If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s important to prioritize their safety by using a breakaway collar. These collars are specifically designed to unclasp if your cat gets caught on something, reducing the risk of injury. It is recommended to use a breakaway collar as the first item for a new kitten.
Cat collars typically range in width from 0.38 to 0.5 inches and come in various lengths. Many collars are adjustable with a sliding buckle, allowing you to customize the fit for your cat. When selecting a breakaway collar, it’s important to look for collars that are easy to fit, functional, and made from high-quality materials.
The LupinePet Safety Cat Collar is recommended as a favorite breakaway collar. It offers over 50 colorful designs to choose from and is backed by a lifetime guarantee, even if it is chewed by your cat.
When fitting a collar on your cat, ensure that it is not too tight or too loose. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck to ensure a comfortable and safe fit. Regularly check the collar for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if needed.
It’s important to note that while breakaway collars are designed for outdoor safety, they may not be suitable for all cats. Some cats may be uncomfortable wearing collars or may have specific needs that require alternative options, such as harnesses or GPS tracking devices.
By using a breakaway collar like the LupinePet Safety Cat Collar and ensuring a proper fit, you can provide your outdoor cat with an added layer of safety and peace of mind.
Our top picks:
LupinePet Safety Cat Collar
Materials: Woven nylon, steel D-ring, plastic buckle
Sizes: Adjustable 8-12 inches
Colors: 50+ solids and prints
GoTags Personalized Engraved Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar
Materials: Snag-proof nylon webbing, aluminum bell
Sizes: 0.38-inch width, adjustable 8-12 inches
Colors: Black, blue, orange, pink, red
Extodry Reflective Adjustable Breakaway Collars
Materials: Double layer nylon webbing, metal D-ring, plated aluminum bell
Sizes: 0.4-inch width, Kitten (6-9 inches); Adult (7.5-12 inches)
Colors: 12 bright solid colors
8 Best Breakaway Cat Collars
Best Overall – LupinePet Safety Cat Collar
LupinePet offers durable, woven nylon breakaway collars for cats that come with a lifetime guarantee, even if the collar is chewed or scratched (excluding lost collars). This guarantee has impressed many buyers, as they have only needed to purchase one collar for the lifetime of their pet.
The collars have a half-inch width and are adjustable from eight to 12 inches in length. They come with the option of including a bell and feature a breakaway buckle designed to release with approximately five pounds of pressure. This design ensures that your cat won’t get tangled or injured. The collars also have a steel D-ring for attaching identification tags.
LupinePet not only offers quality collars but also demonstrates a commitment to supporting animal charities in New Hampshire, such as the Conway Area Humane Society, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, and the Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation. They have donated collars, harnesses, and other gear to rescues, shelters, service dog training centers, military working dog groups, search and rescue teams, prison dog programs, and other animal education centers across the United States.
One of the appealing aspects of LupinePet collars is the wide variety of colors and patterns available. With more than 50 designs to choose from, including solids, colorful prints, holiday-themed options, and even an eco-brand made from recycled plastic bottles, you can find a collar that suits your cat’s unique personality.
Pros:
- Over 50 colorful designs to choose from
- Lifetime guarantee
- Eco-friendly, reflective, and holiday-themed options available
Cons:
- Nylon webbing collars may be prone to fraying over time
Best Customizable – GoTags Personalized Engraved Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar
The collars are made of durable yet soft, snag-proof nylon material and have a breakaway safety buckle to keep your cat safe in case the collar gets caught. They come in five solid colors and offer permanent engraving of your custom text (up to 21 characters including spaces). The collars also include a removable color-coordinated bell.
While these collars have received positive feedback, some customers have mentioned that when adjusted to the smallest size, some of the engraved characters may be obscured. It’s important to keep this in mind when selecting the collar size and deciding on the text to be engraved.
In addition to the reflective collar option, GoTags also offers a similar non-reflective embroidered collar of comparable quality, popularity, and customer satisfaction.
Pros:
- Removable color-coordinated bell
- Reflective stripe for improved visibility
- Relatively quick shipping
Cons:
- Some collars may come off easily and get lost
- Reflective strip may wear off over time
Best Budget – Extodry Reflective Adjustable Breakaway Collars
The pack of twelve Extodry breakaway collars offers a variety of high-visibility, solid colors, allowing you and your cat to coordinate outfits. Each collar features a reflective band that runs the full length, providing 360-degree visibility, and a color-coordinated bell to protect wildlife.
Designed with your cat’s comfort in mind, the breakaway collar buckle is shaped like a cat with rounded ears. It ensures a secure fit while allowing the collar to break away when excessive pressure is applied. The collars also have a metal D-ring to attach two ID tag vessels, which can hold your contact information written on paper.
These collars are reasonably priced at less than a dollar each, making them an affordable option. However, it’s important to note that they may come off easily when subjected to pressure, but otherwise, they are made of sturdy nylon.
Pros:
- Pack of twelve collars with a variety of colors
- Each collar includes a removable bell
- Reflective band provides 360-degree visibility
Cons:
- Collars may come off easily, leading to potential loss
- Reflective band may wear off over time
Best Cotton – Pettsie Cotton Breakaway Cat Collar and Matching Friendship Bracelet
This breakaway cat collar has several appealing features that make it a popular choice among customers. In addition to its functionality, it even comes with an adjustable matching friendship bracelet for you, adding a touch of style and connection.
The collar is made of 100% woven cotton, which not only adds to its beauty but also makes it easy to wash. Customers appreciate its lightweight and comfortable design, as well as its durability. The well-stitched collar features attractive flowers and green leaves, giving it a timeless and appealing look.
The collar is equipped with a plastic breakaway buckle that has the right tension, ensuring that it stays in place until true force is applied. This feature adds an extra layer of safety for your cat.
One notable inclusion is the waterproof silver metal barrel pendant that holds your contact information. This pendant provides a convenient way to ensure your cat’s identification is readily available. The collar and pendant come packaged in a box that is suitable for gifting, making it an excellent option for cat owners or as a present for others.
Pros:
- Soft 100% woven cotton material
- Can be gifted due to the attractive packaging
- Includes a waterproof silver metal barrel pendant for contact information
Cons:
- Limited color options (only available in two colors)
- Does not include a bell for additional sound cues
Best Reflective – Rogz Catz Small Reflective Cat Collar
The Rogz Catz Small Reflective Cat Collar is specifically designed for cats that spend a lot of time outdoors, even during dark hours. This collar is made from glow-in-the-dark materials, ensuring that it glows brightly in total darkness without the need for a battery or external light source. This feature provides enhanced visibility and helps you keep track of your cat during nighttime adventures.
Safety is a top priority with this collar, as it features a breakaway buckle that snaps open if it feels excessive strain. This mechanism can potentially save your cat if their collar gets caught on something while they’re exploring.
What sets this collar apart is that it offers three different breakaway settings within a single collar. There’s an adjustable slider on the back of the buckle that allows you to choose the appropriate setting based on your cat’s weight. The factory default is the lowest setting, suitable for cats weighing between 6.6 and 11 pounds. The medium setting is recommended for cats weighing 11 to 19 pounds, while the high setting is intended for cats over 19 pounds.
Pros:
- Includes a color-coordinated bell
- Reflective 360 degrees for maximum visibility
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Not sized for kittens or smaller cats
- Requires exposure to light to glow in the dark
Best Two-Pack – Taglory Reflective Breakaway Cat Collars
The Taglory Reflective Breakaway Cat Collars come in a pair, with each collar being the same color. One collar features a reflective strip, while the other has reflective paw prints, providing enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. Both collars also include a removable color-coordinated bell that offers a pleasant sound alert without being overly obnoxious.
These collars are designed to break away easily with your cat’s body weight, ensuring their safety. However, they should not come off from regular scratching. Customers appreciate that the collars are lightweight and do not have any sharp edges or rough spots on the inside, preventing discomfort or chafing on the cat’s neck. The collars are well-made and easy to adjust to achieve a proper fit.
The inclusion of a bell is well-received by customers, as it helps them keep track of their cat’s whereabouts while also alerting wildlife to their presence. The small size of these collars is particularly suitable for kittens.
Pros:
- Affordable pair of collars
- Lightweight design
- Pleasant bell sound
- Suitable for kittens
Cons:
- Clasp is glued rather than sewn
- Reflective parts may fade over time
Best Holiday – Joytale Plaid Bow Tie Breakaway Cat Collars
The Joytale Plaid Bow Tie Breakaway Cat Collars offer a combination of softness, comfort, and sophisticated style. Made from cotton flannel, these collars provide a gentle and cozy feel for your cat. They are available as single collars or in pairs, with a wide range of 12 plaid colors to choose from. Additionally, there are seven variations suitable for the winter holidays and an orange option for Halloween.
These collars have received positive reviews from customers and feature a plastic breakaway buckle. The breakaway design ensures your cat’s safety by allowing the collar to snap open if it experiences excessive pressure. The collar also comes with a removable bow tie, which is tied to the collar using an elastic loop.
Customers particularly appreciate the cuteness factor of the bow tie, making these collars ideal for capturing fun and memorable holiday photos that are selfie-worthy.
Pros:
- Over 14,000 positive reviews on Amazon
- Good value for the money
Cons:
- Woven material may be prone to snagging
Best for Apple AirTags – Dgerp Airtag Breakaway Cat Collar
The Dgerp AirTag Cat Collar Breakaway is a collar specifically designed to hold an Apple AirTag (sold separately), which enables you to locate your cat using Apple’s “Find My” functionality. This collar is particularly useful if your cat tends to wander outside or if you want an extra layer of security in case they unexpectedly leave the house. With the AirTag attached, you can track your cat’s location using an iPhone or iPad, and if someone finds your cat, they can use the AirTag to access your contact information.
These collars are lightweight and made from nylon, ensuring comfort for your cat. They are adjustable, ranging from 8.66 to 13.78 inches in length, and are only 0.4 inches wide, making them suitable for both kittens and adult cats. The circular pocket that holds the AirTag is water-resistant, protecting it from the elements and maintaining its connectivity.
The collars come in multiple colors, allowing you to choose one that complements your cat’s fur. Each collar also features two reflective strips, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Includes a reflective strip for visibility
- Water-resistant design protects the AirTag
- Made of lightweight nylon
- Suitable for kittens and adult cats
Cons:
- Collars may come off easily due to breakaway design
- The material of the collar can fray over time
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What to Look for in Breakaway Cat Collars
Breakaway cat collars are designed with safety in mind, allowing the collar to release or break away if it becomes caught on something, reducing the risk of injury or strangulation. When selecting a breakaway cat collar, here are some factors to consider:
- Breakaway Mechanism: Ensure that the collar has a reliable breakaway mechanism. It should be designed to release under pressure, such as when the cat pulls forcefully or gets caught on an object. Look for collars with a quick-release buckle or a breakaway clasp that easily opens when pressure is applied.
- Proper Fit: The collar should fit your cat properly to ensure both comfort and safety. It should be snug enough that it won’t slip off easily but loose enough to allow the cat to escape if it becomes snagged. Check the sizing guidelines provided by the manufacturer and measure your cat’s neck accurately before purchasing.
- Material and Durability: Opt for collars made from durable materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Nylon is a common choice for cat collars due to its strength and durability. Ensure that the materials used are non-toxic and safe for your cat.
- Reflective or High-Visibility Features: Consider collars with reflective or high-visibility elements. These features can enhance your cat’s visibility in low-light conditions, reducing the risk of accidents or loss. Reflective stitching or a reflective strip on the collar can be particularly beneficial.
- ID Tag Attachment: Look for a collar that has a sturdy ring or attachment point for an ID tag. It’s important for your cat to wear identification with your contact information in case they become lost. Ensure that the attachment point is secure and won’t easily break or detach.
- Adjustability: Choose a collar that is adjustable to accommodate your cat’s neck size and allow for growth or weight fluctuations. A collar with multiple sizing options or an adjustable buckle can be convenient and ensure a proper fit.
- Safety Check: Regularly inspect the collar to ensure it is in good condition and functioning properly. Check for any signs of wear, fraying, or weakening of the breakaway mechanism. Replace the collar if it becomes damaged or worn out.
Remember that no collar can guarantee 100% safety, and it’s important to supervise your cat when they are wearing a collar, especially during outdoor activities. Additionally, consider your cat’s specific needs and any potential risks in your environment when choosing a collar.
What is a breakaway cat collar?
A breakaway cat collar is a type of collar specifically designed for cats with a safety feature that allows the collar to release or break away under pressure. The primary purpose of a breakaway collar is to reduce the risk of injury or strangulation if the cat’s collar gets caught on an object or if the cat becomes entangled.
The breakaway mechanism is typically located at the closure point of the collar, such as the buckle or clasp. It is designed to release or open when a certain amount of force is applied, allowing the cat to free itself from the collar. This mechanism can be triggered by the cat pulling forcefully against the collar or if it gets snagged on something, preventing the cat from becoming trapped or injured.
Breakaway cat collars are considered a safer option compared to traditional collars that do not have this safety feature. They provide peace of mind to cat owners, knowing that if their cat gets into a risky situation, the collar will release and minimize the potential harm.
It’s important to note that breakaway collars are primarily intended for everyday wear and identification purposes rather than for attaching a leash for walks. If you intend to walk your cat on a leash, using a harness specifically designed for cats is generally a safer choice.
When selecting a breakaway cat collar, ensure that it is properly fitted, made from durable materials, and has a reliable breakaway mechanism. Regularly inspect the collar for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if needed to maintain its effectiveness and your cat’s safety.
Are breakaway cat collars safe?
Breakaway cat collars are generally considered safer than traditional collars, as they are designed to release or break away under pressure. The safety feature of a breakaway collar helps reduce the risk of injury or strangulation if a cat’s collar becomes caught on an object or if the cat becomes entangled.
The intention behind breakaway collars is to provide an extra layer of protection for cats. The breakaway mechanism is designed to release when a certain amount of force is applied, allowing the cat to free itself from the collar and potentially avoid injury. This mechanism can be triggered if the cat pulls forcefully against the collar or if it gets snagged on something, preventing the cat from becoming trapped or choked.
However, it’s essential to note that no collar can guarantee 100% safety, and supervision is still necessary when a cat is wearing any type of collar. It is recommended to monitor your cat when they are wearing a collar, especially during outdoor activities, to ensure their safety.
Additionally, it’s important to choose a well-made breakaway collar from a reputable manufacturer. The collar should have a reliable breakaway mechanism that functions as intended. Regularly inspect the collar for any signs of wear, fraying, or weakening of the breakaway feature. Replace the collar if it becomes damaged or worn out.
