Last updated Oct 14, 2024
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
If you have a cat that ventures outdoors or a curious indoor cat prone to escape attempts, a cat collar with identification improves their odds of returning home. Additionally, a cat collar alerts people that your cat is owned and lost, rather than a stray or feral cat.
Most cats have strong opinions about their neckwear, which highlights the importance of finding a collar that’s both comfortable and safe. We’ve rounded up and tested a variety of cat collars to suit a range of cats and preferences. Here are our top nine recommendations.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Cat Collars
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Red Dingo Nylon Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar
- Made from durable nylon materials
- Reflective coating improves nighttime visibility
- Easy to adjust the size
GoTags Nylon Embroidered Breakaway Cat Collar
- Perfect for cats that don’t like to wear dangling ID tags
- Made from sturdy, lightweight nylon webbing
- Choose from five collar colors and 15 thread colors
Pawtitas Reflective Traffic Cat Collar
- Reflects ambient light to provide maximum visibility
- Made from a single strip of durable rip-stop nylon
- Size is easy to adjust
Blueberry Pet The Power of All in One Breakaway Collar
- Goes up to 13 inches to accommodate larger cats
- Breakaway design
- Fun colors and patterns
Beastie Bands
- Super soft and lightweight neoprene
- Stretchy collar closes with Velcro
- Available in a wide variety of colors and prints
Rogz Breakaway Cat Collar
- Glow-in-the-dark and reflective materials provide visibility at night
- Adjustable breakaway mechanism for the perfect balance of security and safety
- Made from soft, comfortable materials
CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar with Bell
- Made with full-grain leather and heavy-duty metal hardware
- Nice balance of durability and style
- Two sizes to accommodate kittens and larger cats
Kittyrama Breakaway Adjustable Cat Collar
- Minimizes risk of rashes and irritation for sensitive cats
- Soft silky texture
- Waterproof
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
- No prescription required
- Effective for the entire flea and tick season
- Kills fleas on contact, so they don’t need to bite your cat for it to work
Why Trust Cats.com
I’ve lived with cats my entire life. Before choosing several cat collars for testing, I researched the arguments for and against collars, focusing on the potential benefits and risks. I also learned about the different types of collars available and what to prioritize when shopping for one.
Next, I pored over product reviews to learn what other pet parents were saying about the most popular collars on the market. To make my selections, I considered a range of cat comfort levels, aiming to include various materials that might appeal to different cats.
In testing, I assessed each collar’s breakaway function and how easy they were to adjust. I also considered features like reflective strips, glow-in-the-dark materials, and customizability. Finally, I observed how my own cat reacted to wearing the collars.
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Red Dingo’s Nylon Breakaway Collar is our top choice, it might not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right toothbrush for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by size, material, and other key considerations.
#1 Best Overall: Red Dingo Nylon Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: 8 to 12.5 inches
- Material: Nylon, synthetic fabric
- Closure type: Quick release
- Breakaway: Yes
This nylon reflective collar from Red Dingo is our top pick thanks to its simple yet functional design. Not only does it feature a breakaway clasp for safety, but it also has a cute fish motif that’s highly reflective.
The Red Dingo cat collar is made from abrasion-resistant nylon. Stitching at both ends makes it durable, but also a bit rougher than the other collars. You can attach your cat’s ID tag as a backup for their microchip with the steel K-ring. To prevent snagging, the quick-release safety clip comes undone with a reasonable amount of tension.
In addition, we love that this collar is affordable and machine-washable for easy cleaning. The half-inch width is ideal for cats, and the size can be adjusted between 8 and 12.5 inches. Finally, the bell is attached with a split ring, so it can be removed easily if it’s a nuisance.
What We Liked:
- Made from durable nylon materials
- Reflective coating improves nighttime visibility
- Easy to adjust the size
- Detachable bell
- Available in five colors: red, green, orange, pink, and purple
What We Didn’t Like:
- The materials were a little stiffer than others
#2 Best Personalized: GoTags Nylon Embroidered Breakaway Cat Collar
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: 8 to 12 inches
- Material: Nylon, synthetic fabric
- Closure type: Quick-release
- Breakaway: Yes
Customizable embroidered collars offer the benefits of an ID tag without the discomfort of a dangling accessory around your cat’s neck. Because they’re lightweight and streamlined, this style of collar is a favorite among sensitive cats.
A customizable collar isn’t limited to your cat’s name and phone number, though. If your cat has special needs, you can have them printed on the collar. In the event that your cat goes missing, this message will increase the chances that they’ll receive appropriate care.
You can also choose your favorite color combination. GoTags offers five background colors and 15 thread (text) colors.
While still legible, the adjustment buckle might cover some of the text if you have it at a smaller setting. The bell is attached with a K-ring instead of a split-ring, meaning you could probably remove it, but you might need a pair of pliers to do so.
Floyd models his personalized GoTags collar. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
What We Liked:
- Perfect for cats that don’t like to wear dangling ID tags
- Made from sturdy, lightweight nylon webbing
- Choose from five collar colors and 15 thread colors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sliding adjustment buckle might cover the custom embroidery (especially with smaller cats)
#3 Best for Outdoor Cats: Pawtitas Reflective Traffic Cat Collar
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: 8 to 12 inches
- Material: Nylon, synthetic fabric
- Closure type: Quick release
- Breakaway: Yes
Visibility is a top priority for cats that spend time outdoors. This Pawtitas Traffic Cat Collar features pronounced reflective material that covers most of the fabric surface. It’s also available in several bright colors that should be easier to spot outside. A bell attachment warns birds and wildlife that there’s a predator on the prowl, but it can be removed if you’re not a fan.
Of all the collars I tested, this one was the easiest to adjust. It’s soft and flexible and includes a breakaway buckle for peace of mind.
What We Liked:
- Reflects ambient light to provide maximum visibility
- Made from a single strip of durable rip-stop nylon
- Size is easy to adjust
- Includes D-ring for attaching ID tags
- Minority-owned small business based in the United States
What We Didn’t Like:
- Might be too easy for some cats to get off
#4 Best for Large Cats: Blueberry Pet The Power of All in One Breakaway Collar
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: 9 to 13 inches
- Material: Polyester, synthetic fabric
- Closure type: Quick release
- Breakaway: Yes
It’s important that your cat’s collar isn’t too snug. As a rule, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck. This Blueberry Pet collar is designed for cats with neck sizes up to 13 inches.
These collars are simple to adjust, and they’re made with high-density polyester webbing. They come in packs of two, each featuring colorful bands with a coordinating flower adornment that attaches with an elastic loop. Each set also includes an extra flower in case one gets lost.
In my set, the collar with the printed pattern felt a bit softer than the solid-colored one. The bell can be removed thanks to a split-ring attachment.
Floyd appreciated this collar’s soft fabric—his human appreciated its charming print. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
What We Liked:
- Goes up to 13 inches to accommodate larger cats
- Breakaway design
- Fun colors and patterns
- Removable flower accessory adds a pop of fun
What We Didn’t Like:
- Solid-colored collar was a little rougher than the patterned one
#5 Best for Cats That Hate Collars: Beastie Bands
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: Up to 12.5 inches
- Material: Soft, flexible neoprene
- Closure type: Velcro
- Breakaway: No, but stretches to release cats
Beastie Bands don’t look like your average cat collar, and they don’t fit like your average collar, either. These unique cat collars are a cult favorite among breeders, people who foster kittens, and cat aficionados. They’re made from stretchy neoprene, and because you can trim them to fit, Beastie Bands are suitable for a range of sizes.
Beastie Bands are stretchy and have Velcro closures, so they’re safe for even the most adventurous cat. Plus, the inner surface is super soft and shouldn’t irritate most cats.
In lieu of the D-rings found on most collars, Beastie Bands feature a grommet through which you can attach an ID tag or bell.
What We Liked:
- Super soft and lightweight neoprene is perfect for cats with sensitive skin or those that hate wearing collars
- Stretchy collar closes with Velcro, making it easy for your cat to escape when in danger
- Available in a wide variety of colors and prints
- Compatible with ID tags
What We Didn’t Like:
- Might not work for very large cats
#6 Best Glow-in-the-Dark: Rogz Breakaway Cat Collar
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: 8 to 12 inches
- Material: Nylon webbing
- Closure type: Quick release
- Breakaway: Yes, adjustable
If you’re concerned about visibility, a glow-in-the-dark collar is better than those with just reflective accents—this Rogz collar has both.
I’ll admit, I didn’t expect this collar to glow as well as it did, but I was blown away by how bright it was. After holding it under a light for 30 seconds, the Rogz collar shone luminously in the dark.
Apart from its ability to glow, the buckle is what really sets this collar apart. It has a sensitivity setting based on your cat’s weight, allowing you to choose how easily the breakaway buckle will snap open.
The Rogz collar is adjustable from 8 inches to 12 inches, making it appropriate for larger kittens and cats. However, it might be too big for the smallest kitten.
What We Liked:
- Glow-in-the-dark and reflective materials provide visibility at night
- Adjustable breakaway mechanism for the perfect balance of security and safety
- Made from soft, comfortable materials
- Feels solid and durable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Might not be small enough for very young kittens
#7 Best Leather: CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar with Bell
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: Small: 6 to 7 inches; medium: 9 to 11 inches
- Material: Leather, metal hardware
- Closure type: Buckle
- Breakaway: No, but stretchy elastic allows cats to break away
Leather has a classic, chic look and tends to be long-lasting. This collar is made with genuine full-grain leather that’s soft and flexible. It doesn’t have a breakaway clasp; instead, it features stretchy elastic that will release your cat if they get snagged on something. I tested this on my cat, Floyd, and found that the collar easily stretched over his rather large head.
This collar is available in 12 colors and in both small and medium sizes, making it suitable for a range of cats. The bell is removable, and there’s a metal D-ring for hanging ID tags. On the downside, a number of reviews mention that the excess length does not stay down with the metal ring—which is annoying at best and a potential chewing hazard at worst.
The CollarDirect has no breakaway clasp but it stretched over Floyd’s head with ease. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
What We Liked:
- Made with full-grain leather and heavy-duty metal hardware
- Nice balance of durability and style
- Two sizes to accommodate kittens and larger cats
- Includes a metal D-ring for hanging ID tags
- Available in 12 attractive colors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Excess length doesn’t stay put
#8 Best Silicone: Kittyrama Breakaway Adjustable Cat Collar
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: 7.7 inches to 10.4 inches
- Material: Silicone, plastic
- Closure type: Quick release
- Breakaway: Yes
Cats that are sensitive to materials like polyester or nylon might fare better with a silicone collar. Naturally hypoallergenic, this material is silky smooth, soft, and lightweight. It doesn’t absorb moisture or heat, and it won’t rub your cat’s fur.
On the inner surface, you’ll find a space to write your house number (though I have to question the likelihood of someone seeing it). This waterproof collar is also available in a kitten size that fits necks between 5.7 and 7.3 inches.
Sensitive cats might find a silicone collar more comfortable. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
What We Liked:
- Minimizes risk of rashes and irritation for sensitive cats
- Soft silky texture
- Waterproof
- Available in three charming color schemes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Quick release was slightly harder to open than others
- Won’t fit very large cats
#9 Best Flea Collar: Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
- Neck Size: Up to 13”
- Material: Rubber coated in Flumethrin and Imidacloprid
- Closure type: Buckle
- Breakaway: No
Flea collars aren’t always the best option for dealing with pests. But if your vet recommends a flea collar, it’s important to find one that’s safe and labeled for use in cats.
While there’s no way to be certain that your cat won’t have a reaction to a flea collar, this Seresto collar from Elanco is a pretty safe bet. It relies on flumethrin and imidacloprid—two insecticides that are considered safe for cats.
It’s not the cheapest flea collar, but it’s effective and has a reputation for safety. One collar should last for eight months, and it starts working within 24 hours.
It’s worth noting that the Seresto collar doesn’t have a breakaway clasp, but the company has designed it to widen for a quick release. However, I found that you’ll need to pull pretty hard to release it.
The Seresto loses some points for being messy—if you look closely at the photo, you can see white powder all over it. This is a common complaint with most flea collars, though.
What We Liked:
- No prescription required
- Effective for the entire flea and tick season
- Kills fleas on contact, so they don’t need to bite your cat for it to work
- Has a good reputation for safety
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive (over $50)
- Messy (as is the case with most flea collars)
What To Consider When Buying a Cat Collar
You’ve decided your cat would be safer with a collar—but how do you choose a good one? We lay several considerations to guide your shopping.
A Cat Collar Should Be Easy To Escape if Your Cat Gets Caught
When cats get into a tight spot, a breakaway buckle ensures that the collar won’t twist and tighten as they struggle. They offer quick release in an emergency situation. In addition to a breakaway buckle, some cat collars feature elastic segments for flexibility. Avoid cat collars with non-breakaway clasp designs, such as a traditional belt-style buckle.
A well-fitted collar is a safer collar. If your cat’s collar is too loose, it’s apt to catch on something, potentially harming or even strangling your cat. Adjustable collars are a necessity.
A Cat Collar Should Be Comfortable
Most cats don’t like wearing clothing or jewelry, and some of them will find a collar deeply uncomfortable. Choose a collar that’s made from soft materials and which has a reputation for kitty satisfaction.
Not only should you consider the materials from which a collar is made, but make sure it’s cat-appropriate in terms of size. Cat collars are generally only 3/8 to ½ inch wide. Anything wider could be uncomfortable and might catch on your cat’s claws when they scratch.
A Cat Collar Should Encourage Identification
When combined with custom embroidery or a cat ID tag, your cat’s collar increases their odds of being identified if they escape the house. Any collar will identify your cat as a housecat rather than a feral, but one with built-in identification gives your cat a voice.
You might also want to consider additional visibility features such as glow-in-the-dark coating or a reflective strip. A reflective cat collar increases your cat’s visibility at night.
A Cat Collar Should Be Durable
What’s the use of a collar that falls apart after a few weeks of wear? Strong, sturdy collars made from high-quality materials will serve your feline friend for years. While premium materials like a leather cat collar might be nice, synthetics like nylon webbing tend to be more waterproof and are less likely to get caught in long hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of collar for cats?
Most experts recommend collars with a breakaway clasp for cats. While they can come off more easily, breakaway collars prevent strangulation if they get caught on something. The most important thing is to choose a collar designed specifically for cats. These will be thinner, lighter, and more manageable to wear.
Do vets recommend collars for cats?
It depends on who you ask. Some experts find them an indispensable safety measure, while others recommend against them. You’ll need to weigh the benefits against your own risk tolerance.
Should my indoor cat wear a collar?
If your cat is an escape artist, they probably should. But even cats that are normally content to be inside can benefit if there’s an emergency or a door is accidentally left open.
Do microchipped cats need collars?
All cats can benefit from a microchip—but they don’t guarantee a lost cat’s safe return. Microchips need to be scanned at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic. Collars, on the other hand, clearly display your cat’s name and number to make it easier for someone to return them.
Hello,
I’m wondering if a reflective collar might hinder the cat’s safety, for example if out at night in a dark field or woods – a predator may be able to see them better. Just a thought.
Thank you,
I doubt it—predatory animals are generally not hunting for reflective materials but for movement. In fact, the reflective material may scare them off a bit, as it’s an unnatural and unfamiliar sight out in the wild. Hope this helps!
For those considering tracking devices, a couple of things to consider 1) ones that use Bluetooth have limited range and trees, etc interfere with signal; 2) ones that use gps/ with Bluetooth do work, but have a monthly/yearly cost for subscription plans. I have a tractive brand for my indoor/outdoor cat. There is a learning curve with any tracker. I did not get the additional insurance for replacing a lost tracker. I admit, I panicked the first time the cat lost the tracker. But I have been able to find the tracker the 3 times that he has lost it since. I have got the breakaway collar adjusted, and he has not lost it since. The first time he lost it, I probably took a couple of hours to find it. 2nd time, it probably took around 1 hour. Now it takes me 5-10 minutes and that is hunting in underbrush and trees. Like I said learning curve. Got the collar because the cat went on walk about for 3 days – feared the worst that a coyote had got him. And while he has not done that since, he has gotten stuck up in trees twice and I was able to locate him with the tracker-though the tracker does not really clue you that the cat is overhead. Is it worth the cost – so far for me it is (have had it for @ 7 months). It gives me peace of mind – when he’s out and I haven’t seen home for a few hours, I can check in and see where he’s at or was last. Plus you can also see where the cat’s been during their time out, which is interesting. And if you wonder how much cats can remember, he has been giving the woods where he was up a tree both times – a big pass.
Excellent insights. Thank you for sharing!
Well here I am with the Delmas of needing one for a cat that does go out and just recently found the woods and is learning new things and I am.afraid she will get lost. So I purchased a Marco Polo but if I get a brake away color I’ll find the color not her not to forget to mention I will be outta a lot money and no cat. So any suggestions being the expert? If I get her a regular color then she might get hung up and choke. Do I just give up? On top of things I’m getting called by land lord for being the crazy cat lady
Hey Darlene, my apologies for the late reply. I hope you and your cat are doing well. I agree that breakaway colors present a dilemma with these trackers, but although a non-breakaway color would reduce the risk of losing the collar, the hazard to your cat is too significant, in my opinion. I understand that you may be in a situation where you need to let your cat outside, but realistically, I would advise keeping her inside as the safest option. Alternatively, just as you’d use the tracker to find your cat, you may also be able to use it to find the receiver if it’s popped off. Hope this helps, and I wish you all the best with your landlord and cat.
I am SO frustrated by the emphasis on breakaway collars. My cats don’t like collars. I know my Siamese can have a breakaway collar off and deep under a couch somewhere within 15 minutes, TOPS. If he’s had that particular collar on before, he can have it off in under 5 minutes. It will NEVER stay on him long enough to help him get home to me. I’m planning a move and looking to put collars and tags on 3 cats who aren’t usually wearing them, for extra safety during the trip, but if they’re breakaway I might as well not bother.
That’s a valid point, Laura. While safety is important, you’re right that the collar won’t do any good to help a lost cat find its way home if the cat isn’t wearing it. Some sources I’ve consulted lately suggest that breakaway collars are best for cats who spend a lot of time outdoors – cats who are allowed to wander freely. Traditional collars, however, can be appropriate when the cat is supervised, such as a walk on a leash.
In your situation, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using a regular collar since it will be a limited amount of time under supervision. A move can be scary and if your cat gets loose and finds himself in an unfamiliar place, the likelihood of a breakaway collar staying on long enough to be any good sounds low. It’s worth considering the potential risks, but since you won’t intentionally be letting your cat outside during the move, a traditional collar could be a good option.
Great article! Very happy to see that you stress the fact that a cat collar should have a breakaway design for safety and a removable bell as some cats and owners may prefer no bell. We’d love if you could include our collars in your next review!
Cat Collars seems to be a subject of much debate. It seems that no matter the collar, many claim that there is a chance of choking if it gets caught in a particular way. For instance I was looking through reviews of the Beastie Bands collar and I’ve seen comments on forums, ‘this may kill your cat’, ‘never put an elastic collar on’ etc. I would love to see an article here surrounding the topic presenting some facts and weight by up the overall pros and cons of whether a collar is a good idea or not and perhaps it’s on a case by case basis.
Good thoughts, Benjamin. We’ll consider it.
Thank you, keep up the good work!
Some of your Amazon links are not linked to Amazon
Jay, thank you for pointing that out. I’ll take a look and make sure that everything is up to date.
I don’t understand the “pros” of collars that don’t require a dangling name tag. Rabies tags dangle, and every cat should have one attached to her or his collar.
I also don’t like the recommendation of the “bib” that keeps a cat from moving quickly and freely enough to hunt. I assume it also keeps a cat from moving quickly and freely enough to escape from something hunting it.
Hey girl Hey! ?
I have a feral cat that I feed. I named him Ethan which means survivor, but sometimes I think of buying him a glow or reflective color, maybe even with a bell. Then at same time I think cats are pretty low key and if I was out here in the streets as a feral cat I wouldn’t want anything to make me more noticable.
What do you think? I want to help him be safer but don’t wanna ruin his low key feral swag I guess ?
Thanks,
Lani
Meow Lari,
As an ex feral cat myself, I must say I do like collars but it every cat is different so you would just have to try and see how it goes.