Does your cat need a collar? Why would your fiercely independent and curious kitty ever need one?
After all, they’re not like dogs who need to go outside for walks.
But a collar can actually be very helpful for you and your cat. The tags can identify them if they ever get lost. Many collars also come with a bell, helping you find them if they ever wander off. It even offers them protection if they get into trouble, or protecting wildlife from them.
Like any product, not all collars are the same. Some are more comfy, sturdy, or cute than others. Some are better for outdoor cats, while others are better suited for indoor cats. Of course size is a factor as well, to big of a collar will just fall off a kitten.
So how do you pick the perfect collar for your cat? Besides the obvious, “It looks cute!”.
To save you the legwork we’ll share some of our favorite collars for indoor cats that we’ve tried and tested ourselves.
Quick Overview
What to Look for in a Cat Collar
Before you pick a collar for your feline companion, there are some things you need to think about.
- Size and fit: The collar should fit snugly around your cat’s neck, not too tight or too loose. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck. If the collar is too tight, it can choke your cat or irritate their skin. If the collar is too loose, it increases the likelihood that it falls off or gets stuck on something.
- Material and quality: Some of the best materials for cat collars are cotton, nylon, and leather. Cotton is soft and breathable, nylon is strong and water-resistant, and leather is natural and classy. Avoid materials that are rough, stiff, or scratchy, such as metal or plastic.
- Safety features: A breakaway clasp or buckle that releases the collar if it gets snagged on something is extremely helpful. This can save your cat from choking or getting injured. Certain collars also have reflective or glowing elements that make your cat more visible in low-light conditions, and more easily found.
- Style and design: The collar should match your personality and preferences. There are hundreds of different colors, patterns, and accessories to choose from; like bow ties designs, bells, charms, or pendants. Some collars even have additional special functions, such as flea prevention or GPS tracking.
Why You Should Use a Cat Collar: Statistics and Facts
Many people think using a cat collar is unnecessary, but there are some very compelling reasons why you should consider it. Here are some statistics and facts that show the benefits of using a cat collar for your kitty:
- According to the American Humane Association, only about 2% of lost cats are ever returned to their owners. This most common cause is cats not wearing collars or tags that can help identify them and/or their owners. Using a cat collar with an ID tag can greatly increases the chances of finding your cat if they ever get lost or wander away from home. Having your cat microchipped can increase your chances even further.
- According to an American Veterinary Medical Association study, bell collars can reduce cat predation on local wildlife by 30 to 40%. This means that using a bell collar for your cat can help protect the environment and save the lives of birds and small mammals that your cat might otherwise hunt and kill.
As you can see, using a cat collar can provide many benefits for you and your kitty. It can help you identify, locate, and protect your cat in case of an emergency. It can also make your cat look more fashionable and adorable. But not all collars are suitable for every kitty. You need to think about factors such as size, fit, material, quality, safety, style, and design when choosing a collar for your feline friend.
Our Top Picks for Cat Collars
Now that you know what to look for in a cat collar, let’s take a look at some of the best ones out there. We’ve picked these products based on their quality, safety, style, and customer reviews. Here are our top picks:
CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar
If you want a simple yet elegant collar for your cat, you can’t go wrong with the CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar. This collar is made of genuine leather that is soft and durable. It has a breakaway buckle to make sure your cat is safe in case of an emergency. The size is adjustable with the sliding buckle, and it has an attached bell for additional safety.
They are available in multiple sizes ranging from 6″ to 12″ and larger for the dog version.
The CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar comes in different colors and sizes to suit your cat’s needs (or yours). You can choose from black, brown, red, pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, white, or many others.
The CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar is one of the best-selling and highest-rated cat collars on Amazon. Customers love its quality, comfort, and simplicity. One huge upside is its reasonable price at $8.99.
The only real downside of this collar is that it doesn’t have any reflective or glowing features but it does come with a small bell. If you want your cat to be more visible at night, you might want to add a tag or charm with some reflective material for added peace of mind.
Frisco Breakaway Collar
If you want a colorful and fun collar for your cat, you might want to check out the Frisco Breakaway Collar. This collar is made of nylon, which is strong and durable. It has a breakaway safety buckle that releases the collar if it gets caught on something. Similar to the Collardirect Collar, it also has an adjustable slider that lets you adjust the size of the collar.
The Frisco Breakaway Collar comes in a variety of designs and colors to suit your cat’s style. You can choose from solid colors, stripes, polka dots, floral prints, or animal prints. You can also choose from sizes ranging from 8 to 12 inches.
The Frisco Breakaway Collar is one of the most popular and affordable cat collars on Chewy. It was designed with quality, safety, and appearance in mind. The removable bell is a nice touch as well.
LupinePet Safety Cat Collar
If you want a durable and reliable collar for your cat, you might want to consider the LupinePet Safety Cat Collar. This collar is made of woven nylon, which is tough and long-lasting. It has a breakaway clasp that releases the collar if it gets stuck on something. It also has an adjustable slider that allows you to fit the collar to your cat’s neck.
The LupinePet Safety Cat Collar comes in different colors and patterns to match your cat’s personality. You can choose from solid colors, stripes, or geometric shapes. You can also choose from sizes ranging from 8 to 14 inches.
The LupinePet Safety Cat Collar is one of the most trusted and reputable cat collars on the market. Customers love its quality, safety, and lifetime guarantee. They also like that it has a reflective stripe that makes their cat more visible in the dark.
Dingo Breakaway Collar
If you want a cute and stylish collar for your cat, you might want to try the Dingo Breakaway Collar. This collar is made of cotton, which is soft and comfortable for your cat. It has a breakaway buckle that releases the collar if it gets snagged on something. It also has an adjustable slider that lets you adjust the size of the collar.
The Dingo Breakaway Collar comes in different designs and accessories to make your cat look adorable. You can choose from bow ties, flowers, stars, hearts, or pom poms. You can also choose from colors like pink, blue, green, or purple.
The Dingo Breakaway Collar is one of the most unique and charming cat collars on Etsy. Customers love its quality, safety, and cuteness. They also appreciate its fast delivery and friendly customer service.
Flowertown Cat Collar
If you want a natural and eco-friendly collar for your cat, you might want to check out the Flowertown Cat Collar. This collar is made of organic cotton that is gentle and breathable for your cat. It has a breakaway clasp that releases the collar if it gets caught on something. It also has an adjustable slider that allows you to fit the collar to your cat’s neck.
The Flowertown Cat Collar comes in different colors and patterns to suit your cat’s taste. You can choose from floral prints, plaid prints, or solid colors. You can also choose from sizes ranging from 7 to 11 inches.
The Flowertown Cat Collar is one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable cat collars on Amazon Handmade. Customers love its quality, safety, and design.
How to Put On a Cat Collar
Once you’ve picked the perfect collar for your cat, you need to know how to put it on properly. Here are some tips to help you with this task:
- Pick the right time: The best time to put on a cat collar is when your cat is calm and relaxed, such as after a meal or a nap. Avoid putting on a cat collar when your cat is nervous or stressed, such as during a thunderstorm or a visit to the vet.
- Show them the collar: Before putting it on, let your cat sniff and play with it for a while. This will help your cat get used to the smell and feel of the collar.
- Adjust the size: Before putting on the collar, ensure it fits your cat’s neck snugly but comfortably. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck. If the collar is too tight, it can hurt your cat or irritate their skin. If the collar is too loose, it can fall off or get stuck on something.
- Put on the collar: To put on the collar, gently slip it over your cat’s head or buckle it around your cat’s neck. Make sure the collar is not twisted or tangled. You can also attach a tag or charm to the collar if you want.
- Reward your cat: After you put on the collar, give your cat some praise, treats, or cuddles. This will help your cat associate the collar with something good and nice.
- Watch your cat: For the first few days, keep an eye on your cat and how they react to the collar. Some cats may try to scratch, bite, or remove the collar. If this happens, don’t scold or punish your cat. Instead, distract your cat with some toys or games. You can also trim your cat’s nails to prevent them from hurting themselves or damaging the collar.
- Check the fit: Every once in a while, check the fit of the collar and adjust it if needed. As your cat grows or changes weight, you may need to loosen or tighten the collar. You should also check the condition of the collar and replace it if it gets worn out or damaged.
Best Cat Harnesses: A Bonus Tip
If you want to take your cat outside for a walk or an adventure, you might want to consider getting a cat harness as well. A cat harness is a device that goes around your cat’s chest and back and attaches to a leash. It gives you more control over your cat and prevents them from running away or getting into trouble.
However, not all cats are comfortable with wearing a harness. Some may resist or panic when you try to put it on them. That’s why you need to choose a harness that is suitable for your cat and train them gradually to get used to it.
Here are some of the best cat harnesses on the market:
- Rabbitgoo Cat Harness: This harness is made of breathable mesh that is soft and lightweight for your cat. It has four adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit of the harness. It also has two metal D-rings that connect to a leash securely.
- Voyager Step-In Cat Harness: This harness is made of plush fabric that is cozy and warm for your cat. It has a step-in design that makes it easy to put on and take off. It also has a hook-and-loop fastener that secures the harness in place.
- PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness: This harness is made of nylon that is strong and durable for your cat. It has a bungee leash that gently tightens when your cat pulls, giving you more control over your cat. It also has a patented design that prevents your cat from escaping.
To train your cat to wear a harness, follow these steps:
- Choose the right time: The best time to train your cat to wear a harness is when they are calm and relaxed, such as after a meal or a nap. Avoid training your cat when they are agitated or stressed, such as during a thunderstorm or a visit to the vet.
- Introduce the harness: Before you put on the harness, let your cat sniff and play with it for a while. This will help your cat get used to the smell and feel of the harness.
- Put on the harness: To put on the harness, gently slip it over your cat’s head or chest and buckle it around their body. Make sure the harness is not twisted or tangled. You can also attach a leash to the harness if you want.
- Reward your cat: After you put on the harness, give your cat some praise, treats, or cuddles. This will help your cat associate the harness with something positive and pleasant.
- Start indoors: For the first few sessions, keep your cat indoors and let them explore their surroundings with the harness on. This will help your cat get used to wearing the harness and moving around with it.
- Go outside: Once your cat is comfortable with wearing the harness indoors, you can take them outside for short walks or adventures. Start with familiar places, such as your backyard or neighborhood, and gradually introduce new places, such as parks or trails.
Conclusion
A good collar can provide many benefits for you and your kitty. It can help you identify, locate, and protect your cat in case of an emergency. It can also make your cat look more fashionable and adorable.
But not all collars are suitable for every kitty. You need to think about factors such as size, fit, material, quality, safety, style, and design when choosing a collar for your feline friend.
We’ve also given you some tips on how to put on a collar properly and how to train your cat to wear a harness. These tips will help you make your cat more comfortable and happy with wearing a collar or a harness.
