We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 6 Best Breakaway Cat Collars By Lorraine Wilde Lorraine Wilde Lorraine Wilde, M.S. is a writer for The Spruce Pets. She has over 25 years of experience, almost as long as her 30 years of being a dog and cat mom. Her work has included Run Those Dogs, Parents Magazine, Leaders in Heels, Sheownsit.com, and Miss Millennia Magazine, among other publications and, most recently, a Sniffspot host. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process and Ellie Welles Ellie Welles Ellie Welles is a writer and product expert for The Spruce Pets. She currently shares her home with two cats, Agnes and Peppercorn, who were found motherless on the streets but have since become pampered indoor darlings. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 01/06/25 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Look For Other Products We Considered FAQ Why Trust the Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis If your cat is an outdoor or outdoor/indoor cat you’ll need a collar and the only type of collar you should consider for cats is a breakaway collar. A breakaway collar is designed to unclasp if enough pressure is exerted on it. This will ensure that if the collar gets stuck on something the cat can get free. These collars are critical for preventing injury for your cat. “Breakaway collars are the only types of collars that should be considered for cats,” Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, veterinarian and writer in Orofino, Idaho, told The Spruce Pets. “Choose one with a breakaway clasp rather than a piece of elastic to ensure that they are safe and will actually come off if needed. Choose one with a reflective stripe and a way to secure proper I.D. to make them even more safe.” We looked at for breakaway cat collars that had reliable release mechanisms, were made from quality materials, and were easy to fit. Top Picks Best Overall: LupinePet Safety Cat Collar at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Customizable: GoTags Personalized Reflective Cat Collars at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Budget: Zee.Dog Cat Collar at Zeedog.com Jump to Review Best Reflective: Travel Cat Breakaway Cat Collar at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best for Kittens: Made By Cleo Carousel Rainbow Striped Cat Collar at Madebycleo.com Jump to Review Best for Apple AirTags: SALE Dgerp Airtag Breakaway Cat Collar at Amazon $9 $8 Jump to Review Best Overall LupinePet Safety Cat Collar Credit: Lupine Pet $15 at Amazon View on Lupinepet.com What We Like More than 50 colorful designs Lifetime guarantee Affordable What We Don’t Like Nylon webbing can fray LupinePet’s durable, woven nylon breakaway collar is protected by an “even if chewed” (or scratched!) lifetime guarantee. Several buyers noted that this guarantee has meant they’ve only bought one collar for the lifetime of their pet (the guarantee doesn’t include lost collars). Each half-inch width collar comes with or without a bell, and is adjustable from eight inches to 12 inches in length. The breakaway buckle is designed to release with approximately five pounds of pressure, so you won’t have to worry about your cat getting tangled or injured. A steel D-ring holds your important identification tags. LupinePet provides substantial support to animal charities in the company’s state of New Hampshire, including the Conway Area Humane Society, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, and the Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation. Rescues, shelters, service dog training centers, military working dog groups, search and rescue, prison dog programs, and other animal education centers across the U.S. have received hundreds of donated collars, harnesses and other LupinePet gear. Perhaps the hardest part will be choosing which of the cute, creative colors and patterns is right for your cat’s unique personality. They offer solids, colorful prints, holiday-themed collars and even an eco-brand made of recycled plastic bottles. Breakaway Type: Plastic buckle | Materials: Woven nylon, steel D-ring, plastic buckle | Sizes: Adjustable 8-12 inches | Colors: 50+ solids and prints Best Customizable GoTags Personalized Reflective Cat Collars Credit: Courtesy of Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Chewy $14 at Petco What We Like Custom engraving options Removable color-coordinated bell Reflective Relatively quick shipping What We Don’t Like Reflective strip can wear off over time “These collars check all the boxes that you should look for in breakaway cat collars,” notes Dr. Bonk. “First of all, they are breakaway and adjustable to ensure safety and a proper fit. They also have a reflective stripe, should your cat be out at night, and a bell to help alert you and wildlife to your cat’s whereabouts. They are also engraved with your cat’s name and phone number, which is better than having a removable tag to get tangled.” Your text (up to 21 characters including spaces) will be permanently engraved on this reflective collar available in five solid colors. The durable yet soft, snag-proof nylon material and breakaway safety buckle are designed to keep your cat safe in case the collar gets caught. Some customers have noted that when on the smallest adjusted size, some of the engraved characters may be obscured. GoTags also offers a similar, non-reflective embroidered collar of comparable quality, popularity and customer satisfaction, too. Breakaway Type: Plastic buckle | Materials: Snag-proof nylon webbing, aluminum bell | Sizes: 0.38-inch width, adjustable 8-12 inches | Colors: Black, blue, orange, pink, red Best Budget Zee.Dog Cat Collar Credit: Zee.Dog View on Zeedog.com What We Like Affordable Available in several colors Available with leash option Made from strong polyester What We Don’t Like No reflective stitching If you’re looking for a reliable breakaway collar that saves you a few bucks, the Zeedog Cat Collar makes a great choice. This breakaway collar is made from polyester, a synthetic fabric that boasts high tensile strength as well as a resistance to abrasion. Polyester is generally stronger than natural fibers. The downside to polyester is that it tends to hold odors more than some natural fibers, which might be an issue depending on what your cat gets into. The collar is a simple, understated design that is available in numerous different options, including some pleasantly desaturated colors, as well as a camouflage design. It’s also available in a leash variant in case you’re blessed with a cat that tolerates a leash. Having used the leash version with my cats I can attest that it is easy to secure and is less invasive than some other leash options, however only one of my cats could tolerate the leash so your milage may vary. As you may expect the leash version is more expensive than the collar version as it involves more material and buckles. It comes in one adjustable size that ranges from 7.9 to 11.8 inches in length. These collars do not feature any reflective material or bells. They represent a simple, but reliable bare bones breakaway collar. Breakaway Type: Plastic buckle | Materials: Nylon, plastic | Sizes: 0.4-inch width, adjustable 7.9- 11.8 inches | Colors: Various Best Reflective Travel Cat Breakaway Cat Collar Credit: Travel Cat $15 at Amazon $12 at Chewy View on Yourcatbackpack.com What We Like Wide adjustable range Machine washable Includes d-ring for name tag or bell What We Don’t Like Reflective material only an option in blue and black Nylon webbing can fray The breakaway cat collar from The Travel Cat, is another great choice from a reliable company. These nylon collars are adjustable from 8 to 12 inches, accommodating a wide range of cats. Though of course we recommend getting a ballpark measurement of your cat’s neck if they are particularly big or small to ensure you’ll have a snug and safe fit. The collar comes in 6 design options, including 4 solid colors, a ‘Hawaiian shirt’ design, and a two tone design. Notably, only the blue and black versions include reflective material, which may be a deal breaker for you especially if your cat tends to be outside at night. These collars are nylon which is a very strong synthetic fabric, although nylon webbing can fray if it gets caught in something or if your cat gets into it with their claws. The Travel Cat was founded by husband and wife and is primarily known for their cat backpacks and carriers. If you’re not put off by the limited design options this makes for a solid, reliable choice for a breakaway collar for your cat. Breakaway Type: Plastic buckle | Materials: Nylon strap, plastic buckle | Sizes: One size (8-12 inches) | Colors: Blue, black, pink, hawaiian, orange Best for Kittens Made By Cleo Carousel Rainbow Striped Cat Collar Credit: Made By Cleo View on Madebycleo.com What We Like Suitable for kittens Optional free bell Strong yet lightweight Made in the United States Machine washable What We Don’t Like More expensive than other options Not all brands will make a breakaway for kittens because their weight is so light. But Made By Cleo has mastered the balance. Unlike most of the other collars in this list, this one knows exactly how much force is needed for the collar to break away, in this case, about 11 pounds of tensile force. This rainbow collar is a delight, but you can also choose from scores of other breakaways in colorful styles including velvet, holiday, plaids, poka dots and prints. Customers note the quality workmanship and materials of these collars that are shipped from Austin, Texas. This collar is also available in non-breakaway options in sizes adult and extra large cat and tiny, mini and small dog sizes. You can choose flower corsages, matching bow ties, charms and decorative bells sold separately. They also offer optional beautiful yet practical engraved ID tags. Non-breakaway buckles cane upgraded to silver or gold metal. Breakaway Type: Plastic buckle | Materials: 100% cotton collar, plastic buckle, metal D-ring, aluminum bell | Sizes: 0.5-inch width, 6-10 inches for kittens, larger sizes available | Colors: Pastel rainbow with gold or silver hardware New Kitten? We've Tested Hundreds of Cat Products, Here Are The Essentials Best for Apple AirTags Dgerp Airtag Breakaway Cat Collar Credit: Amazon $9 $8 at Amazon View on Sears.com What We Like Reflective strip Water-resistant Suitable for kittens and adult cats What We Don't Like Collars come off easily Material can fray The Dgerp AirTag Cat Collar Breakaway is specifically designed to hold an Apple AirTag (sold separately), allowing you to be able to locate your cat using the "Find My" functionality of Apple devices, like an iPhone or iPad. If your cat gets out of the house unexpectedly or tends to roam around outside, this collar will help you keep track of their location, and if an Apple user finds your cat, the Apple AirTag can be used to display your contact information. These lightweight collars are made out of nylon, adjustable—from 8.66 to 13.78 inches—and only 0.4 inches wide, making them suitable for kittens and adult cats. The circular pocket equipped to hold and protect the AirTag is water resistant to protect it from the elements and keep the connectivity in place. The breakaway collars come in multiple colors, so you can select a color that complements your cat's fur, and each collar has two reflective strips for visibility in low light. But the collar is designed to breakaway so there is the possibility that it could become separated from your cat. Breakaway Type: Plastic buckle | Materials: 100 percent cotton collar, plastic buckle and hardware, metal D-ring, aluminum bell | Sizes: 0.40-inch width, adjustable 8.66-13.78 inches | Colors: Black, pink, blue, purple, green, red, yellow Final Verdict Our top pick is the LupinePet Safety Cat Collar because they come in 50+ colorful, quality designs and a rare lifetime guarantee that even includes if the collar is chewed through. LupinePet also gives significant donations to various animal charities. If you’re looking for a collar you can customize, we recommend the GoTags Personalized Engraved Reflective Breakaway Cat Collar. They’re adjustable, reflective, durable and come with a bell. You can also custom engrave them with your cat’s name or information on how to return them if they’re lost. What to Look for in Breakaway Cat Collars Collar Fit Fit is essential. “Make sure it fits your cat comfortably,” recommends Dr. Bonk. “Collars should be snug enough that you can slip two fingers underneath them. You don’t want them any tighter or looser. Measure your cat’s neck and get the corresponding size.” Breakaway Clasps The best breakaway collars come off promptly when caught or snagged but stay on through typical grooming and regular daily activities. You can test them in person at your local pet store or stick to an online purchase that has lots of customer reviews confirming the quality and function of the breakaway clasp for a cat similar in size to your own. Materials Cat collars are available in a wide range of materials. “Avoid collars made of polypropylene webbing (a cheaper, inferior material used on a lot of imported cat collars),” says Leslie Gray Harmon, Founder and CEO of Made by Cleo, a U.S.-based pet collar and accessories brand specializing in the cat market. “A lightweight industrial grade nylon webbing base is going to last a lot longer and feel smoother on your cat’s neck.” However, nylon webbing can fray, especially if your cat chews on it, or scratches at a collar. For kittens and those still growing, a collar that’s easily washed and can be adjusted over a wide size range will have the longest life. Organic cotton and hemp are considered more sustainable for the environment than synthetic materials because they are natural materials that will fully biodegrade when the collar is used up. For some, leather and wool are not preferred because they are animal-based products. Other Products We Considered Safe Cat Magnetic Breakaway Cat Collar: This is another simple breakaway collar with no bells or whistles, though I shouldn’t say that as it does come with a literal bell. Though affordable and reliable, it is a little narrow and only has a few options for the aesthetic design. Extodry Reflective Adjustable Breakaway Collars: These reflective collars come as a 12-pack of 12 different high-visibility, solid colors. While less than a dollar each, the Extodry breakaway collars fall off reliably when too much pressure is put on them, but are otherwise sturdy nylon. Supakit Breakaway Leather Cat Collar: While a leather collar isn’t for everyone, if you are looking for one, you’ll appreciate this collar’s eight colors with gold metal accents and bell. Winner of Best Cat Collar in the Cosmopolitan Pet Awards, your cat will like the lightweight and slender fit. This ethically sources leather collar is far more expensive than our other options. FAQ What is a breakaway cat collar? “A breakaway cat collar has a clasp that will unfasten if it’s pulled on,” Dr. Bonk told The Spruce Pets. “This means that should a cat get their collar hooked on a branch or stick, the collar will come undone and come off rather than choking them. Some other styles of safety collars for cats will have a section that is elastic with the idea that the whole collar will stretch when hooked so that a cat can slip out. To me, the breakaway collars have a better chance of coming off than other types of safety collars.” How does a breakaway cat collar work? “Breakaway collars have a special clasp that will hold together with regular wear and tear but will come apart when it is pulled or tugged with extra force,” says Dr. Bonk. “This means that if your cat gets their collar hooked on something, either outside or inside, they can pull on the collar and unfasten it so that they will be set free.” Do cats need a breakaway collar? “If your cat is going to wear a collar, whether for ID purposes or to have a bell, it should be a breakaway collar. Even if you never expect your cat to go outside, a breakaway collar is a good idea because some cats are wily and may break the rules and sneak outside,” says Dr. Bonk. “Wearing a collar is a great idea for indoor or outdoor cats because you can attach current ID information to help them get back home should they ever become lost.” Are breakaway cat collars safe? “Breakaway collars are the safest option of collar for cats to wear,” says Dr. Bonk. “One of the most common dangers associated with cats wearing collars is that the collar will get hooked on something and either choke the cat or trap them somewhere they won’t be found. A breakaway collar will come off when pulled on so that cats won’t choke and are able to get away when needed.” Why Trust the Spruce Pets? This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two cat and two dog companions in her home for the past 35 years. It was most recently updated by Ellie Welles, who has raised dogs, cats, rabbits, and even a green-cheeked conure. She’s passionate about finding the best products for your littlest family members. For this article, she consulted countless product reviews, and cat owner feedback to find products that will bring pleasure to the cat owners in your life and their feline companions. A specialist in small pets, Ellie previously spoke with a variety of sources and utilized experts in small animal care to assemble the best guinea pig supplies, ferret toys, and chinchilla cages. Her two cats were a little more helpful when it came to finding great window perches. Dr. Chyrle Bonk graduated from Oregon State University in 2010 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She has practiced as a licensed veterinarian for Clearwater Valley Veterinary Clinic in Orofino, Idaho for over 10 years. In addition to treating pets and writing for various veterinary websites, including Senior Tail Waggers and Cat World, Dr. Bonk also owns several dogs, cats and a small cattle herd. Leslie Gray Harmon is the Founder and CEO of Made by Cleo, a U.S.-based pet collar and accessories brand specializing in the cat market. Made By Cleo products have been proudly made in the USA since 2012 with a focus on quality materials and construction, fresh designs and lasting durability. The 7 Best Cat Collars Explore more: What to Buy Cat Products Cat Accessories