Choosing the Best Collar for a Cat Who Loves Exploring Outdoors

August 11, 2024

If you're reading this, chances are you’ve got a fur baby who loves to explore the outdoors. Whether they’re jumping over fences, climbing trees, or rolling around in a dusty spot on the pavement, there’s no denying that some cats love the outdoors, and what a cat wants, a cat often gets! But as cat parents, it’s normal to feel a bit worried when they head outside on their adventures. The world out there is full of excitement, but it can also be risky. That’s why many cat owners choose to get a collar for a cat who loves to explore. A collar makes it easier for neighbours to recognise your cat if they wander a bit too far, helping them get back home safely (if they are wearing an identification tag).

There are mixed opinions online if you search "should a cat wear a collar." Unlike dogs, which in many places are legally required to wear a collar for easy identification, there are no such rules for cats, so the decision is entirely up to the cat parents. There are several reasons you might choose to have your little pickles wear a collar. First, aesthetics might play a role; of course, we want our kitties to look dashing, which is perfectly fine as long as safety and comfort come first. Another reason could be for identification, so neighbours know where your cat lives. After all, we all know a cat who has wandered into someone else’s house and adopted multiple humans for extra meal times. A collar also serves as a clear sign that your cat is not a stray but a much-loved member of your family/ruler of the roost!👑

Purchase a Breakaway Collar for a Cat Who Loves to Explore Outside

The best way to keep your kitty safe is to make sure they wear a breakaway cat collar if you decide that you would like them to wear a collar. A breakaway cat collar, also known as a safety release or quick release collar, is specifically designed to prioritise your cat’s safety. These collars snap open under pressure, such as if your cat gets their collar caught on something like a tree branch, a fence, or any other obstacle they might encounter during their outdoor adventures.

The image below shows a breakaway buckle on the left and a non-breakaway buckle on the right. You can tell them apart by the prongs: the breakaway buckle has rounded prongs, allowing the buckle to pop open easily under tension.

The key benefit of a breakaway collar is that it significantly reduces the risk of injury, which can occur if a traditional collar were to get caught and not release. Cats are naturally curious creatures, often squeezing into tight spots, climbing, or jumping from heights. While these behaviours are normal, they can also put them at risk if their collar becomes trapped. Additionally, a breakaway collar helps to minimise the stress and panic they might experience if they feel stuck. The sudden release of the collar allows your kitty to continue exploring or return home safely; they probably won’t even notice their collar popped off! For us cat parents, this feature offers peace of mind, knowing that our kitties have an added layer of protection while enjoying the freedom of the outdoors. Read our blog to explore more about breakaway cat collars: Breakaway Cat Collars: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Cat Safe.

*Equally important for indoor kitties too, all cats should wear breakaway cat collars (if wearing a collar).

Select a Weather-Resistant Collar for a Kitty Who Ventures Out, Rain or Shine

If your fur baby is out exploring, they'll encounter a variety of weather conditions, from heavy showers to drizzly days and humid heat. In the UK, it's likely that they’ll mostly face wet weather, let's face it, it's 80% of our forecast! Therefore, the best collar for a cat who loves outdoor adventures should be able to withstand wet weather. While kitties generally dislike water, a collar that repels rather than soaks up water will be much more comfy if they get caught in a downpour. A weather-resistant collar will also be more durable than one that isn’t; flimsy materials will deteriorate much quicker, especially when they get wet.

At Jensons, we offer a range of cork leather cat collars that are naturally water-resistant. This was a key factor for us when we first started experimenting with materials. We've even written a blog about weather-resistant cat collar materials, which you can check out here: Weather-Resistant Cat Collars: The Best Choice for Outdoor Adventurers.

Shop the Jensons Breakaway Cork Cat Collar Collection

For weather-resistant durability, our top-ranked materials are cork, silicone, and nylon. However, durability also depends on other factors. Your kitty needs to be comfortable in their collar to keep it on. If they are constantly scratching at it or trying to remove it, the collar won’t last. Make sure you choose a collar that fits well, is safe, comfortable, and secure. If you’re wondering how your cat’s collar should fit, head to our blog here for tips on the perfect fit: How Tight Should a Cat Collar Be? Tips on Getting the Perfect Fit.

Choose a Scuff-Proof Collar for a Cat Who Loves the Outdoors

For any cat parents whose cats love the outdoors, keep in mind their collar might not stay looking pristine after its first dust bath. While a baby pink fabric collar might look super cute when it’s new, it’s likely to show some wear once your kitty’s had a chance to rough it up. That’s one thing we love about cork leather at Jensons. Its natural imperfections mean that little scruffs and marks blend in, so the collar stays looking new and crisp for longer. Keep this in mind when choosing a collar for your outdoor kitty, as you'll want it to stay looking lovely for as long as possible.

Pick the Perfect Colour Collar for a Kitty with Beautiful Markings

We’re cat people, and frankly, we think kitties look cute in ANY colour. However, Jensons was born out of the frustration of not being able to find a simple, neutral breakaway collar that would complement our fur babies' markings without detracting from them. Our original range of cork leather cat collars is simple, earthy, and looks simply dashing on any kitty, well, we think so anyway!

That said, some colours truly pop against certain fur or eye colours. For example, our collars in ‘Biscuit’ and ‘Chestnut’ are a match made in heaven for our calico and tortoiseshell friends, complementing their coats of caramel, orange, brown, black, and white. Check out which colour Jensons cat collars we recommend for different fur colours: What Colour Cat Collar Should I Get for My Cat? Pretty Colours for Pretty Kitties.

Discover How an AirTag on a Cat Collar Can Be a Game-Changer

We think AirTags are shaping up to be a fantastic alternative to traditional GPS tracking devices. While GPS trackers offer precise, real-time location tracking and can even map out your cat's entire journey, they often come with the drawback of being bulky and requiring ongoing subscription fees.

In contrast, AirTags provide a more streamlined and affordable option. They’re compact and lightweight, making them a comfortable choice for your cat’s collar without adding extra bulk. While they don’t offer the same level of detailed route tracking as GPS devices, AirTags leverage Apple’s network of devices to help locate your cat within a certain range, offering kitty parents a little more peace of mind.

For those living in residential areas or busy neighbourhoods, AirTags can be a practical choice to keep an eye on your cat's whereabouts during their outdoor adventures. They provide a useful layer of security without the extra cost and complexity associated with GPS trackers. So, if you're looking for an effective way to monitor your cat's whereabouts without the hassle of a subscription, AirTags are worth exploring. We wrote a blog about our personal experiences with AirTags for cats; check it out here: AirTags for Cats: Do They Work on Cat Collars? A Cat Mum's Personal Review.

When picking a collar for a cat who loves to roam, just remember three key things: safety, comfort, and durability. If you stick to these, you’ll be on the right track. Always go for a breakaway collar to keep your cat safe. And if you want to keep an eye on your fur baby, check out AirTags for a handy tracking option. Make sure you stop by and check out our cork leather breakaway cat collar collection, made with love, by hand here in the UK, from our fur family to yours.♡