5 best cat collars for 2023, approved by vets

Our team of humans and cats (in exchange for some treats) volunteered to narrow down the best cat collars for your furry best friend! Keep reading to find 2022’s best cat collars on the market.

#1 Best overall cat collar: Blueberry Adjustable Cat Collar

#2 Best decorative cat collar: Breakaway Cat Collar with Bow Tie

#3 Best calming cat collar: Sentry Calming Collar for Cats

#4 Best holiday-themed cat collar: Frisco Flying Ghosts Breakaway Cat Collar

#5 Best durable cat collar: YOULY Breakaway Cat Collar

Cat collar sizing and selection guide

Selecting the right cat collar isn’t as simple as choosing the design that works best with your cat’s coat. Measuring for the best fit and considering your cat’s needs are both important when selecting a collar. Keep reading for our guide on how to measure your cat’s neck and select the perfect cat collar for them.

How to measure your cat for a new collar

Before shopping, measure your cat’s neck to know what size cat collar they’ll need. Many collars offer a wide range thanks to adjustable clips and straps, but for extra-large cats or small kittens, the collar you pick might be too small or oversized.

To measure your cat’s neck, use a cloth measuring tape and fit it snugly against their neck. Don’t squeeze, but try to get it as close to the skin as possible to get an accurate measurement. For short-haired cats, this might not be a challenge, but for particularly fluffy breeds, it might require a little guesswork.

👉 No measuring tape? No problem! Simply use a strip of paper and tear it where the end meets the strip. Then, measure the piece of paper using a ruler.

Once you have that number, you’ll be able to start shopping for a collar. Keep in mind that your cat’s collar shouldn’t be too tight. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between your cat’s neck and the collar. Too tight can be dangerous for your cat, but too loose can also amount to a lost collar or one that gets snagged more easily.

Also, keep in mind that your cat’s coat might be thinner during summer. If they are right on the cusp of a collar’s range, it might be best to size up.

How we chose the best cat collars

The betterpet lab developed a set of criteria and then put them to the test in real-world situations. Those factors included:

• Fit. We matched manufacturer sizing charts to cats and then judged whether the sizing ran too small, too large, or fit as advertised.
• Features. We also looked at each collar’s particular features. Did it come with a bell? Breakaway fastener? Our testers evaluated how well the cat collars performed with those features in mind.
• Durability. We know pet parents expect gear that lasts. We determine how durable a cat collar is so that you can make an informed decision.
• Maintenance. Our testers also considered how well a collar would stand up to cat jumping, playing, and even chewing. While our testers may not be able to say if a collar will last for years, we can let you know if this is a collar that your kitty can only wear for show.

Why trust betterpet?

The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. Because of this, the content we create is reviewed and approved by our vets. We tested these cat collars so that when we say a cat collar is best, it comes from firsthand experience.

Frequently asked questions

Is a breakaway collar better for cats?

Breakaway collars are often the best cat collars for both indoor and outdoor cats due to the risk of cats getting caught on various objects around the home or yard. Without a breakaway collar, pets may struggle or, worse, find themselves in potentially life-threatening situations.

Should indoor cats wear collars?

Even cats who stay exclusively indoors should wear collars. There is always the risk that cats might escape through a door or window and, when this happens, they should be able to be easily identified. Microchipping, but also picking the best cat collar for your cat’s lifestyle, is important.

Should I take my cat’s collar off at night?

The best cat collars can be worn day and night, and they should be! Collars don’t have to be taken off except when swapping out with another one either due to wear and tear, a new design, or a size upgrade. It’s even best to avoid taking off collars for any necessary bathtime — the risk of your cat bolting through the door is higher when they are stressed by water.