Cats are known for being curious, inquisitive and independent. They also have amazing physical abilities and attributes, which allow them to scale the highest trees or squeeze into tiny spaces. Cat collars can play an important role in their safety and identification. But when it comes to choosing the right collar, cat owners are often faced with a dilemma: should they opt for a standard cat collar or a breakaway safety collar? In this blog article, we'll explore both options, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, and safety features to help you make an informed decision.

The purpose of cat collars

Before we explore the specifics of each type of collar, let's consider the purpose of cat collars. There are many reasons why people choose to use cat collars (see below) – the primary one being for identification purposes.

• Identification: Collars can hold identification tags with contact information, making it easier for your cat to be returned to you if they get lost.
• Medical information: Some collars can carry medical tags, indicating if your cat has allergies, medical conditions, or special dietary needs.
• Visibility: Collars made from bright colours or reflective materials can enhance your cat's visibility during low-light conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Protecting wildlife: Collars provide a useful mechanism to hold bells or other tools that provide native birds and other wildlife with advanced warning that your cat is near (and probably stalking them!).
• Restraint: Collars provide a mechanism to be able to quickly grab your cat if needed (noting that a breakaway safety collar doesn’t fulfil this role very well as it’s likely to pop off if grabbed).
• Fashion: We love our cats, and we love to make them look amazing. Collars provide a fun way to add some extra bling and beauty to your cat.
• Electric cat flaps: Cat collars can be used to hold the ‘activation mechanism’ (being a magnetic or electronic key) needed to open the flap and a selective electric cat door (noting that there is now technology available that can activate and open an electronic cat flap via a microchip).

Now let’s examine the different features, advantages and disadvantages of standard cat collars vs. breakaway safety collars.

Standard cat collars

Features

Standard (or classic) cat collars are often made of durable materials like BioThane®, nylon or leather. They typically feature a buckle or snap closure, allowing for easy adjustment and secure fastening (where the buckle does not come apart or open when force or pressure is applied). These collars come in various styles, colours and designs.

Advantages

• Durability: Standard cat collars are usually robust and able to withstand daily wear and tear.
• Longevity: They tend to last longer than breakaway collars because they don’t fall off when pressure is applied (this will save you money in the long run).
• Suitable (potentially) for indoor cats: Standard collars are likely suitable for indoor cats, as they are less likely to encounter situations where a quick release is necessary.

Disadvantages

The only real issue with standard cat collars is the lack of a safety breakaway or quick-release mechanism. This means that if a cat's collar gets snagged or caught on an object, it is at risk of choking, serious injury or even death.

The most common type of reported injury in this scenario occurs when a cat gets the collar stuck on their body (as they attempt to wriggle out of it); or when they get one of their legs stuck in the collar. Over time, these injuries worsen as the collar can cut into the skin, become embedded and cause infection.

Breakaway safety cat collars

Features

Breakaway safety collars are specifically designed to keep your cat safe. They feature a unique safety breakaway or quick-release mechanism that allows the collar to open when sufficient force or pressure is applied (such as if your cat gets entangled). The RSPCA and SPCA New Zealand recommend that all cats should wear a breakaway safety collar + identification tag (or a personalised breakaway safety collar).

As a side note – we’d like to mention the ‘safety stretch collar’, which is another type of safety cat collar. This is a standard collar that incorporates an elasticised section or area. The idea is that, if a cat gets stuck or snagged on an object, they will be able to stretch and pull out of the collar. However, it is our view that this collar style is a poor substitute for a breakaway safety collar as the stretch collar is difficult to fit snuggly (due to the stretch); prone to wearing out and perishing; and can still trap cat paws and legs when they are trying to escape entanglement. As such, we would recommend avoidance of ‘safety stretch collars’ as an alternative to the breakaway safety collar.

Advantages

• Accident prevention: The safety breakaway feature significantly reduces the risk of strangulation or injury if the collar becomes caught on an object.
• Ideal for adventurous and outdoor cats: If your cat enjoys exploring the outdoors, a breakaway collar is the safer option. It ensures they can escape if the collar becomes entangled while climbing or exploring.

Disadvantages

• Longevity: Breakaway safety collars are much more likely to be lost (as this is what they are designed to do). This obviously means you’re going to be buying more collars, more frequently.
• Identification challenges: If the breakaway safety collar comes off, your cat’s identification tags will come off with it. This presents a safety issue as your cat may not be easily identifiable if lost (unless they’re microchipped).

Choosing the right collar for your cat

The choice between a standard cat collar and a breakaway safety collar ultimately depends on your cat's behaviour and living environment. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

• Indoor vs. outdoor: If your cat is strictly indoors, a standard collar may be suitable. But if your cat has access to roam around outdoors (without being on a harness and lead), a breakaway safety collar is the safer option.
• Behaviour: Consider your cat's behaviour. If they tend to climb or explore in tight spaces, a breakaway collar is advisable.
• Risk assessment: Consider which risk is greater for your cat: (a) the risk of getting caught or snagged on an object (when you’re not around) or (b) the risk of being lost without any form of identification.

Each cat is unique – so different collar choices will suit different cats. And if your cat is strictly indoors; you don’t take him/her out on a harness and lead; and there is no risk of them getting out – they may not need a collar at all.

Both standard cat collars and breakaway safety collars have their advantages and disadvantages. For adventurous or outdoor cats, a breakaway safety collar is the safer option, while indoor cats with a calm demeanour may do well with a standard collar. Whichever you choose, remember to ensure a comfortable fit (1-2 fingers under the collar) and regularly check the condition of the collar. And as a final point, regardless of the type of collar you choose, we strongly recommend you microchip your cat so that there is always a way to identify them if they get lost (where or not they have identification tags).

At Led & Collared®, we offer a Custom Cat Collar and Personalised Cat Collar. Both styles offer the option of choosing a standard buckle or a breakaway safety buckle (as our customers asked us offer both).

- September 2023