of prey don’t understand what CoyoteWhiskers are — and whether they’re a danger – they are less likely to attack.
But as scary as CoyoteWhiskers are to predators, these flexible bristles won’t harm your pet.
They’re available in eight colors. Some assembly is required. The manufacturer’s short video will show you how.
- Brightly-colored bristles deter coyotes and birds of prey
- Bristles easily attach to your cat's spike vest
- Available in eight colors
- Bristles don't harm your pet
Best Protective Accessory: CoyoteVest HawkShield Pad for CoyoteVest SpikeVest
Simply attach the HawkShield to the top of your cat’s CoyoteVest SpikeVest for additional protection from birds of prey and coyotes.
The HawkShield is created from three layers of Kevlar, the same material used in bulletproof vests. It’s so tough that it can prevent sharp talons and teeth from puncturing and injuring your pet.
If a raptor manages to grab hold of the HawkShield, the weight of your cat’s body will cause the product to separate from the CoyoteVest SpikeVest’s. Because of this ingenious design, your cat will have an opportunity to escape.
The HawkShield protective pad is available in seven colors that match the SpikeVest.
- Easily attaches to CoyoteVest SpikeVest for added protection
- Features three layers of Kevlar to help prevent punctures and injuries
- Easy-release separation gives pets the opportunity to escape
- Available in seven colors
Choosing the Best Coyote Vests for Dogs: What to Look for
When you’re looking for the best coyote vest for your cat, you’ll want to consider price, features, and accessories. A basic coyote vest starts at $77. Features such as spikes will add to the product’s cost, but they also provide an additional layer of protection. Finally, you’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase a coyote vest from a manufacturer that offers accessories.
The Different Types of Coyote Vest: Pros and Cons Compared
When choosing the best coyote vest for your pup, first you need to be familiar with the different types that are available. There are basic coyote vests and those that have additional features and/or accessories.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:
Basic Coyote Vests
| Pros! | Cons! |
| Provide a layer of protection between your dog’s body and a coyote’s teeth or a raptor’s talons | Doesn’t have any additional features, such as spikes, that may deter a predator attack |
| Don’t accommodate accessories that confuse and deter a predator or offer an extra layer of protection |
Coyote Vests with Additional Features or Accessories
| Pros! | Cons! |
| Provide a layer of protection between your dog’s body and a coyote’s teeth or a raptor’s talons | These are the more expensive option. |
| May offer more protection to your dog’s vital neck and throat area than the basic option | |
| Have additional features such as spikes that may deter a predator attack | |
| Accommodate accessories confuse and deter a predator or offer an extra layer of protection. |
Verified Reviews: User Experience
Most user complaints had to do with quality and design. One reviewer, who had to replace a coyote vest after two years, said, “For $70 I would have expected/hoped that it could have lasted at least five years. So, now we need a new one and we will definitely be buying a different jacket from a different company.
Another stated, “We expected something more substantial. This jacket has plastic spikes. I’m not sure how much of a deterrent these would be. For the price, it doesn’t seem very protective.”
The vast majority of users, however, were pleased with the coyote vests. One wrote, “Fits well, true to size. Make sure you measure. We would prefer the Velcro straps be a bit longer. Seems to be comfortable and lightweight and sturdy. If spikes were metal (they are plastic) would be too heavy. Hopefully not only for wildlife but aggressive dogs as well. We have both in our area.”
Another customer said, “This is lightweight and well made. I ordered the X-small, which was a little too small for my little Louie. After contacting the seller, I received a replacement and a prepaid mailing envelope. There are a lot of birds of prey in my area, and this vest gives me peace of mind. I am very pleased with the product and the responsive customer service.”
The Best Coyote Vest for Cats FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I protect my outdoor cats from coyotes?
You can take steps to make your property less inviting to coyotes. For example, don’t leave food, even cat food, outdoors. Fencing your yard may help, but it won’t solve the problem since cats tend to wander and coyotes have been known to jump fences. Lights on motion detectors may deter coyotes as well.
A coyote vest for cats will provide a physical barrier between a coyote’s teeth and your cat’s body. Some coyote vests confuse predators with visual deterrents as well.
Can cats wear coyote vests for dogs?
Yes, a well-fitting coyote vest for dogs in the correct size will work for cats. The only issue is that most cats don’t like to have clothes or other items on them.
