By=Gulzar
Published On 11/17/2023
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.
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 Amazon
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 Amazon
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 Amazon
The GoTags Personalized Breakaway Cat Collar is embroidered with your pet's name and your phone number.
The 5 best cat collars in 2023 Review on all products >
1.Best breakaway: Rogz Nightcat Cat Collar
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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.
2.Best budget: Red Dingo Classic Nylon Breakaway Collar
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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.
3.Best waterproof: Ruff Threads Biothane Cat Collar
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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.
4.Best reflective: Pawtitas Glow in the Dark Cat Collar
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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.
5.Best personalized: GoTags Personalized Nylon Breakaway Collar
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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.
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