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Whether you have an indoor cat or one that spends time exploring outside, a collar is a must. Indoor cats don't face the same kind of dangers as outdoor cats, but a home emergency or just plain forgetfulness can lead to a dramatic kitty escape. And even if your cat is microchipped, a cat whose name and phone number are clearly displayed around its neck is more likely to find its way back home safe and sound. Puppy Teeth Toys
For this guide to the best cat collars, we cut, buried, washed, and pulled apart 15 collars to identify the best of the bunch. We also asked veterinarians and a cat behavior consultant what to look for in a cat collar and why every kitty should have one. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Best breakaway: Rogz Nightcat Cat Collar - See at Amazon With its adjustable breakaway buckle and reflective exterior, Rogz Nightcat Cat Collar is the most versatile we tested.
Best budget: Red Dingo Classic Nylon Breakaway Collar - See at Chewy The Red Dingo Classic Nylon Breakaway Collar is an affordable collar that excelled in our testing.
Best waterproof: Ruff Threads Biothane Cat Collar - See at Etsy The sturdy, simply designed Ruff Threads Biothane Cat Collar repels water and cleans up in seconds.
Best reflective: Pawtitas Glow in the Dark Cat Collar - See at Amazon The Pawtitas Glow in the Dark Cat Collar radiates light to make cats more visible at night.
Best personalized: GoTags Personalized Nylon Breakaway Collar - See at Chewy The GoTags Personalized Breakaway Cat Collar is embroidered with your pet's name and your phone number.
Best bow tie: Made by Cleo Bow Tie Collar Set - See at Made by Cleo Made by Cleo's Bow Tie Collar Set is as well-made as it is dapper and it's available in dozens of unique prints.
Best GPS: Tractive GPS Tracker - See at Tractive Tractive's Dog and Cat GPS Tracker identifies your pet's location in real-time and keeps records of their favorite routes and destinations.
Best for fleas: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats - See at Petco The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats is a reliable, veterinarian-approved way to repel parasites for up to eight months.
Best calming: Comfort Zone Calming Pheromone Collar for Cats - See at Amazon Comfort Zone's Calming Pheromone Cat Collar releases pheromones to help your cat feel more relaxed.
All of our experts agree that a collar with a buckle that comes apart when force is applied, known as a breakaway collar, is the only type of collar a cat should wear. "The breakaway collars are really the safest for the animal," said veterinarian Lindsey Renzullo, an associate medical director at Bulger Veterinary Hospital in Lawrence, Massachusetts. "If they get stuck on something, if they pull hard enough, they are able to get it off." The ideal breakaway collar is one that comes apart in dangerous situations but otherwise stays buckled.
With a unique breakaway buckle that can be adjusted to come apart with light, medium, or heavy pressure, the Rogz Nightcat Cat Collar is ideal for cats of all sizes and activity levels. That, combined with a highly reflective exterior that's easily visible in low light and an adjustable length, makes Rogz collars the most versatile of those we considered. In our testing, the Rogz Nightcat proved durable and easy to clean. The 3/8-inch-wide collar comes in three colors and has a removable bell.
When it comes to cat collars, a classic, no-frills design is always a good bet. Classic collars are typically made from nylon or similar easy-to-clean fabric and have a breakaway buckle. It's this simple design that makes them so affordable.
Red Dingo's Classic Nylon Breakaway Collar proved strong and versatile in our testing. It frayed very little when we made a small cut in the nylon and the cute, fish-shaped buckle broke apart with the ideal amount of pressure. Two washings removed all lingering scents of apple cider vinegar and, with the exception of the waterproof collars, Red Dingo's was the fastest to dry after soaking. Best of all, it comes in multiple colors with matching bells.
Renzullo likes waterproof collars because they won't become a soggy, moist burden around your cat's neck if they get wet. Unlike most collars, which are made from nylon or polyester fabric, waterproof collars are made from Biothane or a similar smooth, coated material. Cats who are sensitive to wearing a collar may find this material more comfortable because it's less likely to get caught in long hair.
Although both of the waterproof collars we considered for this guide were good, we like Ruff Threads' Biothane Cat Collar for its ultra-simple design and durable material. Our testing confirmed that this isn't just the fastest-drying collar, it also excels at repelling odors. This is also the only collar in the guide that is custom-sized. Instead of adjusting the length to fit your cat, you send Ruff Threads either your kitty's neck size or collar length and they customize it. The Biothane Cat Collar is 3/8 inches wide, has a breakaway buckle, and comes in 18 colors.
After dark, cats are nearly invisible to drivers. A reflective collar gives them a better chance of being seen. Even better is a collar that glows in the dark so it's visible even if headlights aren't shining on it.
The Pawtitas Glow in the Dark Cat Collar was the brightest of those we tested. It gets its vivid glow from a ribbon of lightly patterned reflective material that's sewn onto 3/8-inch-wide ripstop nylon webbing. The Pawtitas collar held up extremely well in our fray, soak, and clean tests. It also has an adjustable length, breakaway buckle, and removable bell. The collar is available in eight colors.
ID tags can fall off, but a personalized collar with your contact information is more likely to stay put. "If your kitty ever gets lost, having as many forms of identification as possible is a good thing that may help them be returned to you," said veterinarian Gabrielle Fadl, medical director at Bond Vet in New York City. Plus, if you have a cat who is sensitive to wearing things around its neck, a personalized collar may be more comfortable for them than dangling, jingling tags. Skip personalized collars that have your cat's info printed in ink because it can easily become blurred over time.
The half-inch-wide GoTags Personalized Breakaway Cat Collar is made of durable nylon and can be embroidered with up to 21 letters and numbers. You can choose from 5 different colors and 14 colors of embroidery thread. The collar performed well in testing, with minimal fraying and only mild lingering odors after soaking in vinegar. It has an adjustable length, breakaway buckle, and removable bell.
A fashionable collar is a fun way to showcase your cat's personality. Collars can be made from a variety of materials that go beyond typical nylon webbing, including soft velvet, patterned cotton, or canvas fabric. These are what Ingrid Johnson, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Fundamentally Feline in Marietta, Georgia, gravitates toward. Bits and bobbles like bow ties and charms also make lovely accents without being overly burdensome for most cats.
Choosing our favorite bow tie collar was the hardest decision we had to make for this guide. Both options performed similarly in testing and were super cute on our feline models. Ultimately, we went with Made by Cleo's Bow Tie Collar Set. This collar has a patterned fabric exterior and a webbed nylon interior, both of which proved highly durable in our fray, odor, and clean tests. After being washed twice, there was slight discoloration of the fabric, but the collar held up well otherwise. We also found that the 3-inch-wide bow tie, which was about 30% larger than the Neocoichi bow tie, was a better fit for our 10-pound and 12-pound cats. The collar is a half-inch wide, adjustable, and comes with a removable bell.
GPS trackers are an easy way to keep tabs on your outdoor cat's daily adventures and help you locate them if they don't come home. Tracking collars require a downloadable app and a monthly subscription plan.
While none of the experts we consulted had any major concerns about the weight or bulkiness of a tracker, a 2014 study published in the journal Wildlife Research recommends that a cat tracker never be more than 2% of a cat's body weight. Even if it's light enough, not every cat will be willing to tolerate a tracker. "When in doubt about what's comfortable and healthy for your individual cat, it's best to ask your vet," said Fadl.
We loved the Tractive Dog and Cat GPS Tracker and found that it more accurately tracked routes and identified the location of a pet in real-time than the Whistle Go Explore. The Tractive app is also easier to navigate and both the tracker and its subscription plan (from $4.99/month) are more affordable. It also had a longer battery life than its competitor. Although the device is bulky, it weighs just 1.28 ounces and its low profile is less likely to get caught on passing objects than the Whistle, which sticks out more.
Editor's note: A March 2021 investigation by USA Today reported 1,700 animal deaths and other adverse reactions linked to Seresto flea collars. In July 2022, the American Veterinarian Medical Association reported that Elanco defended the collar's safety and efficacy during a June 2022 congressional subcommittee hearing. The investigation is ongoing. Always speak to your veterinarian if you have concerns before using a flea collar and only purchase Seresto collars from authorized retailers.
Flea collars are an alternative to topical or oral flea treatments and one collar lasts for several months. Fadl said it's important to buy a flea collar that's specifically formulated for felines. You should also talk to your vet before switching from a topical treatment to a flea collar.
Of the flea collars on the market, Renzullo likes the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats. "Seresto is really good and efficacious," she said. This non-greasy, odorless, and water-resistant collar repels and kills fleas and ticks and keeps them at bay for up to eight months. The Seresto is adjustable, has a quick-release buckle, and is reflective in low light.
Calming pheromones have been shown to reduce stress and unwanted behaviors in both cats and dogs. Calming collars made for felines are infused with a synthetic version of the pheromone a mother cat emits while nursing her babies. The collar steadily releases its calming power each time it rubs against a cat's fur and typically last 30 days before it needs to be replaced.
We recommend the Comfort Zone On-the-Go Calming Cat Collar. Daintier and easier to adjust than Sentry's HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collar, this collar is secured much like a watch band, which prevents it from flopping around or sticking out. In an emergency, pressure on the collar causes the ridges to break free from their holes and the buckle to come undone. The On-the-Go Calming Collar is unscented and lasts for 30 days.
Among the 15 collars we tested, we struggled to select our favorite for several categories. Read more about the runners-up as well as collars that didn't make the cut below.
Other cat collars we recommend and why:
Kittyrama Cat Collar: We really like this waterproof collar with a cute house-shaped breakaway buckle. What kept it from the top spot is the covered, plastic watchband-like strap used to adjust the collar's length. The strap can be trimmed with scissors so it won't catch on anything, but the design may be less comfortable for collar-sensitive cats.
Neocoichi Lucky Charm Bow Tie Collar: Neocoichi's bow tie collar is well-made and cute and we struggled to decide whether it should be named best. The final decision came down to two points: This collar has a hanging charm that cannot be removed and its bowtie is slightly smaller than Made by Cleo's.
Rogz Glow in the Dark Reflective Cat Collar: Like the Rogz Nightcat, this glow-in-the-dark collar is highly durable and has a breakaway buckle with adjustable sensitivity. In our glow test, it was a little less bright than Pawtitas's version.
Collars we don't recommend and why:
Blueberry Pet Personalized Breakaway Collar: The price is right on this customizable collar sold in a pack of two. It did as well as the GoTags collar in testing, but the back of the embroidery on the collar's interior was rough and scratchy to the touch.
RC Pet Products Kitty Breakaway Collar: This is a cute, durable collar that did well in testing. However, it had only a small reflective patch, a sensitive breakaway buckle, and an extremely thick plastic ID ring that was hard to fit between the grooves of a key ring.
Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collar: While this calming collar is more affordable than the Comfort Zone, it has an extremely strong synthetic lavender-chamomile scent that may bother both sensitive cats and humans. It also comes coated in a powder that flakes off and makes a mess the first 24 to 48 hours of use and its extra-long webbing must be cut down to the appropriate size.
Whistle Go Explore GPS Tracker: This tracker connects to WiFi when in the home, but it frequently lost connection and sent false alerts that our tester cat had left the house. This may occur due to a weak WiFi signal or when a pet is lying on top of the device. Though it weighs slightly less than the Tractive, the Whistle sticks out more, making it easier to get caught on things. Plus, both the device and its subscription plan cost about twice as much as the Tractive.
Yes. Breakaway collars are built to prevent accidental strangulation. Whether a cat is indoors or outdoors, a collar can get stuck or tangled on things and push against the cat's windpipe. With a breakaway, as soon as your pet begins to struggle, the pressure opens the buckle to free them.
Both Renzullo and Johnson agree that indoor cats should wear a collar that clearly displays their ID. "Cats get outside, windows get broken, people break into houses, stuff happens," said Johnson. "I've adopted the philosophy that they should all have a collar. It's their best chance of being ID'd."
There's not much you can do to prevent your cat from losing its collar. In fact, if your cat loses their collar it's probably a good sign; it means that they were able to escape after getting caught on something. To minimize lost collars, get one that won't break away with light pressure and one made of smooth, comfortable material like Biothane, which a cat will be less likely to scratch at. Be sure to fit it properly, leaving space for just two fingers between your cat's neck and the strap.
It's important to properly fit your cat's collar in order to prevent injury or discomfort. For a cat collar to fit properly, it should be just loose enough for you to be able to slide one or two fingers between it and your cat's neck, said Fadl. Check the collar shortly after you adjust it to make sure it's the proper size. If you have a growing kitten, check the collar weekly to be sure it doesn't choke them as they grow.
Yes. If your cat gets lost or separated from you in an emergency, the person who finds them is unlikely to be able to scan its microchip without taking your pet to a veterinarian's office or animal shelter. If your cat's ID and phone number are clearly displayed on its collar, you have a much better chance of getting your pet back quickly.
Yes. The earlier a cat is introduced to wearing a collar, the better. A kitten who has positive experiences with collars early on is more likely to be comfortable in a collar later in life.
It's not necessary to remove a cat's collar at night unless they are irritated by it. Most cats won't even notice it's on. If you have attached a bulky GPS tracker to their collar, they may be more comfortable if it is removed at night. Attaching a GPS tracker to a second collar that is easy to put on and take off without removing your pet's ID on their regular collar may be helpful.
No. While using a shock collar may seem like an easy fix to a behavior problem, it's an inhumane and ineffective tool. Training a cat with a shock collar is far more likely to cause additional behavioral issues. Using positive-reinforcement techniques based on the science of learning is a much better option.
Like shock collars for dogs, a cat shock collar delivers a quick jolt of pain, which its proponents argue is a way to prevent a cat from engaging in unwanted behaviors. However, because it is nearly impossible to time accurately and apply consistently, shock collars frequently lead to fear, anxiety, and extreme discomfort. Not only are these methods less effective at decreasing the behaviors you don't want than rewards-based ones, but they can also prevent you from developing good communication with your pet. To learn more about positive reinforcement training, contact a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a certified cat behavior consultant.
We tested 15 cat collars for this guide. Approximately half of the collars were purchased by Insider Reviews, including those made by Ruff Threads, RC Pet Products, Rogz, Pawtitas, Blueberry Pet, and GoTags. All others were provided as editorial samples by their manufacturer.
Breakaway test: We tested the strength of each breakaway buckle by looping the collars around a sturdy table leg and applying steadily increasing pressure. We began with a gentle tug that incrementally increased in intensity every five seconds and noted at which point the buckle came apart. Collars that broke away with a medium amount of pressure were ranked higher as they would prevent accidental strangulation but stay on in less sticky situations.
Fray test: We made a 1-centimeter cut in the webbing of all but the tracking, calming, and flea collars. Then we hung a 15-ounce can of beans from each collar and left it for 24 hours before checking to see if the weight caused the nick in the collar to expand or fray. We rechecked the cut after the collars had gone through the clean test to identify any additional fraying.
Odor test: We soaked the same collars subjected to the fray test in apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes, then rinsed them out in hot water and left them to dry overnight. The next morning, we scored the odor's strength on a scale of 1 to 4. We rechecked the collars after the clean test and scored the strength of the remaining scent a second time.
Soak test: We expanded each of the collars in the breakaway, waterproof, reflective, personalized, and bow tie categories to their maximum length and measured them. Following the vinegar test and odor tests, both of which included thorough soaking and overnight drying, we measured the collars again to check for shrinkage. We also noted how quickly each collar dried, checking them 2 hours, 4 hours, and 12 hours after they'd been soaked in water.
Clean test: We buried the same collars from the soak test in a bag of potting soil. After 48 hours, we washed them using hot water and dish soap, then laid them out to dry. Once dry, we examined each collar for dirt and discoloration.
Glow test: We looked at the two glow-in-the-dark collars from three different distances (2, 5, and 10 feet away) in a completely dark room. At each distance, we noted how brightly the collars glowed in comparison to each other.
Tracking test: To determine how accurate the GPS technology was on the tracking collars, we took each one for three long walks, checking the app afterward to see whether it correctly identified our route. We also checked to see if the device notified us about the location of the tracker as we walked.
Battery test: We noted the time and date that each tracker was fully charged and the time and date when its battery died. We also checked to see when and how often the device notified us of its dwindling power.
We consulted the following experts for this guide to the best cat collars:
Gabrielle Fadl, DVM, veterinarian and medical director, Bond Vet, New York, New York
Fadl is the medical director at Bond Vet in New York City. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Kansas College of Veterinary Medicine. We consulted Fadl via email on March 10, 2021.
Ingrid Johnson, owner and certified cat behavior consultant, Fundamentally Feline, Marietta, Georgia
Johnson is a certified cat behavior consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is the former co-chair of the IAABC's cat division and is the co-director of the Paw Project's Georgia chapter, which works toward ending the practice of cat declawing. Johnson is also a veterinary technician and cat groomer at Paws, Whiskers, and Claws veterinary hospital in Marietta, Georgia. We interviewed Johnson by phone on February 17, 2021.
Lindsey Renzullo, DVM, associate medical director, Bulger Veterinary Hospital, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Renzullo earned a veterinary degree from Canada's Atlantic Veterinary College. She has been with Bulger Veterinary Hospital since college, when she worked as vet tech during summer breaks. In 2014, Renzullo was promoted from her role as a licensed veterinarian to Bulger Veterinary Hospital's assistant medical director. She also co-hosts The PAWEDcast, a podcast that explores topics in veterinary medicine. We interviewed Renzullo by phone on February 24, 2021.
We also consulted the following online sources between February and May 2021:
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