How To Choose The Best Cat Collar – CatTime
Cat collars can help identify your cat should they go missing. They work by having a name tag with your owner details attached to the collar. Unlike a dog collar, they are much smaller, as cats do not require a lead to be attached for walks. Cat collars can also have a bell attached, which alerts birds and other wildlife to their presence. Your cat’s collar needs to be lightweight and durable so that it doesn't hinder their activity but also cannot be easily damaged. If you are looking for a new collar for your cat, here are our pick of five of the best.
Best Choice
Made out of soft genuine leather
Pros:
Leather is a durable material, meaning it will survive the rough and tumble your cat will put it through while playing, jumping, etc. The leather is soft, making it comfortable for your cat to wear. The bright color makes it easy for you to spot your cat, especially if your cat is prone to wandering out alone, and you struggle to recall it. This collar also comes with the option of a matching lead.
Cons:
Owners who have cats with very thick fur have found the material to be too thin. If you are vegan, you may not want to use a leather product. The color of the bell cannot be pre-selected and varies with each purchase.
Most Fashionable
Set of two collars for cats
Pros:
The safety features of these collars should certainly be noted. The breakaway feature ensures a cat can break out of the collar if they find themselves stuck in a bush or fence. A bell is included in the cat collars, which helps to give the owner a way of finding their cat and knowing where their pet is at all times. The collars can be adjusted up to 10.5 inches in total.
Cons:
People with only one cat may find the addition of two collars a waste of money. The color varieties of the two that comes included do not always match up. The collars are somewhat small, which means they will likely not be appropriate for people with larger cats.
Best Reflective
Upgraded version
Pros:
If you own lots of cats, then this product works out at less than $1 per collar, which is excellent value. These collars can also be used on small dogs, making them versatile. The collars have a reflective strip along with them, making it safer for your pet to be out at night as the piece will reflect against headlights, helping to avoid road accidents. The collars are adjustable between 7 and 11 inches making them suitable to use as your pet grows. Bemix offers a lifetime guarantee/replacement.
Cons:
Some users have found the collars are prone to falling off. One solution is to reinforce the plastic clip with string and tie a knot to keep it secure. This process is a bit of a hassle but does depend on your cat as other users have found the collar works perfectly. As mentioned, this item is covered by a replacement/guarantee if you are not satisfied.
Most Comfortable
With safety belt
Pros:
The collar is made from soft material for your cat or small dogs’ comfort. The material is also stretchy and adjustable, so you can ensure a snug fit that is not too tight. If you appreciate bling styles, this collar adds sparkle and sophistication. The rings connecting the heart to the collar can also be used to hook a name tag onto the collar. The collar features a bell alerting birds to your cat’s presence.
Cons:
The blingy heart design comes down to personal taste. The velvet material used isn’t stated as waterproof. One user found the collar made their cat bald around its neck. However, this may have been caused by not adjusting it correctly.
Best Affordable
Multi-directional breakaway buckle
Pros:
If you are looking for a simplistic cat collar, Aspen is a brand to consider. They feature a minimalist decorative pattern and have an adjustable buckle. The collar is suitable for cats that have a neck measuring between 8 and 12 inches, which is slightly larger than other collars. The clasp features the word ‘meow’ for extra personality. The material is lightweight, making it an ideal choice if your cat has previously disliked wearing a collar.
Cons:
If your cat is prone to trying to remove its collar, the product may not be suitable as one owner found the cat was able to choke itself as it pulled the straps restricting the circumference of the collar. Nylon is not the most durable of materials, so it may not offer longevity.
What Really Matters
The right material
Cats are notoriously particular creatures, and so when comes to giving them a collar, it’s essential that it fits well and doesn’t weigh them down. The collar should be adjustable so that it fits snugly without being too tight, which could injure your cat or restrict its breathing. If your cat likes to spend a lot of time outdoors, you should also factor in a material that is waterproof and durable. It’s worth investing in a quality collar, as although more inferior materials may be cheaper, they are unlikely to last, which will mean you’ll have to replace the collar often.
A good fit
Depending on your cat’s age, breed, and even fur thickness, you will need to fit a collar that offers a good fit. If the collar is too loose, then it will slip off and get lost, which can become costly over time. If the collar is not adjustable, you cannot ensure a good fit, and it won’t grow with your cat. Before purchasing a collar for your cat, it’s a good idea to measure the circumference of its neck so you can match your purchase accordingly.
Having a bell
Having a bell on your cat’s collar might seem like something out of Tom and Jerry, but it remains a practical addition to this day. Cats are natural hunters, and as a result, they will look to catch birds and other wildlife in your area. As well as killing the animal, they will likely bring it back to your home. To avoid this, bells are used to alert birds to your cat’s presence, which allows them to send out a warning signal and ensure they move out of the way to avoid being killed. Bells are standard features on cat collars and come in a range of pitches and jingles.
Safety features
As your cat’s collar sits around its neck, the collar must have a feature that stops it from becoming too tight. In essence, once you have adjusted the collar, so it’s snug without being too tight, the collar should not move on its own, or be able to be moved by your cat. In some instances, cats have been able to tug at the collar causing it to choke them, so the collar should be safety tested for this. Other safety features include soft materials to avoid irritation/chafing, as well as reflective strips to keep your cat safe while out at night.
Prices
Cheap
If you are on a budget, cat collars can be picked up for a very low price at around $3. If your budget stretches to affording a multi-pack at $6-$10, it can work out at an even better value when considering price per collar.
Mid-range
The average price for a cat collar is $7. Most cat collars sit around this price, and feature a simplistic design with a bell. Mid-range collars are fine, but don’t tend to have the best lifespan overall, so could cost you more in the long run.
Expensive
Premium cat collars can be purchased for $10 and above. The most expensive cat collars tend to be made of genuine leather for durability. Extremely expensive cat collars can cost up to $200, which contain GPS trackers so you can always track the location of your cat.
FAQ’s
Why do cats need a collar?
You can be forgiven for thinking collars only belong to dogs, but this simply isn’t the case. Although cats typically don’t wear leads, there are several purposes a cat collar can provide. Firstly, it’s a way of identifying your cat as the color along with the name tag will carry information about the cat and its owner. The collar also features a bell, which will alert birds that your car is in the area. Finally, collars can also have other features such as reflective strips for when your cat is out in the dark. It can be difficult to add reflective elements onto a cat, and so the collar is an easy method of making your cat visible in low light. Collars also make your cat easy to distinguish from stray cats if they are lost or stolen.
What is the best material for a cat collar?
Any material which is soft, durable, and waterproof is most suitable. A good example is soft leather, which feels comfortable for your cat but is much more durable than nylon. However, nylon is more common than leather and is more lightweight. To best decide, you should factor in your cat’s activity, age, and size. If your cat dislikes wearing a collar, you should opt for a material that is as lightweight as possible.
How can I stop my cat’s collar from falling off?
Before purchasing a collar for your cat, you should measure its neck using a tape measure to check you have the correct size. If the collar is slipping off, it’s either too big or hasn’t been appropriately adjusted. The collar should have a mechanism that keeps the size you have adjusted it to in place; otherwise, it will slip off regardless. If your cat is removing the collar itself, then the style or material may not be suitable for your particular cat. By trying a different style or fit, this should rectify the problem.
At what age should I give my cat a collar?
When your cat reaches 6 months, you can start putting a collar on them. As this age is also around the time they are going to start exploring the neighborhood, it’s a good idea for them to wear a collar because it provides identification.
Before you purchase the collar, make sure it’s suitable for younger cats but adjustable as they grow. By measuring your cat’s neck you can ensure a snug but not loose fit. It’s also good for your cat to become used to wearing a collar, so that they are less likely to become fussy.
On a serious note, if cats are injured or killed outside of the home, not all vicinities have a microchip scanner, and so nametag identification remains essential.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.