How to Make a Cat Safety Collar

Safety cat collars provide a sturdy collar for identification purposes that can break away at a moment̵7;s notice if a cat gets into trouble. Cats can get hung up in trees or bushes with typical collars. Safety collars use breakaway buckles that release with enough pressure, allowing a trapped cat to get free. With the right hardware, you can create cat safety collars in a variety of styles and sizes.

Things You'll Need

  • Breakaway buckle
  • Fabric trim
  • Bias tape
  • Sewing machine
  • D-ring
  • Identification tags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the cat̵7;s neck using a flexible measuring tape. Measure as close to the skin as possible by parting the cat̵7;s hair around the measuring tape and add an inch. The resulting measurement is the length of the collar your cat needs. Make a note of it.

    • 2

      Create a pattern for the fabric part of the collar. The collar pattern should be 1 1/4 inches wide. This pattern will make a 3/4-inch collar with 1/4-inch allowances on each side for sewing. Add an additional 1/4 inch to each side of the collar pattern̵7;s length to accommodate for sewing. The pattern should be a long rectangle. Lay the fabric out and use the pattern to cut out the fabric collar.

    • 3

      Fold in the top and bottom of the fabric collar. Use bias tape to secure the folded fabric in place. The collar should be 3/4-inch wide at this point. Use a sewing machine or hand-sew the entire length of the collar. This is the finished width of the collar, and should be compatible with the width of the breakaway buckle. Slide the D-ring onto the collar.

    • 4

      Fold each of the ends in on the length of the collar. The edges should be folded in by 1/4 inch or less if needed. Machine- or hand-sew each of the ends of the collar, then thread one piece of the breakaway collar on each of the ends. Fold the ends of the fabric collar over the breakaway buckle pieces and secure with bias tape.

    • 5

      Before finishing the sewing, measure the length of the collar to ensure it meets the cat̵7;s size needs. Sew the ends over the breakaway buckle pieces, sealing them in place. Test the collar for safety by tugging the ends apart. A collar that does not come apart easily is not safe for your cat.