The Best Kinds of Cat Collars

To keep your cat safe when it stays outdoors -- or when it escapes your home if it primarily resides indoors -- you need to put a collar with an identification tag on the pet. Collars come in many different sizes, styles, colors and types, allowing you to choose one that fits your sense of style while providing safety for your cat.

  1. Safety

    • Purchase "breakaway" collars that feature a special clasp -- usually made of plastic -- that opens if you apply force to it. These types of collars open automatically if the collar becomes caught on something such as a branch or fence. Breakaway collars prevent accidental strangulation of your cat due to this feature. Test the collar before purchasing to ensure it does not break open too easily -- allowing your cat to lose its collar and identification -- outdoors. Some breakaway collars have a small amount of elasticity to allow for a little "give" before opening, preventing accidental loss.

    Visibility

    • Collars that have reflective material painted on the outside offer increased visibility for your cat, especially at night. Some collars also feature glow-in-the-dark material, which allows you to find cats outside due to better visibility, and makes pets more distinguishable to passing cars if the animals dart across a dark street. Some lighted collars have small LED lights attached to them that glow constantly or flash in low-light conditions to make your cat's presence apparent to both you and others, reducing the chance of your cat being accidentally hit by a car if it goes outdoors.

    Size and Durability

    • Determine the size for your cat's collar by measuring your cat's neck and adding about 2 inches. Once on your cat's neck, the collar should fit snugly but allow you to stick in about two fingers between the collar and neck. Collars come in a variety of materials, with those made from nylon or recycled plastic fibers being the easiest to keep clean and the most durable. Purchase a collar with a metal clasp and a D-ring to attach your cat's identification tag to; ensure the D-ring is made of rust-resistant material like stainless steel. Get a collar with an adjustable buckle to account for the increases in size of growing kittens.

    Considerations

    • Some collars come with metal bells already attached to the D-ring that help you keep track of your cat's location inside and outside your home. The bells also give an audible "warning" to local wildlife to prevent the cat from killing small animals. To keep track of your cat's location, some collars have a type of radio-tracking device or global positioning system attached. Choose a collar that has the safety and comfort features you would want for your cat, as well as the desired style you prefer. Collars come in many colors and patterns; bold or striking patterns provide a small measure of safety since they make your cat more visible, especially during the day.