Got a brand-new kitten at home? We’re super jealous. There’s nothing more cute than having a baby-faced bundle of fluff gallivanting around their new domain, exploring all the nooks and crannies. Of course, there are a few key things you must do when you first take on a kitten: get their vaccinations, pick up some kitten food and kitty treats, grab some engaging cat toys or cat tower, and snap up a great kitten collar. Yep—that new collar is key, allowing you to pop on an ID tag and/or cat tracker to avoid that awful panic if they manage to get lost. After all, kittens are curious creatures, and it only takes someone leaving the door ajar to pique their curiosity and venture into the wide world outside.
With that in mind, it’s important to note that collars are best for older kittens, with the minimum recommended age being around 6 months (you’ll struggle to find one small enough before that!). So, we’ve found the best kitten collars from across the web to bring you some top-class options. Read on and check them out.
Top Pick Azuza Kitten Collar Set
azuza 4 Pack Kitten Collar Breakaway with Bell,Quick Release Safe Buckle Adjustable Baby Kitten Collars, Floral Print Rose/Ginkgo/Sunflower/Butterfly
$12.99
Best Kitten Collar to Consider
There are so many things to think about when you’re settling a new kitten in at home, and picking the best collar is essential. So, we’ve put together a few factors to consider to help you shop:
Adjustability
Your kitten will grow out of their kittenhood fast—blink, and you’ll miss it. So, you’ll need an adjustable collar that can grow with them. You’ll need to find the best fit at first (make sure you can slide a finger between the collar and your kitten’s neck) and have several more holes for incremental size increases as your feline gets bigger.
Material
When it comes to choosing the best material for your kitten collar, nylon leads the way. This soft fabric feels comfortable against your feline’s skin, while the durable qualities will endure plenty of rough-and-tumble play and exploration. Other materials to consider are cotton, polyester, and microfiber, which all make comfy and affordable choices.
Breakaway Buckle
Having a breakaway buckle is absolutely key to your kitten’s safety. Not quite sure what it is? Let us enlighten you: a breakaway collar is simply designed to come loose when pulled with considerable force. This means that if your kitten gets in a tangle, they’ll be able to break free quickly and easily. Also, consider adding a collar bell so you can hear your cat’s presence before you spot them.
Azuza Kitten Collar Set
Coming in a set of four, this pack of kitten collars offers plenty of bang for your buck. Not only are they affordable, but these collars also come with the features we’re looking for to provide a safe and comfortable fit for your feline:
For starters, we’ve got the breakaway buckle. This is paramount to safety, helping your cat easily get free if they become tangled up, be it in a curtain pull or a branch outside. Adjustable between 6 and 8 inches, these collars are designed for smaller kitten necks, too. Plus, the durable polyester fabric makes for a cool and comfy fit, which is ideal if you’re having to persuade your kitty to don their collar for the first time. Finished with a cute bell and an even cuter design, these kitten collars are an ideal choice.
azuza 4 Pack Kitten Collar Breakaway with Bell,Quick Release Safe Buckle Adjustable Baby Kitten Collars, Floral Print Rose/Ginkgo/Sunflower/Butterfly
$12.99
Pros:
- 4 designs in pack
- Adjustable fit between 6 and 8 inches
- Bells included
- Strong materials
Cons:
- May be too big for very young kittens
LLHK Breakaway kitten Collars
This dynamic duo of kitten collars serves up everything we’re looking for: safety, comfort, and adjustability. Adjustable between 7 and 12 inches, this is a great choice for chunkier or older kittens. Thanks to the high-quality construction and durable design, you should enjoy a few years of these collars before replacing them, too.
We particularly like that the cat-shaped front buckle is made with rounded ears rather than sharp ones, which is far more comfortable for your feline. Sure, it’s a small detail, but it certainly makes a big difference. Add in the reflective strips, breakaway buckle, and cute design, and we’re 100% sold on these kitten collars.
LLHK 2 Pack Breakaway Cat Collars & 2 Pcs Name Tags,Reflective Safety Kitten Collar with Bell,for Girl Boy Male Cats,Adjustable 7''-12'', Personalized ID Tag,Pet Supplies,Accessories
$6.47
Pros:
- Adjustable between 7 and 12 inches
- Softened edges on the buckle to prevent discomfort
- Great value
- Breakaway buckle and ID tag included
Cons:
- ID tag container is very small
Plaid Kitten Collars
If you prefer all things traditional, opt for this six-pack of plaid kitten collars for a cool and classic look. These ones are easily adjustable between 6 and 9 inches, so they should see your kitten through into their adolescence and beyond.
You’ll get those essential breakaway buckles on every collar, so you can enjoy a little more peace of mind when your kitten is starting to explore the great outdoors, too. And, with a selection of six shades on offer, you can find the most stylish color to suit your kitty-cat; finished with cat-shaped front buckles and attached bells, we’re onto a winner with this set.
6 Pack Classic Plaid Cat Collars with Bells - Breakaway Kitten Collar and Adjustable 6-9 in,Cute Kitty Collar for Girl Boy Cats,Pet Gifts,Accessories,Supplies,Stuff
$14.99
Pros:
- Classic plaid designs
- 6-pack
- Detachable breakaway buckles
- Soft and comfortable
Cons:
- You may find a few loose threads
Velvet Kitten Collar with Bell
Got an eye for all things glitz and glam? Snap up this velvet kitten collar, coming in a fetching shade of pink that’s sure to have your feline strutting about like a princess. By far the prettiest on our guide, this kitten collar is finished with a diamond heart at the front, adding an extra touch of glamour.
It’s adjustable between 8 and 10 inches, so it’s not the smallest on our guide, but it should be fine for growing kittens and adult cats, too. Plus, it’s easily removable.
We love the jingle-jingle of the bell on this one, alerting you to your cat’s presence before you spot them. On the flipside, this super cute collar doesn’t have a breakaway function or reflective materials, so it’s best kept for indoor cats in cat-proofed homes.
BINGPET Diamond Cat Collar, Adjustable Velvet Safe Kitten Collar with Crystal Heart Charm and Bells, Pink
$12.99
Pros:
- Glamorous style
- Comfy fit
- Adjustable
- Cute bell
Cons:
- No breakaway buckle
Nobleza Kitten Collar with Bell
Seeking cat products on a budget? This ultra-affordable kitten collar is right up your street. You’ll get two per pack, which is ideal if you’ve got a pair of pussycats trotting around, or you can simply keep one spare. We like the glow-in-the-dark feature of these kitten collars, helping you spot your kitties in the dark—whether you’re looking for them in the garden or worried about stepping on them once the lights are out.
Made from high-density polyester webbing, these collars are durable and long-lasting, so you should see a good few years from this set. Plus, the breakaway feature makes these a great choice for indoor/outdoor cats, too.
Nobleza Kitten Collar with Bell, 2 Pack Breakaway Cat Collars with Safe Quick Release Buckle, Paw Print & Strip Reflective Adjustable Soft Pet Collar for Small Medium Kitty Cats
$6.99
Pros:
- Durabke polyester design
- 2-pack
- Breakaway buckles
- Glow-in-the-dark for nighttime safety
Cons:
- May be a little large on very young kittens
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to put a collar on my kitten?
The general rule of thumb is to wait until your kitten is around 6 months old before popping a cat collar on them. This is partly because you’ll struggle to find a collar that fits when they’re super tiny, but by 6 months, they should be big enough. Not to mention, your kitten needs to be heavy enough to effectively use the breakaway feature on their collar—otherwise, they may not be able to break free from a tangle.
Is it OK to put a collar on a kitten?
If you’ve decided to go down the collar route with your new kitten, wait until they’re a few months old (5 to 6 is best), which means they’ll be heavy enough to use the breakaway buckle.
The breakaway function is integral to a safe cat collar, allowing cats to quickly break free if they become tangled up. Tangles are a risk, even for indoor cats, since household items like electric cables, phone cords, and curtain pulls can all present a potentially dangerous tangle.
Should I take my kitten’s collar off at night?
There’s no need to take off your kitten’s collar at nighttime, especially if it has a breakaway buckle (which we highly recommend). In fact, once you’ve put the collar on your cat’s neck for the first time, you only need to remove it to adjust the size, if they begin to experience skin irritations or to change up their collar.
How tight should your kitten’s collar be?
With both fully-grown cats and kittens, a collar should be snug and secure yet roomy enough to allow for easy breathing. To test the tightness of your kitten’s collar, slide a finger underneath the collar. If you can do this easily, you’re onto a winner.
That said, a kitten trying on a cat collar for the first time may tense their neck, so it’s good to do a quick check after a few minutes once they’ve relaxed, to ensure the collar still fits properly.
How do I choose a kitten collar?
So you’re ready to collar your cuddly kitten? Here’s the scoop: First, measure your furball’s neck and pick an adjustable cat collar with a two-finger-width wiggle room.
The best kitten collars are made from a comfy, lightweight, and durable material like nylon or neoprene, as these are gentle on your kitten’s skin. And, of course: don’t skimp on safety; opt for a breakaway clasp or quick-release buckle and go for reflective styles or a fun color to make your feline fashionista stand out.
It’s always good to personalize it with an ID tag or built-in D-ring to make sure you can be easily contacted if your kitten goes off-piste, too.
What kind of collar is best for a kitten?
In a nutshell, the ideal collar for a kitten should be adjustable, lightweight, and equipped with safety features. As we said, you should opt for a collar made of soft, durable materials, such as nylon or neoprene. When it comes to safety, a key feature to look for is a breakaway or quick-release style, which prevents choking or injury if the collar gets caught on anything.
Reflective or brightly colored collars can also enhance visibility and safety, which is great when you’re trying to spot your kitten in a large garden or avoiding treading on them after you’ve turned the lights out.
Should indoor kittens wear collars?
Sure, some cat owners are fully anti-collar. And of course, that’s fine. However, we at Cattime believe that popping your kitten in a collar is a sensible choice. It means they’ll be able to wear an ID tag, so you can easily be contacted in the event of your kitten getting lost.
Plus, it means you won’t need to coax them into flea collars later in life, since they’ll already be used to wearing one.
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Since 2008, Cattime has served as a leading resource for millions of cat owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every cat and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pet a breeze.