Cats can be picky about everything, including collars. Sometimes they will refuse to wear one no matter what. Other times, they might just need a little time to get used to it. Choosing the right collar makes a difference. Your cat could hate one particular collar but be happy wearing another.
Collars are important for a cat’s safety and can help them easily be reunited with their owners should they become lost. The problem with some cats is they won’t keep them on long enough to do any good.
While trial and error to find an acceptable collar might seem tedious, the right collar for your cat is out there. To help you find the best one, we rounded up reviews of a few great collars for cats that hate collars. Here are the reviews so you can pick the one that your cat might actually tolerate.
If your cat hates collars, then both of you will love our #1 best overall choice, the Hepper Breakaway Cat Collar. This cat collar is designed to be comfortable so your kitty doesn’t despise it so much. The 100% natural hemp webbing used to make this collar is soft against the skin and is designed for comfort and wearability. The hemp is also great at withstanding the elements for kitties who love to venture outside for a bit of exercise as it naturally withstands UV rays and is resistant to mold.
With so many potential dangers outdoors, it’s also important that a collar is made to avoid catching on branches, sticks or even being snagged by predators. That’s why we also love the quick-release mechanism that ensures your cat’s safety while it’s on the prowl. For the kitty fashionistas out there, no worries. This made-in-the-USA cat collar comes in multiple colors, features its own jingle bell, and is adjustable with a metal slip lock to help with fit.
The only issue we could find with this collar is the jingle bell. While you and the local wildlife may be thankful for the jingle bell, your cat may not be its biggest fan.
At PetKeen.com we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Made from natural hemp for comfort and durability
The quick-release mechanism protects the kitty from dangers
Made in the USA
Multiple color options are available
Adjustable to fit cats of all sizes
Cons
The jingle bell may be slightly annoying to your kitty
Our budget buy cat collar pick for cats that hate collars is the Safe Cat Snag-Proof Breakaway Collar. This is a small collar, but it will let people know that your cat has a home. An identification tag can be attached to the bell clasp with some effort, but there is no separate ring for a tag. Multiple tags likely won’t fit on this collar. But the breakaway feature will keep your cat safe indoors and out.
Available in multiple collars, you can choose the best one that suits your cat’s style. The thin design is ideal for cats who hate wearing collars. They might not even notice that it’s there. The bell can be removed by clipping it off.
The snag-proof material keeps this collar from being torn or broken. It also can’t be easily shredded by your cat’s claws. Since the material is so smooth, the collar can sometimes slip and loosen, though, becoming too big. It’s been known to slip right off cats over time.
The Blueberry Pet Personalized Cat Collar comes with a removable bowtie and fish charm. These are fun options, but if your cat hates wearing collars, they may not be tolerated. The personalization that the collar offers makes it a bit more expensive that the other collars on this list.
When cats dislike collars, sometimes what they really don’t want is something hanging from them. This collar solves that problem with your cat’s information embroidered on the material. You can even choose which color thread is used! You can have your cat’s name and phone number easily visible so people won’t have to try to read a small tag if your cat gets lost. This collar has a breakaway design for safety.
The Red Dingo Breakaway Kitten Collar is our best choice for kittens. It’s suitable for kittens up to 3 pounds and measures 6–10 inches in length. The breakaway feature will keep curious, exploring kittens safe.
The closure clip is in the shape of a fish, which makes this collar even cuter. It comes in blue or pink and has a bell that can be removed. There is also a ring to attach an identification tag.
The collar comes off easily as a safety feature, but there are reports of kittens being able to just paw at the collar and have the closure release.
The colors of the Country Brook Design Breakaway Cat Collar are vivid and eye-catching, making this hard to miss on any cat regardless of coat color. The lightweight polyester webbing is smooth and comfortable so it won’t scratch or irritate your cat’s neck. For cats that don’t like collars, that’s a relief.
This collar has a breakaway clasp. The bell is also reported to be loud. Some cat owners were kept awake at night by the jingling as their cats ran through the house. The bell is removable, though, and an identification tag can be placed on the ring instead. This material is smooth and slippery, so it also may loosen over time as the cat moves while wearing it. It will need to be adjusted frequently if this happens.
Another great choice for a cat collar for cats that hate collars is the Frisco Spring Leaves Cat Collar. The plastic closure has rounded edges so it won’t poke into your cat’s neck and bother them. This collar is adjustable so you can alter it as your cat grows. This can fit neck sizes of 8–12 inches.
The bell on this collar is optional, so you can remove it if the sound frustrates your cat. The size is small enough to be easily seen but not make your cat feel restricted. The breakaway feature enables this collar to snap off quickly in the event of snagging or catching on objects.
This collar won’t get hidden under your cat’s fur and is bright enough to be seen on dark or light-colored cats.
The GoTags Personalized Cat Collar comes in five different colors with 14 different thread color options for personalization, so you can choose the right style for your cat. No tags are necessary for this collar, and if your cat is opposed to the hanging bell, it can be removed.
The soft, non-snagging nylon material is smooth and comfortable for your cat to wear. They can wear this collar in any lounging position and not be bothered by this helpful accessory. This breakaway collar is also machine-washable, which is convenient if your cat spends a great deal of time outdoors and likes to get dirty. The collar can hold up to 21 characters and adjusts to 8–12 inches.
If you reach the maximum number of characters on the collar, the text can run into the buckle and be difficult to read. If the collar is adjusted to the 8-inch size, it may need to be removed from the cat to fully read the information.
This solid black Zee.Dog Gotham Polyester Cat Collar is adjustable to any size and looks strikingly bold on light-colored cats. The polyester is easy to clean by wiping it with a damp cloth. It’s weather-resistant and has a rubber cat logo. An identification tag can easily be added.
The collar is thin and narrow, so it won’t limit your cat as they move, making them less likely to remember that it’s there and be annoyed by it. Since it’s a breakaway collar, though, they may be able to release it by pawing at it.
If your cat is a heavy scratcher, this material can be damaged by cat claws. Excessive scratching can pull it right off. The size of the collar should make it less noticeable, but if your cat hates collars, they may try to remove it, anyway. It’s not as durable as some other collars.
Pros
Cool design
One size fits all
Weather-resistant material
Cons
Easily damaged by heavy scratching
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Cat Collars for Cats That Hate Collars
Cat owners can get frustrated trying to keep a collar on their cat — either the collar keeps slipping or breaking off, or the cat is so uncomfortable that they can’t relax with it on. You may be wondering why a cat even needs a collar in the first place, especially if they have a microchip. When scanned at a vet’s office or animal shelter, the microchip will show the owner’s information. This requires someone bringing the animal in to be checked for a chip. The problem is that when some people see cats roaming outside, they tend to think that they’re either outside cats or that they must live close by and know how to get home. They are mistaken for strays or feral cats.
With a collar, people will know that the cat has an owner and a home. It’s much easier for someone to read the information on your cat’s tag or collar and give you a call than try to corral the cat and bring them to a shelter to be scanned.
Both the microchip and collar are important because if the collar happens to fall off, the microchip will always remain. The collar is simply the easiest, fastest way for lost cats to be reunited with their owners.
Image Credit: Inga Gedrovicha, Shutterstock
Indoor Cats
Strictly indoor cats wearing collars can give owners peace of mind in case they should ever escape and get lost. Identification and medical tags can be placed on the collar so people will also know that your cat is up to date on their vaccinations.
If you’re sure that your cat won’t ever escape your home, a collar can add a little flair to your kitty. There are so many styles and patterns to choose from, so you can mix and match the ones that look stunning on your feline.
Many collars also have a bell on them, which is helpful to let you know where your cat may be in the house. If you have cats that like to hide, this is especially useful.
How to Choose a Collar If Your Cat Hates Collars
Cats can be picky. We know this, but sometimes collars are a necessity. The best way to get your cat to wear a collar is to make sure it’s lightweight and fits correctly. Some cats don’t like to feel restricted. If the collar is too heavy or tight, it can be uncomfortable for them. You may even mistakenly think that your cat hates collars when they would simply just prefer a different one.
Lightweight material that is not too snug around their necks is usually ideal for cats to get used to wearing something. You should be able to comfortably slip two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck.
The Bell
The bells on collars serve multiple purposes. For example, they’re used on indoor/outdoor cats that like to roam outside as a way to warn wildlife that they are approaching. The bells limit the number of prey animals that the cat can catch — and often bring back home — when they are out on their adventures.
However, sometimes the bell aggravates the cat. If they are always trying to capture the bell or shaking their heads to get rid of it, you can remove it for them. The sound of the bell can keep some cats from resting peacefully. If you notice this occurring, remove the bell first and see if that’s the problem instead of the collar itself.
Color
This is a matter of personal preference, but brightly colored collars can be easily seen by people, especially if your cat’s coat is dark. This will be an obvious sign that your cat has a home. Reflective collars are also good choices because they can be seen in the dark.
Skin Sensitivity
If your cat has sensitive skin, some materials may cause them to have a reaction. If your cat is scratching at the collar and you notice hair loss or irritated skin around the neck, they may be allergic to it. Collars made of hypoallergenic materials may be the solution in this case.
Image Credit: Patara91, Shutterstock
Decorations
Collars with dangling charms or fabric bowties sewn on them are adorable. Even if your fancy feline would look stunning in one of these, they may loathe it completely. If the decorative collar is encroaching on your cat’s space, making it hard for them to get comfortable, or blocking their vision, they won’t be happy.
Start small if your cat isn’t used to wearing a collar. You can upgrade over time if your cat tolerates the smaller collars. If you notice that your cat is uncomfortable, go back to the size of the previous collar.
Breakaway
Breakaway collars are safe options for cats. By nature, cats are curious creatures that love to jump, climb, and play. During all this activity, a collar can easily become snagged on furniture or items in the home. If the cat is outside, the collar can get tangled in tree branches or bushes.
The collars are designed to snap apart if they encounter any sort of resistance. This will keep your cat safe, especially if you’re not home to watch them. You may come home to the collar on the floor, but your cat will be just fine.
Of course, this also means your cat can get a paw between the collar and their neck and pop it off themselves. This is a small price to pay for your cat’s safety, though.
Keep this in mind, and always check the fit of the collar while your cat is still growing. The collar can quickly become too snug. It will have to either be adjusted or replaced completely until your cat reaches their maximum growth.
Conclusion
Hepper Hemp Breakaway Cat Collar is our best overall choice for cats that hate collars. It’s durable yet comfortable for even the pickiest of felines. Our budget-friendly choice is the Safe Cat Snag-Proof Breakaway Collar. It comes in several color options, though there’s no convenient place to hang an identification tag. The Blueberry Pet Personalized Cat Collar comes with a removable bowtie and fish charm so they won’t aggravate your cat. The identifying information is stitched right on the material, so no tag is necessary.
We hope that our reviews have helped you find the perfect collar for your finicky feline.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
