Weather-Resistant Cat Collars: The Best Choice for Outdoor Cats

August 4, 2024

Whether your kitty enjoys a leisurely stroll around the safety of your garden or loves to wander far and wide, exploring every tree, hedgerow, and flower bed in sight, they all share one common need: a high-quality weather-resistant cat collar for their adventures. A good weather-resistant cat collar will be durable and provide longevity. Combined with factors such as comfort and safety, you'll have one happy kitty, which, as we know, equals happy cat parents too.

At Jensons, we are cat parents. We understand the importance of choosing the right collar for our fur babies. Not only do you want them to be comfortable and safe, but you also want the collar to be durable and long-lasting. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt if they look suitably dashing in it too! In this blog, we will explore some of the key features to look for when choosing a weather-resistant cat collar. We’ll also introduce you to the Jensons cork leather cat collar collection. We may be biased, but we believe our cat collars are the ultimate choice for both outdoor and indoor kitties. Here’s a sneak peek.

Explore the Jensons Breakaway Cork Cat Collar Collection

Weather-Resistant Cat Collars: What Do We Need to Consider?

When we think of weather-resistant cat collars, one of the first things that come to mind is water resistance or waterproof properties, which is undoubtedly a very important factor for us Brits, as our weather is 90% rain at this point. However, there are many other factors that contribute to weather resistance, working together to achieve ultimate durability. Let’s explore them.

1. Water Resistance: Refers to a material’s ability to repel or withstand moisture without getting damaged or losing its functionality.

2. Temperature Tolerance: The range of temperatures a material can endure without becoming too stiff, brittle, or uncomfortable.

3. UV Shield: Refers to a material’s ability to resist damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing fading or degradation from sun exposure.

4. Smell-Fighting: A feature that helps a material resist absorbing and retaining nasty smells from various sources.

5. Abrasion Armour: Indicates a material’s resistance to wear and tear from friction and rough surfaces, preventing it from fraying or deteriorating quickly. (Although not directly linked to weather, this factor goes hand in hand with weather resistance.)

Popular Cat Collar Materials and Their Weather Resistance Scores:

(1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest)

Leather: 6/10

Water Resistance: 5/10
Temperature Tolerance: 6/10
UV Shield: 6/10
Smell-Fighting: 5/10
Abrasion Armour: 7/10
Performance: Leather is classic and stylish. It can handle a bit of rain and varying temperatures. However, it can become brittle with excessive moisture or heat and may absorb smells. Regular maintenance is needed to keep it in good condition.

Neoprene: 7/10

Water Resistance: 8/10
Temperature Tolerance: 7/10
UV Shield: 6/10
Smell-Fighting: 6/10
Abrasion Armour: 7/10
Performance: Neoprene is effective at repelling water and withstands moderate temperatures. It’s durable but can feel less breathable in hot weather and may not be as resistant to UV damage. It also requires regular cleaning to prevent smells.

Polyester: 7/10

Water Resistance: 7/10
Temperature Tolerance: 6/10
UV Shield: 7/10
Smell-Fighting: 6/10
Abrasion Armour: 7/10
Performance: Polyester is reliable for light rain and UV protection. It remains durable but can become stiff in extreme temperatures and can retain smells if not cleaned regularly.

Nylon: 8/10 🥉

Water Resistance: 8/10
Temperature Tolerance: 7/10
UV Shield: 8/10
Smell-Fighting: 6/10
Abrasion Armour: 8/10
Performance: Nylon is strong and performs well in various weather conditions. It handles rain and sun effectively but can become stiff and absorb smells over time. It offers excellent abrasion resistance.

Silicone: 8/10 🥈

Water Resistance: 9/10
Temperature Tolerance: 8/10
UV Shield: 9/10
Smell-Fighting: 8/10
Abrasion Armour: 7/10
Performance: Silicone is highly resistant to water, acting like a raincoat for your kitty’s neck. It also withstands UV rays and resists smells. Silicone remains flexible and durable across a wide range of temperatures and is easy to clean. However, it may not have the traditional appearance of a collar and is slightly less abrasion-resistant.

Cork Leather: 9/10 🥇

Water Resistance: 9/10
Temperature Tolerance: 8/10
UV Shield: 9/10
Smell-Fighting: 8/10
Abrasion Armour: 9/10
Performance: Cork leather is our winner! It’s naturally water-resistant and offers excellent resistance to UV rays and abrasion. It remains durable and maintains its quality in various weather conditions while effectively resisting smells. Cork leather combines high performance with a super stylish look. (Just to stay humble, we didn't give it a 10/10! 😆)

Cork Leather’s Weather-Resistant Cat Collar Superpowers

Cork leather is a great pick for a weather-resistant cat collar because it handles the elements perfectly. It’s naturally water-resistant, so it stays strong even if it gets wet, and it doesn’t fade or break down under the sun. It stays flexible and comfy in both hot and cold weather, plus it’s tough against scratches and scrapes. All these features make cork leather a fantastic choice for keeping your kitty stylish and comfy, no matter the weather.

Shop the Jensons Breakaway Cork Cat Collar Collection

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Weather-Resistant Cat Collar

1. Breakaway Buckles (Safety): Why They’re the Only Safe Choice for Cat Collars

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: breakaway cat collars are the only type of collar you should consider for your fur babies. Breakaway buckles allow your cat’s collar to pop open if they get trapped on something like a fence post or tree. This feature is equally important for indoor kitties, who may snag their collar on something within the house. Breakaway buckles greatly decrease the risk of collar-related injuries and prevent the distress that non-breakaway collars can cause if your cat is unable to get free. As you can tell, we feel very strongly about this and even more strongly about cat safety. If you’d like to find out more about breakaway cat collars, check out our blog post, where we delve into the details of breakaway collars: Breakaway Cat Collars: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Cat Safe.

The image above shows breakaway cat collar buckles. Breakaway buckles have rounded prongs, whereas non-breakaway cat collars have angular prongs.

At Jensons, all of our cat collars feature breakaway buckles. For every order we dispatch, we personally test the breakaway buckles to ensure they function correctly, popping open under tension to provide a safe collar for your kitty.

2. Collar Fit: Choose an Adjustable Collar for a Perfect Fit

Adjustable collars let you customise the fit just right for your kitty. The cat maths tells us that if your cat is comfy in their collar, they're more likely to keep it on longer. This means less pesky scratching that can wear out less durable fabric collars and fewer chances of the breakaway buckle popping open when it’s not needed for safety. For the perfect fit, adjust the collar so you can slip two fingers underneath. This way, it’s snug enough to prevent accidental snags or entanglements, but loose enough to keep your kitty comfortable and free to move. Need more help with fitting? Check out our blog for tips on finding that sweet spot, especially if you have a wriggly fur baby who can be a bit tricky: How Tight Should a Cat Collar Be? Tips on Getting the Perfect Fit.

3. Durability Meets Weather Resistance: Choosing A Collar That Ticks Both Boxes

When selecting a weather-resistant cat collar, durability is key, but it's important to note that weather resistance doesn’t always guarantee durability, though it certainly contributes! Different materials respond to environmental factors in various ways, and even weather-resistant materials can degrade if not properly maintained.

For example, while leather is naturally weather-resistant, it can become brittle and prone to cracking if exposed to heat and not properly conditioned. Similarly, nylon collars may offer weather resistance, but they can become stiff over time and may harbour smells if not cleaned regularly. And let’s be honest, a smelly collar is definitely not a collar that's going to stand the test of time.

We may be a bit biased, but we believe cork is the sweet spot. Oh, cork, glorious cork! It’s weather-resistant and incredibly durable. Not only does cork stand up to the elements, but it’s also scratch-proof (unlike some fabric collars that fray easily) and silky smooth and comfy, cue durability. If your cat doesn’t want to wrestle their collar off, it’s likely to last a lot longer! Curious about why we think cork is such a great choice for a durable cat collar? Check out our blog: Durable Cat Collars: Finding the Best Collars for Outdoor Cats.

So, there you have it, the ultimate guide to choosing a weather-resistant cat collar. With so many factors to consider, from water resistance to temperature tolerance and everything in between, finding the perfect collar can seem like a bit of a quest. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you’re ready to explore collars that combine all these features with style and durability, check out the Jensons cork leather cat collar collection here: Jensons Cork Leather Cat Collars. Our collars are designed to withstand the elements and keep your kitty looking dapper, keeping comfy, and staying super safe on their adventures.