If you own one of the 54 million kitties that live in America as pets, you will already know that your feline friend is fluffy and cute. They also likely have an air of ‘plotting world domination’ about them at any one time. Sound familiar?
Even with these amazing assets and more, kitty is not always as safe as he could be, especially if he leaves the house. He can get lost or hurt. There’s one thing that can help him find his people again in those situations and is with the best cat collar for his needs.
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A kitty collar helps your little weirdo get speedy identification in the instance he needs help. A collar is also helpful for these reasons:
- It lets others know that he has his own people.
- Glow in the dark features can help keep him safe at night by showing his presence to oncoming vehicles.
- Bells help keep local wildlife safe.
- Tracking collars can help you check where your pet is when he’s out of sight.
- Collars can let others know not to feed your cat because of special dietary needs.
Would you like some help choosing the best collar for your purrfect pet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these handy tips:
A Few Safety Pointers First
As a cat’s collar goes around its neck, which is pretty important when it comes to breathing, it is a good idea to ensure you keep safety in mind when choosing a collar. Here are some top safety priorities to bear in mind:
A Collar Isn’t A Microchip
A microchip is a tiny chip a vet places under a dog or cat’s skin. The quick and easy procedure enables you to place your cat’s details literally inside the cat so that they have a permanent form of ID in addition to the collar.
A collar is important as an initial form of ID, but microchipping is something you should invest in as a secondary form of ID that can’t be removed.
Elastic Inserts Are A Big Fat NO
Elastic inserts inside collars is an old method of keeping kitty safe from their collar getting stuck.
The problem is, although it might help your cat escape, they can also sustain nasty injuries by getting their leg trapped under the collars. You can read more about that problem here.
The best collar for outdoor cat does not have elastic, but rather it fits well.
A collar that fits well enables you to fit two fingers underneath, no more, no less. You should check the collar regularly to ensure it fits well.
Safety Release Collars Are Great
Some of the best collars around have a safety release which means that if enough pressure is placed on the release, it pops open.
So if your cat gets it stuck on a branch, or their leg, it should just pop open and set them free. The best breakaway cat collar will always include this feature.
Some Of The Best Cat Collars You Can Buy
To help you with your shopping, we have reviewed some of the best kitty collars around:
Lionet paws Dog and Cat Collar with Bowtie
The Best Cat Collars For The Fanciest Felines
Looking for something snazzy for your pet? Then this sweet tie collar may just be the right choice for you.
Proof that practical accessories for pets don’t need to be boring, each collar comes in a variety of different styles.
Fashion doesn’t compromise quality though as the collar boasts stainless steel buckles, traditional double bow ties which are hand sewn. There are even adjustability features for extra ease of use.
Why We Like It:
- Helps you reflect your pet’s personality
- Stylish
- Fun
- Can be hand washed
What We Don’t Like:
- Buckle fastening
- Cats who don’t like collars might hate a bow tie too
Bemix Pets Reflective Cat Collar with Bell
Great For Keeping Local Wildlife Safe
The Bemix reflective collar with bell is all the safety you need in a cat collar, and more. Made of nylon, the collar is durable, and comes in a range of cute colors too.
If you love to maximise kitty safety with the accessories you buy, you will love that the collar is both reflective and has a safety release too. The birds will also love the warning of your cat coming from the bell that is attached.
Why We Like It:
- Everything you need to keep kitty safe
- Affordable
- Great variety of colours
- Safety release
What We Don’t Like:
- Cat may not appreciate the bell
- Design fairly generic
Blueberry Pet 7 Patterns Breakaway Safety Cat Collar
Cats Who Really Want To Stand Out Will Love These
If you really want your feline friend to stand out, then the Blueberry Pet 7 patterned collars could be the best choice for you. All the collars have a safety release and bell, ensuring both cat and wildlife remain safe.
The design of the collars though, along with the personalisation options are what is really exciting about the Blueberry products. There are lots of different designs and combinations to consider, as well as having your pets detailed added to the collar itself.
Why We Like It:
- Unique and different designs
- Personalisation options
- Safety release
- Comes with a bell
What We Don’t Like:
- Unique designs might not be to your taste
- Cat may not like bell
KOOLTAIL Heart Bling Cat Collar with Safety Belt and Bell
Fancy Felines Must Have These Collars!
The KOOLtail is the collar for cats with the most opulent tastes. Cats who feast on fresh fishies and who couldn’t possibly consider something out of a sachet.
With a stunning bell and luxurious velvet collar, plus the standout bling feature, it’s quite adorable. Your rather royal kitty will love a collar befitting of his pedestal position looking down on his measly peasant human staff.
Why We Like It:
- Stylish
- Luxurious design
- Affordable
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Grubby kitties may quickly soil the bling
- Elasticated
Best Breakaway Cat Collar For The Most Adventurous Of Kitties
The Go Tags collars use nylon, which is durable and hard-wearing, perfect for adventurous kitties. This is doubly great because the personalization on the collars means the cat’s details are sewn directly into the material.
This helps to keep your pet safe and identified, and it looks great too as the color of the words and numbers contrasts with the main collar color.
Why We Like It:
- Bright
- Attractive
- Personalisation
- Durable and hard wearing
What We Don’t Like:
- Very bright and may not be to your taste
- Information displayed may be too ‘public’ for your liking
AOLOVE Basic Classic Padded Leather Pet Collar
Stylish & Classic, For Sophisticats
If you want a ‘forever collar’ for your cat that also looks incredibly stylish and classic, then you’ll love the AOLOVE padded leather collars.
Made from high-quality leather and a thick D ring, the product could last the cat a lifetime. The look of the leather is also modern and timeless at the same time. No need to compromise on personality though as you can choose from a selection of bright and beautiful colors.
Why We Like It:
- High-quality
- Designed to last
- Classic and timeless design
- Padded for comfort
What We Don’t Like:
- Some owners avoid using animal products where they can, so will not like the leather material
- Buckle fastening
Necoichi Kimono Ribbon Cat Collar
Something Different For Kitsch Kittens
Are you and your kitty lovers of the truly unique? The quirky and the cool? Will only the most kitsch accessories do? If this sounds like you then you will love the Necoichi kimono ribbon collar.
The collar does cost a little more than your average nylon type, but you get a truly unique design in return. The look is crafted from a traditional kimono print, with delicate pastels and floral hints, or a richer red, or navy-blue base if you’d prefer.
Why We Like It:
- Unique design
- Quick release
- Selection of base colours
- Durable nylon
What We Don’t Like:
- Grubby kitties may dirty the collar quickly
- Higher price grade
ROGZ Catz Small 3/8-Inch Night Cat Collar
The Best Collar For Outdoor Cats Who Love To Go Out At Night
The ROGZ night collar is a great looking safety collar that’s a great idea for kitties who love to explore at night. It utilises reflective material to ensure they can be seen in car headlights.
The collar also has a breakaway release to ensure your kitty won’t get stuck on the accessory during his adventures.
Why We Like It:
- Perfect for cats who are night owls
- Reflective material
- Quick release
- Attractive design
What We Don’t Like:
- Designs limited
- Your cat may not like the bell
Coastal Pet Products ElastaCat Pet Collar
Perfect For Pet-Owners On A Budget
The Coastal collar is a great basic and affordable collar that is reflective, easy to adjust, and comes in a range of cute colors. It also uses elastic as a feature that is designed to help your cat get free if they get tangled.
Perfect for cats prone to getting through collar after collar.
Why We Like It:
- Affordable
- Good basic features
- Easy to replace
- Easy to adjust
What We Don’t Like:
- Elasticated
- Basic design may not suit your tastes
FAQ
To help you further with your search for the perfect kitty collar, we’ve answered some common questions:
What information should I put on my cat’s tag?
Most people put the cat’s name, and then the owner’s contact number. You can add more information in a scroll bearing charm.
You can also get a ‘do not feed’ collar or tag which lets well-meaning neighbors not to provide your cat with food.
In all instances, you can add more extensive information on the cat’s microchip. The collar simply provides immediate information should your cat need help.
My cat hates collars, how can I get him to wear it?
You can use training similar to cat harness training for a cat who hates collars. This Youtube video has a great explainer on getting your cat used to a harness. You can use many of the same techniques to get your cat used to the collar.
You may also want to consider eventually utilizing a cat leash and harness to train your cat to go on walks with you. This is a great idea for smart and adventurous cats who would benefit from being your hike buddy.
Do kittens need collars?
Kittens usually shouldn’t wear collars until after they are 6 months old. After that, they can wear collars that fit properly, but they should be checked regularly to ensure they fit well.
When should I change my cat’s collar?
A cat’s collar should be changed if the safety aspects of it are no longer working, or if it fits badly. Otherwise, it’s a case of getting it changed when you feel your kitty needs a new fancy accessory.
My cat is an indoor cat, does he need a collar?
Indoor cats don’t necessarily need a collar but, it could be a good additional precaution if you worry about him escaping. Cats that travel regularly outside the house in cat carriers can also benefit from a collar.
Do flea collars work?
Most vets feel that flea collars are ineffective at flea control. They tend to simply keep the fleas off the head but they don’t actually deal with the flea problem itself.
There can also be an issue with flea collar poisoning, which you can read more about here.
Are tracking collars worth the money?
As with any new technology, it all depends on what you buy. Some devices have certainly received rave reviews. As the price is so high compared to a normal collar, it makes sense to do a lot of research before purchasing anything.
“A lie is like a cat: you need to stop it before it gets out the door or it is really hard to catch.” – Charles M. Bow
The tips and information above can help you get your kitty the best collar for their needs. There’s also a wide range of styles to choose from too, to ensure your cats accessory is just as special and beautiful as he is.