The 7 best cat collars of 2025, tested and reviewed

Even indoor cats can slip outside or make an escape from their carrier or harness while traveling. Microchipping is highly recommended, but outfitting your cat in one of the best cat collars with your contact information makes it even more likely they'll get home safe. The safest collars for cats are breakaway collars, which pop open when enough force is applied. If your cat gets stuck on something, they can pull hard enough and get the collar off.

To find the best cat collars, we cut, soiled, washed, and pulled on 17 collars to identify the best of the bunch. We also asked veterinarians and a cat behavior consultant what to look for in a cat collar. Our top pick is the Rogz Night Cat Safety Release Collar because it is durable, reflective, and has a reliable breakaway closure that adjusts to your cat's weight. For those looking for a budget option, the Red Dingo Cat Collar is a solid choice that comes in multiple colors and with a matching, removable bell.

Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best cat collars

Best overall: Rogz NightCat Reflective Cat Collar - See at Amazon

Best GPS tracking: Tractive Smart Cat Collar - See at Chewy

Best calming: Comfort Zone Calming Pheromone Collar for Cats - See at Chewy

Best bow tie: Made by Cleo Cat Collar and Bunny Ear Bow Set - See at Made By Cleo

Best personalized: Frisco Personalized Reflective Cat Collar - See at Chewy(temporarily out of stock)

Best budget: Red Dingo Cat Collar - See at Chewy

Best flea: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats - See at Chewy

Best overall

Our experts agree, the best cat collars are breakaway collars. "This type of collar is designed to open if it becomes snagged on something, allowing your cat to escape and helping to avoid the risk of strangulation," says Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance. However, not all breakaway snaps are created equal — some need more or less pull to release.

Rogz solves that problem with a sliding mechanism that adjusts the release strength to one of three settings based on your cat's weight. It's easy to adjust but secure enough that your cat can't accidentally move it. We kept it on the lowest setting for our 10-pound tester cats. Combined with a highly reflective exterior, removable bell, and adjustable length, the Rogz NightCat Reflective Cat Collar is the most versatile option we tested and our top pick for the best cat collars.

We like the NightCat collar's reflective strip, which catches headlights or a flashlight beam. But if comfort is your top priority, we recommend the Rogz Urban Cat Safety Collar. It's not reflective but has a felt backing so soft that even our most sensitive tester wore it all day without protest.

Best GPS tracking

GPS trackers are a smart choice for cats who spend time outdoors or for indoor-only cats who have a habit of darting outside. However, devices with limited range, such as those that rely solely on Bluetooth, can only track your cat when you're nearby. With connectivity through AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile LTE networks, Tractive GPS offers real-time location tracking, so long as it's in an area with cellular service.

If your cat goes missing, Tractive's wide coverage pinpoints their location on a street map. A radar, on-collar sound, and built-in light can help you zero in on their location, even if they're hiding. Within Bluetooth range, the companion app's radar shows when you're getting closer to or farther from the tracker. This, along with a manually activated sound, allowed us to find the tracker tucked beneath a bush in the backyard with little effort. Although the sound is no louder than a bird chirp, it may startle an already frightened cat. That's why we especially appreciate the small light that can be turned on remotely.

We received an alert right away when the GPS left the customizable safe zone around our house or entered the no-go zone, such as near a busy road. However, the smallest possible fence spans about 600 square feet. By the time we're notified, our cat will already be down the next block. Those who want to see their cat's typical hangouts can view the hot spot map. Frequently visited areas — like the park near our home — are highlighted in red. These are the first places we'd look for our cat if the GPS died or the collar fell off.

We used Tractive on daily on 1- to 2-mile walks for nearly a month before recharging. If your cat spends most of their time away from WiFi, and therefore out of battery-saving mode, battery life will be shorter but still reliable. You can conserve battery by adjusting location updates to every 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes rather than using live tracking.

Tractive also functions somewhat like a feline FitBit, tracking your cat's sleep, activity levels, and estimated calories burned. Tractive's latest design is lighter and slimmer than when we first tested it. It weighs under an ounce and measures just 2.2 inches — about the length of a house key. You almost miss it hiding under the fur of our floofiest cat.

Best calming

Calming collars for cats are designed to help ease stress during major changes like moving, traveling, or introducing a new baby. They may also help curb behaviors such as scratching furniture, urine marking, and tension between cats in multi-pet homes. Calming collars work by releasing synthetic pheromones, species-specific chemical signals that are odorless to humans but detectable to cats. Cats deposit facial pheromones by rubbing their chin, cheeks, and forehead on objects and people in areas they visit often. When they return and detect these pheromones, it can help them feel more secure. "This reassuring response can also be triggered in adult cats with the use of synthetic pheromones," says Dr. Maggie Placer, a veterinarian and veterinary science program manager at EveryCat Health Foundation.

We recommend the Comfort Zone Calming Pheromone Collar for Cats. It's heat-activated, releasing calming pheromones when warmed by your cat's body heat that typically last up to 30 days. While the collar is odorless to people, it did leave a chalky residue on our fingers — a "bloom" that, according to the packaging, signals the pheromones are being released.

Placer recommends introducing calming pheromones at least 48 hours before a stressful event. The collar secures like a watch band, so it stays snug without flopping or sticking out. In an emergency, pressure on the collar causes the ridges to break free and the buckle to release.

Best bow tie

Smooth, lightweight materials like nylon are usually a good pick for collars, while cotton can be gentler on sensitive skin, Cahn says. Made by Cleo's stylish cat collars combine both: a cotton top layer and a flexible, densely woven nylon webbing underneath for durability.

Made by Cleo offers a wide range of collars, from classic bow tie sets to bunny ear designs that have the chic look of a French-tied scarf. We loved the look and quality of both, but ultimately found the bunny ear set to be the most comfortable for our feline testers. The bunny ears drape slightly like a scarf, while the classic bow ties can feel a bit stiff and bump against the chin.

What sets Made by Cleo apart from other bow tie collar brands is the wide selection of styles, colors, and patterns, all inspired by the maker's cat, Cleo. Everything is crafted in its Austin, Texas, studio, and you can customize your cat's look with gold or silver hardware and a matching removable bell. You can even add decorative charms, though Cahn says heavier collars or bulky tags may be less comfortable for cats. Keep in mind that some cats and people may find charms too noisy.

Best personalized

In addition to microchipping, Cahn recommends adding an ID tag to your cat's collar. "If your kitty ever gets lost, having as many forms of identification as possible is a good thing that may help them be returned to you," says Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, a veterinarian and medical director at Bond Vet.

Many cats are sensitive to the weight or sounds of dangling tags, and noisy tags can be annoying for cat parents, too. A personalized collar with your info printed directly on it can be more comfortable. The Frisco Polyester Personalized Reflective Cat Collar can display up to 24 letters and numbers. It has an adjustable length, breakaway buckle, reflective strip, and removable bell.

Collars with your cat's info printed in ink can blur over time. Embroidered styles hold up better, but we noticed they often have a rough backing that may irritate your cat's skin or even cause hair loss. The Frisco collar uses laser etching instead. It's not perfect —the etching was a bit uneven — but the characters didn't fade, bleed, or scratch off, even after washing.

Best budget

Cat collars aren't the priciest item on a new cat shopping list, but you may want to save a few bucks, especially if you're unsure how your cat will react to wearing one. Red Dingo's Cat Collar doesn't come in a variety of patterns or feature fancy hardware. However, its no-frills design makes it affordable without skimping on safety, featuring a reliable breakaway clasp. This collar also comes with a color-coordinated bell that can be removed for noise-sensitive cats or feline caregivers.

Red Dingo's budget-friendly cat collar is made from durable, easy-to-clean nylon and dried the fastest in our soak test. That's important because a wet collar can be a hot spot for bacteria and irritate your cat's skin, Cahn says. The nylon has smooth edges, and our tester cats wore it without issue. For the most comfortable fit, Cahn says you should be able to fit two fingers between your cat's collar and their neck.

Best flea collar

Whether your cat stays indoors or ventures outside, year-round flea protection is essential. Of all the best flea treatments for cats, only one collar earned unanimous praise from our vets: the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats.

"Over-the-counter products, including most flea collars, tend to be less effective and have a higher risk of adverse reactions," Cahn says. But Seresto is the exception. "Seresto is really good and efficacious," says Dr. Lindsay Renzullo, a veterinarian and medical director at Ethos Veterinary Health.. In fact, it's the only over-the-counter flea collar Cahn recommends. Still, Dr. Daniel Dixon, founder and veterinarian at North Keller Animal Hospital, points out that flea collars don't protect against heartworm or intestinal parasites.

Within 24 hours, this non-greasy, odorless, and water-resistant collar starts killing fleas. It works by slowly releasing active ingredients, providing cats with continuous protection against adult fleas, flea larvae, and ticks for up to eight months. The collar is adjustable, which is important because it must contact the cat's skin to be effective. Elanco offers a how-to video on sizing for comfort and efficacy. It also has a quick-release buckle. Talk to your vet before switching from a topical treatment to a flea collar, and always purchase these collars from reputable retailers such as Chewy, Petsmart, or Petco.

What to look for in a cat collar

Cats can be sensitive about what they wear, and as agile animals who squeeze through tight spaces, the wrong collar can be downright dangerous. Here are the qualities our experts recommend considering when searching for comfortable and safe collars for cats.

A breakaway clasp: "A breakaway collar is vital for safety," says Dr. Nick Horniman, BVSc, MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and founder of MyPetsVet. A breakaway clasp typically resembles a small plastic buckle with two interlocking prongs that snap together and pop open under pressure. "Cats are natural climbers and explorers, so collars can easily get caught on branches, fences, or furniture. A non-breakaway collar can cause serious injury or even strangulation," he says.

Visibility and auditory aids: The best cat collars include safety features like reflective stitching or strips and removable bells. Reflective materials bounce light back, helping make your cat visible to cars or flashlights at night. Bells help protect wildlife by warning them that your cat is nearby. "A collar with a bell may also help prevent indoor cats from stalking people or other cats in the household," Cahn says.

Materials: Many of the best cat collars are made from nylon, which is durable, easy to clean, and less likely to retain moisture or scents. These are important factors for cats who spend time outdoors. For indoor-only cats, collars can be made from various materials that go beyond typical nylon webbing, including soft velvet, patterned cotton, or canvas. These are the materials recommended by Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Fundamentally Feline. She prefers these fabrics for cat collars because they are gentle on the skin and reduce friction. Horniman recommends avoiding materials that are rough or rigid, such as plastic-coated collars, which can cause irritation and hair loss.

Weight and width: Dangling charms and decorative studs may look cute, but they add extra weight to cat collars, making them uncomfortable to wear. Horniman says lightweight collars are best, particularly ones that weigh less than ⅓ ounce. Jangly charms may also frighten noise-sensitive cats or be irritating to cat parents. Collar width matters, too. "Narrow collars are typically more comfortable, as long as they're sturdy enough to support an ID tag," Cahn says. Most cat collars are about ½ inch wide.

Adjustability: The length of a collar should be adjustable to fit your cat properly. "You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the collar and the cat's neck, and the collar should be able to rotate without much effort, but should not be so loose that it is dangling," Dixon says. The best cat collars for kittens should adjust to as small as 6 inches in neck circumference.

How we tested the best cat collars

We put 17 different cat collars through a series of tests to determine the best options for most cats.

Breakaway test: We tested the strength of each breakaway buckle by looping the collars around a sturdy leg of a table or cat tree and applying steadily increasing pressure. We began with a gentle tug that incrementally increased in intensity every five seconds and noted at which point the buckle came apart. Collars that broke away with a medium amount of pressure were ranked higher as they would prevent accidental strangulation, but stay on in less sticky situations.

Fray test: We made a 1-centimeter cut in the webbing of all but the calming and flea collars. Then we hung a 15-ounce can of beans or a 5-pound weight from each collar. After 24 hours, we checked the nick for expansion or fraying. We rechecked the cut after the collars had gone through the clean test to identify any additional fraying.

Odor test: We soaked the collars in apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes, then rinsed them out in hot water and left them to dry overnight. The next morning, we scored the odor's strength on a scale of 1 to 4 by placing the collar on a table and sitting 3 feet away, then gradually moving closer. We also rechecked the collars after the clean test and scored the strength of the remaining scent a second time.

Soak test: We expanded each of the collars in the breakaway, waterproof, reflective, personalized, and bow tie categories to their maximum length and measured them. Following the vinegar and odor tests, which included thorough soaking and overnight drying, we measured the collars again to check for shrinkage. We also noted how quickly the collars dried after they'd been soaked in water, checking them at 2 hours, 4 hours, and 12 hours.

Clean test: We rubbed each collar in soil and let them sit for 24 hours before washing and drying them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, we examined each collar for dirt and discoloration.

Reflective test: We placed each reflective collar in a dark room and shined a flashlight on them, gradually stepping farther back from the collar (5, 10, and 15 feet) to note visibility from a distance.

Audibility test: With help from a partner, we jingled each collar with a bell, gradually stepping farther back (5, 10, and 15 feet) to detect audibility. This test was completed both indoors and outdoors in an urban backyard.

Cat collar FAQs

Do vets recommend collars for cats?

Our experts recommend breakaway collars as an added layer of protection alongside microchipping. Cahn says collars can help people differentiate between owned versus community cats, protect wildlife, or provide parasite prevention. Collars with bells can also discourage stalking behavior toward people or other pets in the home. That said, collars come with the risk of injury or strangulation if they become caught. "As a vet, my only stipulation is that if a pet owner decides to put a collar on their cat, it must be a breakaway collar," Cahn says.

Is a cat collar with a bell good or bad?

Domestic, free-roaming cats are estimated to kill upwards of 4 billion birds and 22 billion mammals in the US each year, making them the top human-related threat to US wildlife. Cats don't just hunt for food — they're opportunistic hunters, which means they hunt whether they are hungry or not. According to Cahn, collars with bells can help warn wildlife of a cat's presence and may discourage stalking behaviors in indoor cats. But for some cats, bells are annoying or scary and can make wearing a collar less tolerable.

Do indoor cats need collars?

Renzullo and Johnson agree that indoor cats should wear a collar that clearly displays their ID. "Cats get outside, windows get broken, people break into houses, stuff happens," says Johnson. "I've adopted the philosophy that they should all have a collar. It's their best chance of being ID'd."

How do I fit my cat for a cat collar?

It's important to properly fit your cat's collar to prevent injury or discomfort. Fadl says a correctly fitted collar should be just loose enough for you to be able to slide two fingers between it and your cat's neck. Check the collar shortly after you adjust it to make sure it's the proper size. If you have a growing kitten, check the collar weekly to be sure it doesn't become too tight as they grow.

Does a cat need a collar if they are microchipped?

"Whether or not cats should wear collars is a surprisingly controversial topic and should be determined by pet owners based on their individual cat's lifestyle and temperament," Cahn says. While collars do carry some risk, using one of the best cat collars with your contact info can increase the chances your cat makes it home safely. If your cat gets lost or separated from you in an emergency, they must be taken to a facility with a microchip scanner, such as a veterinary practice, animal control facility, animal shelter, or some police and fire stations. If your cat's ID and phone number are clearly displayed on their collar, you'll have a much better chance of getting your cat back quickly.

Should kittens wear collars?

Along with microchipping, putting a collar on your kitten adds an extra layer of protection if they slip out the door or get loose on the way to the vet. To prevent accidents, properly fit the collar so that it isn't too loose or too tight — you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your kitten's neck. Most collars for kittens adjust to as small as a 6-inch neck circumference. Kittens who have positive experiences with collars early on are more likely to be comfortable wearing them as adults.

How long should a cat wear a collar?

Cats can wear collars all the time as long as the collar fits properly, has a breakaway clasp, and isn't irritating to your cat. Horiman says soft, flexible materials reduce irritation and shouldn't cause hair loss — the best cat collars are hardly noticeable to cats. Still, some pet parents prefer to use collars only when traveling or when escape risks are higher, like vet visits or when guests are coming and going. If your cat wears a GPS tracker, bow tie, or other accessories, they may be more comfortable with the collar removed at night.

How do I get my cat used to a collar?

Wearing a collar doesn't come naturally to most cats. For best results and to minimize stress for your cat, use baby steps and positive reinforcement-based training. Our experts recommend introducing the collar by letting your cat sniff and explore the collar before trying it on. When you see your cat investigating the collar, praise them and give them a treat. "You can try spraying the collar with Feliway or rubbing it on their bedding or favorite toys to infuse it with familiar scents," Cahn says. Hold the collar near their fur while offering treats or gentle pets if your cat likes to be touched. Once your cat is comfortable, place the unclasped collar around their neck for short periods, paired with praise, treats, or play. Then try briefly clasping the collar and over multiple short training sessions, gradually increasing the amount of time they wear it. Watch for signs of discomfort or stress, such as excessive scratching or attempts to remove the collar. Remember, not every cat will accept a collar, so we recommend working with a positive reinforcement-based trainer if you deem it essential for your cat."

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