If you’re a cat parent, you’ll know that collars have a habit of disappearing into the great unknown. My cat Kobe treats them less like essential safety equipment and more like a unique way to make me repeatedly spend money replacing them. Every month or so he will inevitably return from one of his nighttime adventures with a bare neck, where before he was wearing a collar. The good news is that at least they’re coming off easily and not causing a safety issue during what I presume to be his wild and mischievous antics (alternative theory: he’s absolutely enormous and probably tries to squeeze through gaps that are far too small for him).
But no matter how many times he manages to lose his collar, I always replace it because I know he really needs to be wearing one with my telephone number on in case something bad ever happens.
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So because this ridiculous game of collar replacement really can’t continue, I’ve been on a bit of a mission: researching cat collars that actually stay on (but will come off if he’s stuck) and that won’t irritate a cat who spends half his life outdoors. From breakaway designs to tracking options and materials that can survive a cat who occasionally lives life at full throttle, this is what I’ve learnt in the quest for the holy grail of cat collars.
Main Takeaways
Always choose a lightweight, breakaway collar to keep curious cats safe if they get caught.
Comfort matters: the right material and fit make all the difference to whether a cat tolerates a collar.
The best collar balances safety, visibility and durability with your cat’s lifestyle, indoors or out.
The top 8 Kinship-reviewed cat collars
Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Why we love it Simple, reliable and reflective without breaking the bank, this collar is great for everyday wear and visibility on those dusk/dawn wanderings. The safety buckle is designed to snap open if your cat gets caught and the soft material makes it a comfortable wear. These collars come in tons of colours to suit your cat’s preferences too. I will say that they are very similar to the collars I buy for Kobe, so the safety buckle might be too easily opened for adventurous kitties like him.
Pros
Really affordable (even if they get lost and need replacing).
Reflective strip makes cats visible when light from street lights, cars or torches passes over them.
Quick-release safety design.
Cons
Basic style – no bells or ID plate.
Might wear faster with rough outdoor use and can come off quite easily.
Why we love it This award-winning breakaway collar from Supakit combines real quality with thoughtful cat-centric design. It’s built around a vet-recommended quick-release buckle that prioritises safety, while the soft materials and slimline profile mean many cats barely notice they’re wearing it. All the collars are handcrafted in Spain using traditional artisanal techniques, and it also comes in 10 colours and two sizes for cats and kittens – plus you can order an ID tag to attach to it. When only the best will do for your spoilt cat, this seems to be the collar of choice.
Pros
Breakaway safety buckle releases under pressure to protect curious cats from snags.
Soft leather or vegan cork variations are comfortable and stylish.
Cat parent reviews consistently mention how cats actually keep them on.
Removable bell included for extra wildlife awareness.
Cons
A bit more of an investment but hopefully one that will last.
The breakaway feature can trigger if fitted too loosely, so careful sizing is key.
Does your cat like to let themselves into other people’s homes and beg for food? Do they spend so much time outside that you’re constantly seeing their mugshot on your local Facebook page with concerned neighbours asking whose cat this is? Then they might be in need of Kittyrama collar. These hypoallergenic, breakaway collars are made of silicone (which makes them waterproof and protects necks from irritation), and they come with a range of helpful messages, from ‘Do not feed’ to ‘I have a home’.
Pros
The quick release break away clasps are designed to open at loads over 5.5 lbs. (This is a force that an adult cat can easily bring to the collar when caught in something, as they pull with their full bodies to free themselves.)
Kittyrama collars have received a ‘Cat Friendly’ award by International Cat Care, the global charity for the welfare of cats.
Waterproof, hypoallergenic and the material means it won’t fray over time.
Range of sizes and messages available.
Cons
Some cats might not like the silicone texture.
They are a little bit chunky so might not suit smaller breeds.
Especially good for black cats who like to hide in the shadows, this reflective yellow collar puts safety and visibility first. It will also snap or stretch if it gets caught on something, allowing your cat to break free. And it comes with an optional bell, so you can hear them trotting towards you from the back of the garden when you shake the Dreamies.
Pros
Adjustable slider for a good fit.
Incudes a bell and quick release clasp for added safety.
Improve’s your cat’s visibility in low light.
Very affordable.
Cons
Some cat parents report that their kitties can get it off quite easily.
Pet gear brand ROGZ has been making durable products for adventurous pets since 1995 – so they know a thing or two about collars. The NightCat Collar combines style and function with its snag-free 100 percent polyester webbing and a reflective printed design stitched on for added night-time visibility. Designed for cats who get into all sorts of mischief outdoors, the brand’s variable-load Safeloc breakaway buckle is often touted as the best on the market.
Pros
You can vary the ‘breakability’ strength of the the breakaway buckle, as it has three different settings you can slide around to at the back, depending on how big/small and weak/strong your cat is – genius.
Comes with all the bells (literally) and whistles – reflective, safe, comfortable.
The Tractive GPS tracker is the gold standard in stalking: you can watch everywhere your cat goes in real time via an app on your phone, set safe zones and get escape alerts, and discover their past routes and favourite spots. If that wasn’t intrusive enough, you can also monitor their health – a bit like a Fitbit for cats. The app will show you their activity level, sleep time and alert you to changes in their routine. The tracker comes with a safety release collar too (although at £44 your cat better not lose it!)
Pros
Up to five days of battery life.
Really helpful for cats who tend to wander far or pet parents who tend to worry lots.
Cons
You also have to subscribe to use the app, with various subscription models and features available at different prices – so it really does add up.
It’s a pretty chunk piece of kit so I can’t imagine all cats will be indifferent to wearing it.
It’s only suitable for cats over 3kg due to the size.
Does your cat want to fight for their right to not wear a collar? Then a Beastie Band might be a good solution. Made from soft, lightweight, stretchy neoprene, they’re super comfortable and many cats don’t even notice they're wearing them. The Velcro closure means you can put them on quite quickly without having to fumble adjusting buckles to get the size right. The material stretches for safety if caught (although note it doesn’t have a breakaway feature beyond the fact that Velcro can come undone with ease). You can also cut them with scissors to ensure a perfect, snug, non-bulky fit, reducing irritation and the chance of it getting snagged or pulled off too easily.
Pros
Easy to put on your cat and cut-to-fit design ensures a comfy fit.
Range of colours and cute designs available.
Lightweight ‘barely-there’ feel for sensitive cats.
Cons
A little pricey for what it is.
It’s a US brand so shipping means it will take a while to arrive.
Not all collars are made to look stylish – some are made for function. The Seresto Flea and Tick Control Collar (from the makers of Advantage spot-on flea treatments) is clinically proven to kill fleas and repel and kill ticks, giving long-lasting protection for up to seven months. How does it work? Hidden inside Seresto is a unique polymer matrix that is able to steadily release the flea and tick fighting combo across your cat’s skin and coat, all the way from their head to their tail.
Pros
You don’t have to remember monthly treatments and it’s more cost effective than doing so.
Lightweight and scentless.
Cons
It doesn’t have a proper breakaway release and some cat parents report being concerned that if their cat got caught on something it might choke them rather than coming loose.
It doesn’t work for every cat – while it has overwhelming favourable reviews, it’s not a 100 percent guarantee to keep fleas away.
How to choose the cat collar that’s best for your cat
Should cat collars have breakaway buckles?
Yes. Breakaway buckles are designed to release under pressure if a collar gets caught, reducing the risk of choking or injury. They’re widely recommended by vets, especially for outdoor or adventurous cats who like getting into trouble and come home looking like they’ve been out fighting crime (or just fighting foliage).
What material is best for cat collars?
Nylon is lightweight and affordable, leather is durable and softens with wear, while fabric or cork options suit sensitive kitties. The best material balances comfort, durability and how active your cat is day to day.
Should I put a bell on my cat’s collar?
Bells can help protect wildlife by warning birds and small animals, and they can help you hear your cat in the dark, but some cats find them irritating. Some humans do, too – personally, I do not want to hear the sound of a bell all day in the house whenever Kobe moves. Thankfully, many collars offer removable bells, letting you decide what’s best.
How much does a cat collar cost?
In the UK, basic collars start around £3, while premium or GPS-enabled options can reach up to £50.
Frequently asked questions
Are cat collars safe for indoor cats?
Indoor cats may still benefit from collars with ID tags in case they escape, but they should always be lightweight and breakaway to avoid snagging on furniture or household objects.
How tight should a cat collar be?
A cat collar should be snug but comfortable. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck, ensuring it won’t slip off or cause rubbing or discomfort.
Can cats wear collars all the time?
Most cats can wear collars continuously once they’re used to them, provided the collar fits well and has a breakaway clasp. It’s still a good idea to check fit and condition regularly.
What’s the difference between a cat collar and a dog collar?
Cat collars are lighter, narrower and designed with breakaway safety features. Dog collars are stronger and don’t release under pressure, which makes them unsafe for cats.
Ro previously served as Kinship’s Senior Editor. Now a freelancer, she has written and copy-edited for BritishVogue, Glamour, DICE and of course, Kinship. When she’s not being manipulated into dishing out Dreamies to Kobe the cat, she spends her free time trying to convince her snake, Butters, to wear a tiny hat.
