The Best Cat Bell
Once your cat has a collar, you might not think about accessorizing it beyond a custom ID tag. However, adding a bell is an easy way to upgrade your cat’s collar. A bell makes your kitty easier to keep track of, and the cheerful jingle it makes as your cat runs towards you is sure to bring a smile to your face.
What to Look For
When deciding which cat bells would make the cut, we looked for bells that were easy to attach to a collar, sturdy, and made a pleasant sound. Our top choice was the set of bells from Outus because each bell comes with a loop to slide onto a collar, and the chrome-plated metal is corrosion-resistant. If you have an outdoor cat who likes to sneak up on birds, we’d recommend the extra-loud bells from Beau’s Bells. The clear sound alerts prey, and the natural copper has a beautiful sheen. To learn more about the best cat bells around, continue reading our full reviews.
Outus Set of Cat Bells
The more the merrier
Your frisky feline may be in the habit of losing bells, but Outus’s 24-pack ensures that you’ll have plenty of replacements on hand. They’re lightweight enough that even a kitten can wear them comfortably, and each one comes with a ring to attach to a collar. Besides the standard silver and gold, they also have brightly colored bells for added fun.
Pros:
- The bells have a crisp, pleasant sound that isn’t too quiet or too high-pitched.
- Because the bells are small, there’s room enough to put multiple bells on your cat’s collar if you want a louder noise.
Cons:
- The coating on the colored bells tends to wear off, so your cat may be left with a silver bell after a while.
Kittail Pure Copper Bell
If you’re looking for something a bit more heavy-duty than your average cat bell, Kittail’s bells are a reliable choice. They’re made out of pure copper, so they’re light, and won’t rust, even if your cat likes to venture out in the dewy grass. The bells also have a clear sound, making it easier to hear your cat wherever he’s hiding.
Pros:
- The clip is sturdy, so you don’t need to worry about the bells falling off frequently.
- Because the O-ring is large, you can slide it around your cat’s collar without fiddling with wire or loop attachments.
Cons:
- These bells are bigger than most cat bells, so they’re best for large-breed adults.
Gochanmon Catnip Bell Ball Toy
While collar bells are very useful, bell toys are very fun. Gochanmon’s ball toy is made out of silvervine twigs, and it has a bell in the center that jingles irresistibly when your cat bats her toy around. It’s an excellent chew toy, and gnawing on the twigs helps your kitty’s oral health by reducing plaque and tartar while stimulating their teeth and gums.
Pros:
- These toys also contain natural catnip, which your cats will love.
- When your cat plays with chew toys and uses up some energy, she’s less likely to destroy your furniture.
Cons:
- The bark will naturally shed over time, which won’t hurt your cat, but it can be annoying to pick up.
Beau’s Bells Extra-Loud Cat Bells
Loud and proud
Some cats are born hunters, and Beau’s Bells designs products with just these pets in mind. Their extra-loud copper bells create a crisp ring that warns any nearby rodents and birds that someone’s on the prowl. The package includes two bells, and you can attach one or both to your cat’s collar depending on how loud you want them to be. Besides being effective, the bells are beautifully shaped and have an elegant sheen.
Pros:
- Because the bells are very sturdy and well-built, they’ll last a long time.
- These bells come in a range of sizes, so they’re a great option for your dog’s collar too.
Cons:
- These bells are a bit pricier than other options.
IVIA PET Bell
On-again, off-again
If your kitty only ventures outside on occasion, she might not need a bell all the time. IVIA PET’s cat bells come with lobster clasps, so it’s super easy to take them on and off your cat’s collar. This way, you won’t have to hear a little jingle every time your cat runs around in the wee hours of the morning. They have a clear sound and come in various sizes, so you can pick the best depending on your cat’s age and size.
Pros:
- The smallest size makes a noticeable noise but is on the quieter side. It’s a good choice if you have a sensitive cat.
- The copper and stainless steel are rust-proof, so they won’t rust over time.
Cons:
- The bells and attachments are packaged separately, so you’ll have to assemble them yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat need a bell on her collar?
Cats are sneaky creatures, and a bell can help you keep track of their whereabouts. The slight jingle is just enough to give away your kitty’s position under your bed or behind the sofa. Bells are also great to alert smaller animals if your outdoor cat is on the prowl – the sound warns potential prey, so you’ll be less likely to find mice or birds on your doorstep.
Do cats mind bells on their collar?
While most cats get used to a bell once they wear it for a bit, sensitive cats might be irritated by the noise. You can try using a slightly larger bell, which won’t be as tinkly sounding and may annoy your cat less. If they absolutely hate it, though, it’s best to forgo the bell. Otherwise, your cat may try to take off their collar or avoid moving around as much as they want to.
About the Author
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