The Best Coyote Vest for Cats

Written by Judie Sigdel
Updated: December 30, 2022
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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. This is especially true in urban and suburban areas. Dogs also pose a real threat to outdoor cats. A coyote vest will give your feline friend a chance to escape with minimal damage if they are attacked by a coyote, bird of prey, or a dog.

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.

It may take some time and practice to accustom your feline friend to a vest, but if coyotes are common in your area (particularly urban or suburban areas), a spike vest is a great way to help keep them safe. Introduce the vest slowly with plenty of treats and positive reinforcement.

Coyotes are more likely to be a problem in urban and suburban areas because coyotes in rural areas generally have a greater variety of food options and are less accustomed to being around humans. Coyotes living in more heavily populated areas are unafraid of humans and have fewer food options so they are more likely to see you kitty as prey.

On the other hand, large owls are common predators of cats in rural areas, especially if your cat is out at night. Either way, a vest will help keep your cat safe while he is outdoors.

Keeping your cat indoors will eliminate the need for added protection. Another safe option would be to construct an outdoor area that is fully fenced in for your cat. They can enjoy the great outdoors while being safe from predators while also protecting small animals for cats. However, if your cat needs time outside, a coyote vest is a wise investment.

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 a hawk, owl, or eagle.

  1. 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
    Check Amazon
  2. 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
    Check Amazon
  3. 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
    Check Amazon
  4. 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
    Check Amazon

#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. Just be sure to check the size guides to find the right fit for your feline.

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. This last feature will also ensure that your cat is visible to nighttime drivers, which are another threat to your outdoor kitty.

Reviews for this product were overwhelmingly positive. Some buyers said that it’s overpriced. A reviewer who purchased it to protect her dog from a vicious dog during walks reported that it “didn’t work.” The mean dog attacked and ripped the spikes off and ran away with them. We think that the spikes worked brilliantly since her dog wasn’t harmed during the attack.

Pros and Cons of the CoyoteVest SpikeVest Dog Harness Vest

ProsCons
This coyote vest for dogs works equally well for cats.Some buyers said it’s overpriced.
It’s made from puncture-resistant Cordura fabric.One buyer said it “didn’t work” when a dog attacked her pup, ripped the spikes off and ran away with them.
It features a wide collar to protect your cat’s venerable neck and throat.
This waterproof vest is available in seven colors and has reflective strips to make your kitty more visible in low light.
Overall Best
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
Check Amazon

2. 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 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.

Some reviewers reported that this vest is so stiff that their pet can’t walk when they’re wearing it. Some pet parents think it’s too expensive.

Pros and Cons of the Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for Small Dogs

ProsCons
This vest is made in the US from puncture-resistant polycarbonate, the same material as bullet-proof glass.The vest may be too stiff for some pets’ comfort.
It’s available in four sizes designed to protect pets weighing under 22 pounds.Some buyers think it’s too expensive.
It has adjustable neck and chest straps so you can customize the fit so your kitty will be safe and comfortable.
Best Basic Vest
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
Check Amazon

3. 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 (sold separately) 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. These are also very lightweight and may be more acceptable to cats that do not appreciate wearing clothing.

They’re available in eight colors. Some assembly is required. The manufacturer’s short video will show you how.

Some buyers reported that attaching the spikes took half an hour or more.

Pros and Cons of CoyoteVest CoyoteWhiskers Protection Nylon Bristles

ProsCons
You can attach CoyoteWhiskers to your kitty’s CoyoteVest SpikeVest (sold separately) with Velcro tabs.Some pet parents said that it took 30 minutes or more to attach the spikes.
Since coyotes and birds of prey don’t understand what CoyoteWhiskers are, and whether they’re dangerous, they’re less likely to attack your pet.
They’re safe for your pet and other friendly animals.
Because they’re very lightweight they may be acceptable to cats that don’t like to wear clothes.
They’re available in eight colors.
Some assembly is required. The manufacturer’s short video will show you how.
Best With Visual Deterrent
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
Check Amazon

4. Best Protective Accessory: CoyoteVest HawkShield Pad for CoyoteVest SpikeVest

Simply attach the HawkShield to the top of your cat’s CoyoteVest SpikeVest (sold separately) 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 CoyoteVest SpikeVest.

No critical reviews were available.

Pros and Cons CoyoteVest HawkShield Pad for CoyoteVest SpikeVest

ProsCons
Just attach this pad to your kitty’s CoyoteVest SpikeVest (sold separately) to provide additional protection from predators.No critical reviews were available.
It’s made of three layers of Kevlar, the material used in bulletproof vests.
It’s designed to break away from the CoyoteVest SpikeVest if a predator grabs it, giving your kitty a chance to run to safety.
It’s available in seven colors to match the CoyoteVest SpikeVest.
Best Protective Accessory
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
Check Amazon

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.

You’ll also want to have an accurate weight of your cat and know what his or her measurement are. Some other things to consider are what kind of environment will your cat be in and how much time will he be outside. If you are in a well-populated area where there are a lot of coyotes, you may want ot choose the highest level of protection. If you are in an area with a lot of brush and trees, you’ll want to make sure that your cat can escape the vest if it gets caught on a branch.

The Different Types of Coyote Vest: Pros and Cons Compared

The safest place for your beloved feline friend is indoors. Keeping your cat indoors is also best for wild birds and the other small creatures that cats prey on. If your cat does go outside, you may want to provide him some protection from the birds of prey, coyotes, and dogs who will see him as the prey rather than the hunter.

When choosing the best coyote vest for your cat, first you need to be familiar with the different types that are available. From there, you need to choose which vest is best suited to your cat and his environment. There are basic coyote vests and those that have additional features and/or optional accessories.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:

Basic Coyote Vests

ProsCons
Provides a layer of protection between your cat’s body and a coyote’s teeth or a raptor’s talonsDoesn’t have any additional features, such as spikes, that may deter a predator attack
Doesn’t accommodate accessories that confuse and deter a predator or offer an extra layer of protection

Coyote Vests with Additional Features or Accessories

ProsCons
Provides a layer of protection between your dog’s
body and a coyote’s teeth or a raptor’s talons
These are the more expensive options
May offer more protection to your dog’s vital
neck and throat area than the basic option
Can get caught on protruding objects
Have additional features such as spikes that
may deter a predator attack
Accommodate accessories that confuse and deter
a predator or offer an extra layer of protection.

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About the Author

My passion is writing about animals. I’ve published articles on pet parrots, birds, and small animal care and reviews about pet food and products. I have an ever-evolving aviary and menagerie that has included cockatiels, parakeets, conures, European starlings, a chukar partridge, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. I’m also the author of Faith without Labels: a Guide to Eclectic Spirituality.

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.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.