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There’s no two ways about it: cat collars are a good idea. A collar with ID could be the deciding factor in whether your cat is returned to you if they get lost. Even for savvy outdoor cats, wearing a cat collar makes it clear to others that they’re not a stray or feral cat in need of help.
But there are a lot of different types of cat collars out there, and which is best for your particular cat depends heavily on their needs and personality.
We spoke to Dr. Alejandro Caos, veterinarian with The Vets, about how to pick a safe and effective winner. Whether you’re looking for a safe option for a new kitten or shopping for a replacement collar, we’ve rounded up the best.
Best Breakaway Collar: Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Breakaway Collar with Bell
When choosing a cat collar, Dr. Caos says, “It’s essential to consider factors like safety, fit, and comfort.” Breakaway collars are widely regarded as the safest option for cats. To prevent choking or injury to your cat, these collars are designed to release if they get snagged on something.
In addition to a sturdy breakaway buckle, this Pawtitas cat collar features a sewn-in reflective ribbon to increase low-light visibility. Rip-stop nylon materials ensure both comfort and durability. The collar comes in a wide array of colors. It also includes a metal D-ring for leash and ID attachment as well as a removable bell.
This collar is 3/8-inch wide and adjustable for neck girths between 8 and 12 inches. It’s designed for cats weighing 5 to 20 pounds.
Key Takeaways:
- Nylon materials with sewn-in reflective ribbon
- Metal D-ring and removable bell
- Sturdy breakaway buckle improves safety
- Available in a wide array of colors
Best Collar with Bell: Red Dingo Nylon Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar
Breakaway buckles ensure your cat’s safety. However, adding a bell to the collar can improve safety for other animals. “Bells on collars are intended to alert birds and other animals of your cat’s presence,” says Dr. Caos. If you’re tired of your cat bringing you unwanted gifts, adding a bell might be the solution.
Because it’s made from nylon webbing and abrasion-resistant ribbon, this collar is lightweight yet durable. It features a sturdy metal K-ring for ID attachment and comes with a matching bell. A fish-shaped safety clip releases under pressure to keep your cat safe. Choose from seven colors—all have a cute, reflective fish print pattern.
Dr. Caos reminds cat owners that “some cats are adept at moving silently or may learn to walk without triggering the bell.” To prevent your cat from killing wildlife, the World Animal Foundation recommends investing in an outdoor enclosure that lets a cat experience nature but not have direct contact. You can also try a bird collar.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose from 7 colors with matching bell
- Made from durable nylon and abrasion-resistant ribbon
- Sturdy metal K-ring for ID attachment
- Fish-shaped quick-release safety buckle
Budget Pick: Safe Cat Adjustable Snag-Proof Breakaway Cat Collar
It’s important not to prioritize price over safety, but this snag-proof breakaway collar is the best of both worlds. Dr. Caos recommends nylon collars like this because they’re durable, affordable, and “relatively lightweight and comfortable for most cats.”
This nylon collar adjusts for neck girths between 8 and 12 inches. Plus, it comes in a dozen different colors. It’s made from durable polyester webbing with a plastic breakaway clip. Because the nylon materials are light, they shouldn’t bother your cat. They’re also snag-resistant, so your cat can scratch freely.
Key Takeaways:
- Made from snag-resistant nylon
- Available in a dozen different colors
- Economically priced
- Adjustable for neck girths 8-12 inches
Best for Kittens: CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar
Proper sizing can be tricky when shopping for kittens, so take your cat’s measurements carefully. Dr. Caos recommends “a collar that can be easily adjusted as your kitten grows to ensure a proper fit without the need for frequent replacements.”
Because it features adjustable sizing designed for 6-to-7-inch necks, this leather collar is ideal for kittens. It’s made from soft, lightweight leather with a heavy-duty buckle and metal D-ring. Instead of a breakaway clip, it has an elastic band that stretches to allow your kitten to escape in an emergency.
The full-grain leather materials are tough enough to withstand rowdy play. It may also be less likely to snag on your kitten’s sharp claws than woven materials.
Key Takeaways:
- Fits smaller necks 6-7 inches in diameter
- Made from soft, full-grain leather
- Elastic band for safety
- Heavy-duty metal buckle and D-ring
Best for Large Cats: Frisco Solid Nylon Cat Collar
“A collar that is too loose may slip off or get caught on objects,” says Dr. Caos, while “a collar that is too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict your cat’s movements or breathing.” When shopping for large breeds like Maine Coons, strong materials and sturdy hardware are essential.
This Frisco cat collar is made from high-quality nylon webbing, so it won’t stretch or fray. It features a sturdy plastic buckle with a heavy-duty metal D-ring for ID attachment. Designed for cats weighing up to 15 pounds, this collar has a breakaway buckle for safety—but it isn’t sensitive enough to release during everyday play.
Key Takeaways:
- Made from 3/8-inch nylon webbing
- Sturdy plastic buckle and metal D-ring
- Breakaway clip for safety
- Designed for cats weighing 8-15 pounds
Most Stylish: Gold Moons and Stars Breakaway Collar
If you’re looking for something outside the ordinary to make your cat stand out, this handmade model offers a unique and stylish choice. It’s covered with glow-in-the-dark moons and comes with a cute gold charm.
The collar features a safety breakaway buckle in a different design than many of the collars on this list. Some users suggest that it’s a sturdier choice for hefty cats, since very small cats and kittens may not be strong enough to use the breakaway feature.
This collar comes in two sizes for neck girth ranges 6.5-10 inches and 9-15 inches. It comes in nine different colors, all featuring the gold moons and matching charm.
Key Takeaways:
- Handmade with durable materials
- Glow-in-the-dark moon pattern
- Safety breakaway buckle
- Comes in two adjustable sizes
Best for Indoor Cats: GoTags Personalized Reflective Cat Collar with Bell
Even if your cat is indoor-only, Dr. Caos notes that a collar is essential because it provides a means of identification for your cat. “Identification is especially crucial for indoor cats in case they accidentally escape from the house.”
This GoTags personalized collar serves as ID for your cat without them having to wear a tag. You can have your cat’s name and your contact information printed right on the collar. It’s made from lightweight but durable nylon with a breakaway buckle and matching bell.
Choose from five colors and adjust the collar to fit neck girths between 8 and 13 inches.
Key Takeaways:
- Personalize with up to 21 characters
- Lightweight but durable nylon materials
- Includes breakaway clip and bell
- Adjustable for neck girths 8-13 inches
Best for Outdoor Cats: BirdsBeSafe Cat Collar
Collars with bells provide warning to local wildlife. “Some cats may find the sound irritating or uncomfortable,” says Dr. Caos, “so it’s important to observe your cat’s reaction and remove the bell if necessary.” If your cat dislikes bells but spends a lot of time outdoors, an alternative like the BirdsBeSafe cat collar might work well.
Made from 100% cotton fabric, the BirdsBeSafe collar is designed to slip over a standard collar. The bright colors and floppy design serve as a visual warning to birds as your cat approaches. Soft materials improve comfort for your cat while a reflective trim enhances low-light visibility.
The BirdsBeSafe collar may make your cat look a bit clownish, but our test kitty didn’t seem to mind wearing it. Consider pairing it with an ID collar—like our previous pick—in case it comes off.
Key Takeaways:
- Serves as a visual warning to wildlife
- Slips over a standard cat collar
- Made from 100% cotton materials
- Reflective trim for low-light visibility
Best Silicone: Kittyrama Tangerine Cat Collar with Bell
Dr. Caos recommends that cat owners keep an eye out for any signs of skin irritation or discomfort around the neck area when trying a new collar. Some cats may be sensitive to certain materials. If nylon and other common materials don’t work for your cat, this silicone model might be a good choice.
This Kittyrama collar is the only cat collar to win International Cat Care’s “Cat Friendly” Award, and it’s designed with comfort and safety in mind. It features lightweight silicone straps, quick-release breakaway clasps, and a patented buckle design for a secure and optimal fit.
It has a removable bell and is so stylish that it was featured in British Vogue. This collar is available in over a dozen striking colors.
Find on AmazonBest Decorative: Necoichi Kimono Bowtie Cat Collar
For cats who stay indoors, Dr. Caos says that decorative collars “can be a fun way to accessorize and make them look adorable.” It’s important, however, to keep safety in mind.
Crafted in Japan from kimono-grade chirimen rayon fabric, this decorative collar is an attractive choice. Plus, it features a cute bowtie design available in three color combinations. A breakaway buckle ensures safety while a gold bell adds a flash of style.
This collar is only available in one size but is adjustable for neck girths between 8.2 and 13.7 inches.
Key Takeaways:
- Adorable bowtie design
- Made from kimono-grade chirimen rayon
- Breakaway clip ensures safety
- Adjustable for neck girths 8.2-13.7 inches
Best Glow-in-the-Dark: Rogz Safeloc Breakaway Glow-in-the-Dark Cat Collar
Brightly colored and reflective collars “enhance the visibility of your cat,” says Dr. Caos, “especially if they venture outdoors or in low-light conditions.” Reflective materials only work, however, if there’s light to bounce off of them. A glow-in-the-dark collar may be more effective for nighttime walks with your cat.
Made from lightweight, scratch-proof webbing, this Rogz collar is reflective and glows in the dark. It features a Safeloc breakaway buckle and a metal D-ring. The collar is adjustable for neck girths between 8 and 12 inches.
Customers note that the collar is highly durable—even for outdoor cats. The breakaway buckle may be too strong for very small kittens, but it is adjustable for 3 levels of resistance.
Key Takeaways:
- Reflective and glow-in-the-dark design
- Made from durable scratchproof webbing
- Breakaway buckle has 3 levels of resistance
- Adjustable for 8-12-inch neck sizes
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.
We chose cat collars with durable but comfortable materials, breakaway safety features, and adjustable sizing. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.