Type of Collar to Get for a Kitten

According to the Feline Advisory Bureau, kittens should not be fitted for collars until they are 5 months old. This is because kittens younger than this age are growing so rapidly that they may quickly outgrow collars, are so small that they can easily remove collars, and are also more prone to getting stuck or otherwise put in situations where a tight collar may prove to be a choking hazard.

  1. Fit

    • The most important thing about a collar is fit. Once fastened around a kitten's neck, its owner should still be able to slide one or two fingers between the fabric of the collar and the kitten's neck. This amount of slack will help prevent the cat from inadvertently choking on it if stuck, yet is also tight enough that it cannot easily be pulled off over a kitten's head.

    Collar Materials

    • You should select a collar with no sharp edges, and with strong stitching. Weak stitching may appear loose around the fabric on inspection. The buckle should have rounded edges, and should not buckle or give; test this by fastening the buckle before purchasing the collar, and giving opposite sides of the circle the collar forms a firm, sharp tug. If the buckle shows no sign of strain, it will likely prove reliable.

    Visibility and Durability

    • If you want to purchase a collar to help identify your cat, purchase a collar with high visibility, preferably in a bright color which contrasts sharply with your cat's coat. If durability is a concern, look for nylon collars, which are not only available in a wide variety of colors, but are synthetic and therefore resistant to rotting, wick away moisture and are difficult to chew or cut through.

    Specialty Collars

    • In general, flea collars are not recommended simply because other types of flea control (such as spot-on products) are more effective at controlling fleas, and often these collars can contribute to hair loss and other adverse skin reactions. Snap-off collars -- which have a hard plastic snap-together buckle -- are also available, which pull apart under extreme stress, such as if the cat were snagged and struggling. These collars are optimum for outdoor cats, who may experience such scenarios.