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Home > Cats > 11 Best Breakaway Cat Collars in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

11 Best Breakaway Cat Collars in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

black cat wearing breakaway collar

New kitty owners quickly learn that buying a new cat collar is not always a one-time activity as they can quickly become your feline’s favorite chew toy. But it’s more than just that. If your cat lives indoors, it might not occur to you that they should wear a collar as well. Many cats are escape artists and you never know who might accidentally leave your front door open.

If your cat regularly spends time outside, a collar and a tag are a must in case your feline strays too far from home. For safety’s sake, cats should wear what’s known as a breakaway collar, a collar with a buckle that pops open if your cat gets the collar snagged, preventing injury.

Choosing the right collar for your cat is more than just picking the cutest color or pattern (although that’s important too!). To help you make the perfect choice for your cat, we’ve gathered reviews of what we think are the best breakaway cat collars this year. Hopefully, you’ll find this information useful as you shop for the cutest and safest collar for your cat.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Hemp Breakaway Cat Collar Hepper Hemp Breakaway Cat Collar
  • Fits most neck sizes
  • 100% hemp material for durability
  • UV and mold resistant
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Frisco Breakaway Cat Collar & Bell Frisco Breakaway Cat Collar & Bell
  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Multiple colors and patterns are available
  • Third place
    Necoichi Bandana Breakaway Collar Necoichi Bandana Breakaway Collar
  • Unique and colorful style
  • Can be harder for cats to escape from
  • Waag Gold Moon & Stars Cat Collar Waag Gold Moon & Stars Cat Collar
  • Available in multiple colors
  • The smallest size collar we reviewed
  • Extodry Reflective Cat Collars Extodry Reflective Cat Collars
  • Cost-effective
  • Comes with an ID tag
  • Multiple colors available
  • The 11 Best Breakaway Cat Collars

    1. Hepper Hemp Breakaway Cat Collar – Best Overall

    Cat with hepper collar in girl's arms_Magenta

    Material: Hemp
    Collar Width: 1 inch
    Neck Size: 8-12.5 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: 5-25 pounds

    Our pick for the best overall breakaway cat collar is the Hepper Breakaway Collar. This ultra-durable collar is made from 100% natural hemp material that can withstand the elements while remaining soft on your kitty’s sensitive neck. Its reliable quick-release mechanism is exactly what you need to keep your pet safe.

    The collar is handmade in the United States, so you know you can trust its craftsmanship. The hemp material is both mold- and UV-resistant to ensure the collar won’t break down over time, providing more value for your investment.

    This affordable breakaway collar is available in a few beautiful pastel color options, allowing you to pick the one that suits your kitty best. It is adjustable up to 11 inches, meaning it can fit most cats regardless of how big they are. The jingle bell is a nice touch as it can always alert you to your kitty’s whereabouts.

    The adjustability allows for necks between seven and 11 inches which may make the Hepper Breakaway Collar a touch too small for kittens. That’s okay; your little guy will eventually grow into it!

    Pros
    • Fits most neck sizes
    • 100% hemp material for durability
    • UV and mold resistant
    • Several color options
    Cons
    • May not be small enough for kittens

    2. Frisco Nylon Breakaway Cat Collar With Bell — Budget Buy

    Frisco Nylon Breakaway Cat Collar With Bell

     

    Material: Nylon
    Collar Width: 375 inches
    Neck Size: 8-12 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Up to 15 pounds

    The Frisco Nylon Breakaway Cat Collar With Bell isn’t fancy but is a good choice for those who value function and affordability. Available in multiple colors, these collars are sturdy and comfortable. They come with an attached bell, although users report it isn’t very loud and may not do much to give birds a chance to escape. These collars are not designed to be used with leashes and don’t have a ring to attach a leash or tie-out. They are adjustable but only fit cats up to 15 pounds, meaning owners of large breed cats will need to look elsewhere for their collars. Some users report that the collars bleed color and stain their cat’s fur when wet.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Durable
    • Multiple colors and patterns are available
    Cons
    • Won’t fit large cats
    • Colors stain fur
    • Not for use with leashes

    3. Necoichi Bandana Breakaway Collar

    Necoichi Bandana Cotton Breakaway Collar

    Material: Cotton, PVC
    Collar Width: 4 inches
    Neck Size: 2-13.7 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Not specified

    The Necoichi Bandana Breakaway Collar is a soft and stylish cat collar that features an adorable built-in bandana, allowing your cat to make a fashion statement while staying safe. Available in 2 different colors and patterns, this breakaway collar fits most sizes of cats. This collar is made of kimono fabric, making it unique among other collars. The bandana not only serves as a fashionable accessory but can also help outwit cats who figure out how to escape from their collars. One user reports that they moved the bandana to cover the buckle and found that their cat left this collar on! Like many collars, this one doesn’t fit small kittens well. It’s also priced higher than the other collars on our list, making it less than ideal for cats who regularly lose or destroy collars.

    Pros
    • Unique and colorful style
    • Can be harder for cats to escape from
    Cons
    • Higher price
    • Doesn’t fit small kittens

    4. Waag Gold Moon And Stars Cat Collar

    Waag Gold Moon And Stars Cat Collar

     

    Material: Nylon
    Collar Width: 375 inches
    Neck Size: 5-10 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Not specified

    If you’re searching for a collar for your new kitten, consider the stylish Waag Gold Moon And Stars Cat Collar. Most standard cat collars don’t adjust any smaller than 8 inches, still too large for most young kittens to wear safely. This collar comes in both a standard adult size and a smaller, kitten-specific size (make sure you pick the right size when ordering!). This collar comes in multiple colors but doesn’t have a bell, which is recommended for outdoor cats to help keep birds and wildlife safe. Some users report that the breakaway function of this collar doesn’t work well and that the collar itself is not very durable.

    Pros
    • The smallest size collar we reviewed
    • Available in multiple colors
    Cons
    • No bell
    • Some issues with durability and function

    5. Extodry 14 Pack Reflective Breakaway Cat Collars

    Extodry 14 Pack Reflective Breakaway Cat Collars

    Material: Nylon
    Collar Width: 4 inches
    Neck Size: 5-12.5 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Not specified

    Our choice of the best breakaway cat collar for the money is the Extodry 14 Pack Reflective Breakaway Cat Collars. This value pack offers 14 different color cat collars, all with a reflective strip for nighttime safety. The collars also come with a small metal container and ID form. You can write your information on the form, roll it up and place it into the container that attaches to the cat’s collar. Users love the price of these collars and find them a good option for outdoor cats who regularly lose their collars. These collars may not adjust small enough for kittens younger than 8 weeks old, however. Some users report that the collars are not very durable.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Comes with an ID tag
    • Multiple colors available
    Cons
    • Too big for kittens
    • Some durability issues

    6. Red Dingo Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar

     

    Red Dingo Nylon Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar

     

    Material: Nylon
    Collar Width: 5 inches
    Neck Size: 8-12.5 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: 3-25 pounds

    Red Dingo Reflective Breakaway Collar is a sturdy, comfortable collar that is adjustable to fit cats of a wide range of weights. It has a reflective strip to keep your cat visible even in the dark and a quick-release safety clip separate from the buckle. This collar is available in multiple colors and patterns, perfect for matching any cat’s coat color. It’s also machine washable, making it easy to clean if your outdoor cat gets into messy situations. Users give this collar high marks for durability but feel it is too big for kittens and worry that the breakaway clasp takes too much effort for a baby cat to release if needed.

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Available in a variety of colors
    • Machine washable
    Cons
    • Too big for kittens

    7. Safe Cat Snag-Proof Polyester Breakaway Cat Collar

    Safe Cat Snag-Proof Polyester Breakaway Cat Collar

     

    Material: Polyester
    Collar Width: 375 inches
    Neck Size: 8-12 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Not specified

    If you have a picky cat who normally won’t wear a collar, consider the Safe Cat Snag-Proof Polyester Breakaway Cat Collar. Soft, thin, and lightweight, this collar might just make your cat forget it’s even there. You can buy the collar in multiple colors and it comes with a matching bell. This collar is inexpensive but doesn’t fray with wear. Some users report having issues working the buckle, to the point that they aren’t able to figure out how to get the collar off their cat, although the breakaway function does seem to work. Multiple users report that this is the only collar their picky cats will wear, which seems to be what sets this collar apart from the rest.

    Pros
    • Soft and lightweight
    • Good choice for picky cats
    • Multiple colors available
    Cons
    • Buckle can be hard to open

    8. Necoichi Perfect Picnic Bowtie Cotton Breakaway Collar

    Necoichi Perfect Picnic Bowtie Cotton Breakaway Collar

    Material: Cotton
    Collar Width: 5 inches
    Neck Size: 2-13.7 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Not specified

    If your cat loves to look fancy, buy them the Necoichi Perfect Picnic Bowtie Cotton Breakaway Collar and watch them show off. Handmade from soft kimono fabric, this collar is available in two different colors. The collar is easily adjustable, although like most, too big for kittens. Users report that the collars seem comfortable and non-irritating to their cats and fit well. This collar comes with a bell although it might be a little too fancy and expensive for a cat who spends a lot of time in the great outdoors. Talented collar escapers may be able to get this one off fairly easily, something to keep in mind if your cat isn’t a big fan of collars.

    Pros
    • Adorable
    • Soft to wear
    Cons
    • Not very escape-proof
    • Too big for kittens

    9. Rogz Catz Breakaway Reflective Cat Collar

    Rogz Catz Breakaway Reflective Cat Collar

    Material: Nylon
    Collar Width: 375 inches
    Neck Size: 8-12 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Not specified

    Extra durable and highly reflective, the Rogz Catz Breakaway Reflective Cat Collar is an excellent choice for full-time outdoor cats who are tough on their neckwear. The breakaway feature is adjustable with three settings based on the weight of your cat, making it a safer choice for smaller adult cats. This collar generally holds up well even when cats try to scratch it off and the reflective coating is also more durable than many others. The price is a little higher than some others on the list but this color offers a lot of value for the money. Users like the excellent reflective quality of this collar but some found that it did begin to fray over time. It also doesn’t come in many fun colors and patterns.

    Pros
    • Adjustable breakaway feature
    • Very reflective
    Cons
    • Not many color options
    • Some durability issues

    10. Pettsie Breakaway Cat Collar With Friendship Bracelet

    Pettsie Breakaway Cat Collar With Friendship Bracelet

    Material: Cotton
    Collar Width: 375 inches
    Neck Size: 5-11.5 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: 5-15 pounds

    If you’re the kind of cat owner who wants the world to know how important your feline friend is to you, why not buy the Pettsie Breakaway Cat Collar With Friendship Bracelet with a matching bracelet just for you? Both the collar and the human bracelet are adjustable and the bracelet features a unisex design, ideal for all different pet parents. This collar doesn’t have a bell but does have a spot to attach an ID tag if you want. It is too big for kittens and not designed for cats larger than 15 pounds. Users especially like this collar for older cats, as the bracelet can be worn as a remembrance even after their pets are gone.

    Pros
    • Truly unique design and features
    • Comfortable collar
    Cons
    • No bell
    • Won’t fit larger cats

    11. GoTags Personalized Reflective Breakaway Collar

    GoTags Personalized Reflective Breakaway Collar

     

    Material: Cotton
    Collar Width: 5 inches
    Neck Size: 8-13 inches
    Recommended Cat Weight: Not specified

    The GoTags Personalized Reflective Breakaway Collar eliminates the need for a separate ID tag that might break off by printing your cat’s name and your contact information directly onto the surface. Designed to be soft and snag-proof, this collar is also machine washable. With a bell and a reflective surface, this collar keeps your cat and nearby wildlife safe. This collar is only available in five colors and has no fun patterns. Users’ main complaint seems to be that the reflective coating and printed information wear off more quickly than they expected.  The breakaway buckle also comes apart very easily, which is good for safety but less ideal for keeping track of the collars.

    Pros
    • Contact information printed on the collar
    • Machine washable
    Cons
    • Printing wears off fairly easily
    • Buckle comes apart easily

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Breakaway Cat Collar

    Now that you have an idea of the breakaway cat collar options that are available to you, here are some considerations to keep in mind as you start shopping.

    Size And Age of Your Cat

    If you’re buying a collar for a kitten or small adult cat, your options are going to be more limited. For safety’s sake, you want the collar to fit snugly but not too tightly. You don’t want the collar to slip over the cat’s head or get caught on their mouth. Only one of the collars we reviewed adjusts smaller than 7.5 inches.

    At the same time, if you’re looking for a collar for a large cat, over 15 pounds, several of the collars we reviewed wouldn’t be suitable. To properly fit the collar, you should be able to fit two fingers between it and your cat–no more and no less. Keep a close eye on any collar you buy, especially if your cat is still growing, to make sure it doesn’t get too tight.

    Bell Or No Bell?

    Experts recommend that outdoor cats wear a collar with a bell to minimize the damage to birds and wildlife caused by these feline serial killers. Not all collars come with bells, although it’s certainly possible to add one on your own.

    If your cat’s collar will primarily be worn inside, a jingling bell could be annoying, especially at night. In this case, you may prefer to purchase a collar without a bell.

    Orange Cat With Bell Collar
    Image Credit By: Jirakarn Dhejsawatdhirat, Shutterstock

    Will Your Cat Even Wear a Collar?

    Let’s face it, cats aren’t known for doing anything that they don’t want to do. If your cat sets their mind to not wearing a collar, they’re probably going to be able to escape or kick off any collar you try. Breakaway features are a necessary safety feature but clever cats can easily exploit them to remove their collars.

    Interestingly, a study found that about 75% of cats will eventually tolerate wearing a collar. One factor that influenced the success of collar wearing was how persistent the owner was in replacing the collar. In a battle of wills with your cat, you might just win in the end.

    However, if you know your cat is going to remove and potentially lose multiple collars, it’s probably wise to stick with the more inexpensive breakaway collars or just buy the multi-pack.

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    Conclusion

    As the best overall breakaway cat collar, the Hepper Hemp Breakaway Cat Collar offers all the key safety features in a durable and cost-effective product. The Frisco Nylon Breakaway Cat Collar With Bell is the ideal choice for owners who are on a budget. We hope you’ve found our reviews of the top 10 breakaway cat collars helpful as you narrow down your choices to just the right option for your feline friend.


    Feature Image Credit: Graziegranata, Shutterstock

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