When it comes to cat collars, you have plenty of options for your feline friend. Even if your cat is strictly an indoor cat, your cat still needs a collar for various reasons. In other words, collars are not just for dogs!
Accidents happen, and your cat may flee and get lost. However, if you have a collar on your cat, especially one with your cat’s name and your phone number, you have a better chance of being reunited.
Cat collars offer safety benefits and style, but how do you go about finding the right collar for your kitty? In this article, we’ll list 10 common cat collars to help you make an informed decision before you go out and buy one.
The 7 Types of Cat Collars
1. Breakaway Collars
Breakaway collars come in handy if your cat gets hung up on something and cannot break free. These collars have a quick-release buckle that will release without much pressure.
Suppose your cat gets caught on a tree branch or some other object and cannot get out of the collar. With a breakaway collar, your cat will be released from the collar itself, preventing choking or injury. If your cat is adventurous, a breakaway collar may be the one you need to keep your cat safe.
The best cat collars are sturdy, comfortable, and safe. Our favorite is Hepper's Breakaway Collar, a well-designed collar made from 100% natural hemp webbing that softens as your cat wears it. Featuring a quick-release buckle, adjustable slip-locks, and a jingle bell, this collar is as practical as it is stylish!
At Pet Keen, 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!
2. Flea & Tick Collar
Fleas and ticks do not discriminate between cats and dogs, and having a flea and tick collar on your cat will kill fleas and ticks before they become a problem.
Some people prefer flea and tick collars to ointments or flea and tick medications because it’s easier to apply. You can even purchase a breakaway flea and tick collar as an extra precaution. Most collars offer up to 7 months of protection.
3. Reflective Collars
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Reflective collars reflect ambient light. These types of collars come in handy if your cat is outside during nighttime. A car’s headlights will reflect against the collar, alerting the driver to your cat’s presence.
These collars can be a lifesaver—literally. If your cat likes to roam, a reflective collar is the way to go. They come in a variety of colors, and you can personalize them as well as purchase one that has the breakaway feature.
4. Decorative Collar
Decorative collars can be fun and festive. You can choose from movies, holidays, or even seasonal collars. Be sure to check all the features of any decorative collar you consider, such as the type of fastening mechanism it uses, such as a breakaway or traditional.
Traditional collars snap and fasten like breakaway collars, but they don’t unfasten if your cat gets caught on something. While decorative collars are fun, they need to be safe, too.
5. Calming Collars
Calming collars help kitties with high anxiety. These collars use pheromone technology that mimics the pheromones mother cats produce that naturally calms and soothes.
Stressed and fearful cats often have undesirable behaviors, such as marking, excessive meowing, scratching, and clawing. These collars also come in handy for travel, thunderstorms, new visitors, or any other stressful situation.
6. GPS Tracker Collar
With today’s technology, you can buy a collar with a GPS (Global Positioning System) so that you can track your cat in case he gets lost or even stolen. These collars require a subscription with usually a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can track your cat’s movements and even see where he’s been.
These also come in handy if your cat gets out and is lost. You can even track how many calories your cat burns in a day, which can be nice to know if you’re trying to make your cat lose weight.
7. Bell Collars
Bell collars are to help prey escape your cat’s wrath. Studies show that providing a bell collar on your cat slashes the amount of prey caught by half.
Why is this important? Domestic cats are impacting our global biodiversity by hunting birds and other wildlife. A bell on a cat collar will alert the prey to give them time to escape. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, you probably do not need to purchase this type of collar.
How to Choose the Right Collar for Your Cat
Before buying any collar for your cat, you will need to consider a few specifics. First, a proper fit is crucial for the comfort of your kitty. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to slip three fingers between the collar and your kitty’s neck. For kittens, check the collar regularly to ensure a proper fit.
Ensure the material of the collar is of high quality. Poor-quality collars can irritate your cat’s skin and become uncomfortable. Cotton, mesh, microfiber, and polyester are excellent, comfortable materials and are easy to maintain. Steer clear of leather collars, as they are harder to maintain.
Lastly, add an ID tag to any collar you purchase that has your name, address, and phone number in case your kitty gets lost.
Conclusion
Selecting a cat collar does not have to be rocket science, but the collar does need to be comfy and functional for your cat. Consider your cat’s day-to-day routine. If your cat stays outdoors for any length of time, reflective collars, GPS tracker collars, or bell collars will be ideal. If your cat loves the bling, opt for a lighted LED collar or a themed, decorative collar.
We hope our list helps you make the best purchasing decision for a collar for your feline. Remember to ensure a proper fit, place an ID tag on the collar, and find one with high-quality material.
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Featured Image Credit By: Tinka Mach, Shutterstock
