As a new cat parent, one of the first purchases that you need to decide on is a collar. While some people underestimate the importance of the humble collar, it really should be right below food and a litter tray on the list of essential purchases.
A collar keeps your feline friend safe. If you’re planning to let your cat roam the outside world then a collar lets others know that your pet belongs to a loving owner and isn’t just a stray that should be shooed away, or worse, to be taken to the pound.
Even if you’re intending for your new pet to stay indoors remember that cats are wickedly fast and can be cunning if they need to be. They’re veritable escape artists and even the most careful owner may find that their cat escapes once or twice. In the event of this, a collar is essential.
Most people don’t need much convincing about the practicality of buying a collar. What they do need help with, however, is picking the best cat collar to suit their cat.
The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming and because your cat will be wearing his or her collar day and night you want to pick on that’s cute, safe, and comfortable for your pet to wear.
Listed in this article are ten of the best cat collars on the market that we will review below. From cheap, simple, and effective to high-end and high-tech, there’s a collar in here that will suit your cat perfectly.
Our review process is unbiased and based on extensive research. If you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Our review process is unbiased and based on extensive research. If you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Quick Find Best In Class Table
Editor’s Choice
Blueberry Adjustable Breakaway Collar
- Fun, geometric designs
- Customizable embroidery
- Effective breakaway buckle
Rogz Adjustable Breakaway Collar
- Adjustable breakaway buckle to fit different sized cats
- Scratch-proof webbing
- Removable bell
Elastacat Reflective Safety Stretch Collar
- Made of a synthetic stretchy material
- Fully adjustable
- Reflective strips sewn in
GoTags Personalized Cat Collar
- Customizable engraved pet name and phone number
- Reflective strip improves visibility
- Breakaway buckle
Soresto Flea & Tick Collar
- Flea and tick prevention for up to eight months
- Applies a non-greasy, safe, flea-killing chemical
- Easy application
Tractive GPS Tracker
- GPS tracking capabilities
- Instant notifications if your pet strays too far
- Easy to set up
Red Dingo Kitten Collar
- Abrasion-resistant ribbon
- Adjustable for tiny kittens
- Breakaway ‘fish clip’
Pettsie Bow Tie Collar
- Comes with a friendship bracelet so you can match with your cat!
- Lightweight wooden bow tie adds sophistication
- Fully adjustable design
Pawtitas Glow in the Dark Collar
- Glows in low-light conditions
- Neoprene padding for extra cat-comfort
- Breakaway buckle
Necoichi Chirimen Cat Collar
- Unique design
- Made from chirimen rayon – the fabric used in kimonos
- Includes clover shaped bell charm
What Makes a Good Cat Collar?
There are five factors that make a good cat collar. These are appearance, comfort, functionality, safety, and wow-factor.
Appearance
There’s no shortage of gaudy, ugly cat collars out there. There’s also plenty that are just plain boring.
The perfect cat collar has to look good and, if possible, match your cat’s coloring and personality.
For a rough and tumble new kitten a camouflage collar might be the way to go, while for a more elegant princess something with rhinestones could make more sense. The best judge of what will look good on your cat is you!
Comfort
Your cat will likely be wearing the collar you chose for many years to come. Because of this, comfort is an essential feature of any cat collar.
Easily adjustable buckles and soft, stretchy materials are key.
Functionality
There’s no use buying a gorgeous new collar if it’s going to slip off your cat’s neck three times a day or start fraying as soon as you take it out of the box.
The best cat collars are durable and adjustable, providing them with a high degree of functionality.
Safety
There are hundreds of tragic stories about cats being choked by their collars, so understandably one of the most important things about a collar is how safe it is for your pet to wear.
Break-away collars, which have a safety buckle that opens if the collar gets caught on something, are generally the best in this regard.
Wow-factor
Not all cat collars have the ‘wow-factor,’ but when you come across one that does it’s immediately obvious.
From flea repelling collars to high-tech buckles and artistic designs, ‘wow-factor’ collars are few and far between but are definitely worth it if you’re willing to pay a higher price.
Reviews of the Best Cat Collars
EDITOR’S CHOICE
#1. Blueberry Pet Adjustable Breakaway Cat Collar with Bell
PROS:
- Multiple designs to choose from
- Breakaway buckle feature
- Detachable bell
- Custom embroidered cat collar
- Made of a durable material for extended wear
CONS:
- Only sold in packs of two
The Blueberry Pet Adjustable Breakaway Cat Collar with Bell is a true standout in the world of cat collars.
There are four different designs that you can choose from, one of which features a cute bow tie as an additional accessory.
The many options available means that you can choose the color and pattern that most match their feline friend’s personality.
The collar is fully adjustable, is made of a soft, durable material and includes a detachable bell.
In terms of safety, the collar’s breakaway clasp snaps free if the collar snags on furniture or tree branches, meaning that your pet is free to roam without being choked.
For only a few dollars extra, Blueberry also offers a custom embroidered cat collar service, meaning that you can customize your collar to include your cat’s name and your contact details in case of an emergency. This is a great feature if you don’t want to have to get tags made that might be annoying to your cat.
These collars are currently only sold in packs of two, however they’re still affordable on a budget and many pet parents may find that the second spare collar comes in handy.
There are thousands of cat collars out there, all with their different pros and cons, but in terms of all-around functionality, safety, and attractiveness this really is the best option out there.
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#2. Rogz Cat Adjustable Breakaway Collar
PROS:
- Safety orientated
- Adjustable breakaway buckle
- Removable bell
- Comes in three different designs
CONS:
- Doesn’t always fit smaller cats and kittens
- Reflective patches may be obscured by long-haired cats
In terms of safety, the Rogz Cat Adjustable Breakaway Cat Collar is second to none.
The main exciting feature of this collar is the breakaway buckle, which can be adjusted to suit different sized cats. This means if you have a heavier cat the buckle won’t snap off too easily and if you have a lighter cat you don’t have to worry about your pet not being heavy enough to trigger the breakaway mechanism in an emergency.
On top of this, the collar is made of a special scratch-proof webbing, so if you have a cat who doesn’t take well to collars you don’t need to fret about your feline friend scratching the collar off.
The bell included on the collar is removable, which is a plus for owners of indoor cats who don’t want to hear annoying jingling constantly, and there are also reflective patches sewn into the collar for night-time visibility.
The focus on safety doesn’t mean that the collar is ugly, either; it’s slim, sleek, and comes in three different designs.
If you’re looking for a reliable, safe collar then this is the option to chose.
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#3. Elastacat Reflective Safety Stretch Collar
PROS:
- Comfortable for any size of cat
- Reflective strips included
- Comes in five colors
- Extremely affordable
CONS:
- No breakaway buckle
- Elastic fabric may fray over time
In terms of comfort, the Elastacat Stretch Collar is the best product out there.
It’s made of a synthetic, elastic material that allows it to sit comfortably around any cat’s neck.
Additionally, the buckle is fully adjustable, meaning that the owner can secure the collar at any size rather than having to choose between slightly too small or slightly too big, as is the case with many traditional buckles.
While the fastening isn’t designed to breakaway, the stretchiness of the collar means that cats are in little danger of getting snagged and choking.
The reflective strips sewn into the collar also mean that cats are visible at night.
The Elastacat collar is the cheapest collar on this list, and also one of the most functional.
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BEST CUSTOMIZABLE
#4. GoTags Custom Embroidered Personalized Cat Collar
PROS:
- Reflective strip
- Breakaway buckle enhances safety
- Bell included
- Comes in 5 bright, fun colors
CONS:
- May be slightly too large for smaller cats
- Simplistic design
Customizable cat collars are a great idea, particularly for those felines who like to roam far and wide.
Having your cat’s name printed on their collar is a cute way to personalize the accessory and adding a phone number or tracking ID ensures that your cat will be returned swiftly and safely if he or she ever gets lost.
The GoTags Custom Embroidered Cat Collar is about as good as it gets when it comes to customizability.
It allows you to have up to 21 characters engraved on your cat’s collar and also comes in five different colors, making this product about as customizable as it gets.
In addition to this, the collars come with a bell, a reflective strip, a breakaway buckle, and are reasonably priced to boot.
The design is nothing flashy and the collars may be a little too large for smaller cats or kittens, but when it comes to customizable cat collars the GoTags really is the best of the best.
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Honorable Mentions
BEST FLEA COLLAR
#5. Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention Collar
PROS:
- Includes reflector clips
- Kills fleas and ticks for eight months
- Non-greasy, water-resistant formula
CONS:
- Not suitable for kittens under 10 weeks
- Collar is plasticky and unattractive
- Doesn’t include a bell or breakaway buckle
Flea collars are a fantastic invention that allows you to keep your cat flea and tick free without the hassle of applying flea treatments on a regular basis.
There are two kinds of flea collars: ones that release a gas toxic to fleas and parasites and one that spreads flea-killing chemicals across your cat’s skin. Of these two, the latter is generally better.
The Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention Collar applies a non-greasy, odourless, and virtually undetectable chemical that is distributed across your cat’s skin.
This chemical is highly effective and is non-toxic to cats.
However, a note for all those extra-affectionate owners who like to give their cat kisses: the chemical can be harmful to humans if ingested. The collar itself is nothing special, made of plastic with a simple buckle design.
Seresto does, however, provide additional clip-on reflector plates for those owners who are more safety-conscious. The collar is on the expensive side, but considering how well it works it’s a good investment for any cat parent worrying about fleas and other parasites.
Learn more about flea prevention: Best Cat Flea Infestation Treatment, Symptoms, and Prevention in the Home
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BEST GPS TRACKING COLLAR
#5. Tractive GPS Tracker and Pet Finder
PROS:
- GPS tracking feature
- Lightweight
- High-tech safety features
CONS:
- Collar not included
- Monthly subscription fee required
- On the expensive side
GPS collars add something fun and exciting to the cat collar game: the ability to trace your cat’s location throughout the day.
Many of these high-tech collars are overpriced or too large for cats to comfortably wear, but the Tractive GPS Tracker is a definite exception to this rule.
While it admittedly is designed for dogs, it’s lightweight enough to be perfectly comfortable for cats to carry (with the exception of kittens and particularly small adult cats).
GPS Trackers aren’t just fun gimmicks, either.
You can customize the Tractive tracker to alert you if your cat strays too far from home and can pinpoint your pet’s real-time location in the case of an emergency.
It should be noted that this product doesn’t come with a collar (you’ll need to buy your own) and that users must pay a small monthly subscription fee to continue using the tracking service.
This collar attachment takes safety to the next level and is a worthwhile investment for anyone curious about where their cat goes during the day.
Learn more about GPS trackers: The Best GPS Collars and ID Tags for Cats
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BEST FOR KITTENS
#7. Red Dingo Kitten Collar
PROS:
- One of the only collars that’s adjustable for kittens
- Comes with safety bell
- Machine washable
CONS:
- Breakaway buckle snaps quite easily
- Material may fray
For kittens under six months, a specialized collar is often needed, as most normal collars aren’t small enough.
Of the kitten collars out there on the market, the Red Dingo is arguably the best.
The collars are made of a flexible, abrasion resistant material that’s soft while still being durable enough to withstand kitten-play.
The breakaway fish-clip provides both safety and cuteness and the collar is also machine washable, which is handy for those kittens who like to roll in the dirt and mud.
The collar is most suited to kittens six months and under but can be used indefinitely as long as it still fits.
It comes in two colors; baby pink and baby blue, and has a sweet and simple design that will compliment any kitten’s coloring or personality.
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MOST FANCY
#8. Pettsie Bow Tie Fancy Collar
PROS:
- ‘Fancy factor’ included
- Lightweight, durable design
- Matching friendship bracelet included
- Breakaway buckle included
CONS:
- No bell
- Friendship bracelet isn’t as high quality as the collar
- More expensive than comparable collars
For the fancier felines out there a collar with a dash of sophistication is required.
The Pettsie Bow Tie Collar features a lightweight wooden bow tie on the front, which adds that extra note of class that you might be looking for.
Not only this, but every collar comes with a matching friendship bracelet, so you can look just as fancy as your cat.
In terms of practicality, this collar doesn’t have a bell but is fully adjustable and has a breakaway buckle. The collar comes in blue, pink, and orange and has a subtle but intricate design that just screams sophistication.
If you and your cat are looking for the ‘fancy factor’ then this collar is perfect for you.
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BEST GLOW IN THE DARK
#9. Pawtitas Glow in the Dark Cat Collar
PROS:
- Reflects in low light conditions
- Ultra-comfortable design
- Made of ‘rip-stop’ nylon webbing
- Includes detachable bell
- Comes in seven colors
CONS:
- Doesn’t ‘glow’ in pitch black conditions
While reflective collars only glow when lit by a powerful external light source, like a torch or a car’s headlights, glow in the dark collars reflect in lower light conditions, making them visible almost all of the time.
These collars are particularly good for a cheeky outdoor cat who refuses to come in at night.
One of the best products of this kind is the Pawtitas Glow in the Dark Collar.
With an inlaid ‘glow’ strip, this collar allows owners to find their cat even in near pitch black conditions.
Aside from this feature, the collar is also lined with neoprene padding for extra comfort and has a breakaway buckle for extra safety. It comes in seven different varieties; all of them with different colors and different designs.
Given all of these features, it’s priced extremely reasonably and is a great choice for the owners of more adventurous cats.
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#10. Necoichi Chirimen Clover Bell Cat Collar
PROS:
- Unique, cute design
- Available in three colors
- Bell and breakaway buckle included
CONS:
- Slightly more expensive than comparable collars
- The adjustable component sometimes comes loose
- The clover charm can be crushed by heavier cats, causing the bell to break
For sweet natured cats and kittens there’s nothing cuter than the Necoichi Chirimen collar.
The design is different than any other collar, with two separate strands folding around each other and meeting at a shiny clover charm with a bell inside it.
The collars come in three colors: pastel pink, baby blue, and navy blue.
The design is Japanese-inspired, which makes sense considering that the collar is made from a tough fabric called chirimen rayon, which is traditionally used in making Japanese kimonos.
The collar’s buckle, which sits at the back, is a breakaway model for added safety and the collar itself is fully adjustable for added comfort.
If you’re looking for a functional collar that’s also stylish and cute, look no further!
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What’s the Point of Cat Collars?
Beyond the fact that a collar lets people know that your pet isn’t a stray, there are plenty of uses for cat collars that prove why they’re such an essential purchase to make.
For one, getting a customizable collar with your phone number embroidered into it or buying a pet ID tag to attach to the collar means that if your cat ever gets lost he or she will be returned to you. Given that only 2% of lost cats ever make their way back home, this is a big deal.
If your cat has medical issues, ID tags become even more essential.
Aside for this, cat collars give you as an owner an opportunity to display your cat’s personality. Humans wear layers upon layers of clothing and jewellery that help to display who they are to the rest of the world, but cats only get one measly accessory.
This is why finding the right collar for your cat or kitten is so important!
Frequently Asked Questions About Collars for Cats
Do collars stop cats from killing birds?
Given that cats are one of the most destructive domestic species when it comes to native wildlife, many people are concerned about what their cat gets up to while they’re outside. It’s not always nice to wake up to a dead animal on your doormat!
Buying a collar with a bell on it can impede a cat’s ability to sneak up on prey, but if you’re a cat owner then you’ll know that cats are cunning creatures.
Some figure out ways to move without jangling the bell, or keep so still that the only time wildlife hear the bell is when the cat is already on top of them.
There is, however, another way to stop your cat from bringing home birds and mice. CatBibs are a recent invention that fasten to your cat’s collar and stop them from being able to hunt. They’re essentially a triangular sheet of neoprene and nylon in the shape of a bib.
When the cat tries to sneak up on a bird or mouse the ‘bib’ interrupts them, allowing the animal to fly or scurry away unharmed.
A study from Murdoch University found that fastening these ‘cat bibs’ to a cat’s collar results in a 94% reduction of wildlife killing, which is definitely an impressive statistic.
My cat hates collars. How do I make him/her wear one?
Some cats take immediately to collars, and others are more resistant. More reluctant cats might be tempted with softer, less intrusive collars like the Elastacat collar featured above.
It’s also a good idea to slowly introduce the idea of a collar; have your cat wear it for a few hours at a time until he or she is comfortable.
Cats have a keen sense of smell, so leaving the collar somewhere that allows the cat to thoroughly sniff it before trying to put it on is also a good idea.
If your cat absolutely refuses to wear a collar and scratches it off every time you try to put it on then consult your vet for advice.
Collars really are essential to a cat’s safety, especially if they’re free-roaming, so don’t give up just because your cat is being stubborn!
Are they safe? Will my cat get stuck or strangled by a collar?
There are plenty of horror stories about collars getting stuck on branches or furniture and strangling beloved pets to death. Before buying a collar, you should always consider how safe it will be for your cat to wear.
The majority of collars available online have a breakaway buckle or are elastic enough that choking isn’t an issue, but there are some ridiculously cheap products that don’t have these safety features.
Go for the higher-end, safer, breakaway collars; they only cost a little more, are better for your cat, and provide a lot of peace of mind for owners.
