9 Best Cat Collars with Bells in 2024

There’s a great deal of research to show that going outdoors is dangerous for cats. Not only does it put your cat at risk for being hit by a car or attacked by another animal, but he could contract a disease or be exposed to external parasites. That being said, strictly indoor cats have their risks as well.

For your cat’s protection, it’s a good idea for him to carry some form of identification. Many pet owners have their cats microchipped, but that only works if someone takes him to a shelter that can scan it – you also have to keep the contact information updated. An easier solution may be to have your cat wear a collar with an ID tag on it. Cat collars come in all different forms and some even have bells!

In this article, we’ll address the subject of bells on cat collars to help you decide whether your cat should have one. You’ll also learn what to look for when shopping for cat collars and see our top picks for the best cat collars with bells.

Should Your Cat’s Collar Have a Bell?

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It may seem unnecessary to put a collar on your indoor cat, but you never know when he might accidentally slip outside. Having an ID tag ensures that anyone who finds him will be able to contact you or bring him home. If your cat is already wearing a collar, you may be wondering what else you can add.

Many cat collars come with little bells, but what’s the point? Some cat owners find it annoying to have a bell jingling all the time, but collars with bells do have their benefits.

Here are some of the benefits of having a bell on your cat’s collar: 

• The bell serves as a warning for other animals – it may reduce an outdoor cat’s potentially negative impact on the ecosystem.
• Having a bell on the collar helps you keep track of your cat – this may help with cats that tend to hide a lot, like kittens.
• In multi-cat households, putting a bell on the cat that tends to cause the most problems so other cats will hear him coming.
• If your cat accidentally gets out of the house, the bell on the collar might help you find him.

What to Look for in a Cat Collar

Cat collars come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. If you’re looking for an everyday collar, something simple made from durable materials like nylon might work well. For something a little more upscale, a leather cat collar might be more your style. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to know what you’re looking for when you start shopping around.

Here are some of the things to look for when shopping for cat collars: 

• Materials – Cat collars can be made from just about any material. Nylon is inexpensive and durable while other materials like fabric or leather may be more attractive.
• Adjustability – Make sure the collar you choose can be adjusted to fit your cat properly – you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck.
• Security – Check the hardware on the collar to make sure it won’t loosen or slip off.
• Safety – Cats tend to work their way into the strangest spaces, so it’s a good idea to choose a collar with a breakaway safety feature so your cat can get loose if his collar gets stuck.
• Durability – Consider the durability of the collar you choose – low-quality materials may fray or break, causing you to have to buy another collar sooner than you’d like.
• ID Tag – The primary reason to have your cat wear a collar is so he’ll have identification – make sure the collar you choose has a ring to attach the ID tag.

Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to start shopping! Think about the features you want in a cat collar and decide whether you want one that has a bell. Other options like personalized cat collars exist as well, and unique cat collars made with reflective materials.

The 9 Best Cat Collars with Bells

Whether you’re looking for a classic leather cat collar with bell, an inexpensive nylon collar, or something more unique, cat collars are easy to find. As you start shopping, however, remember the factors listed above when making your choice. Cat collars don’t tend to be very expensive, so it’s worth paying a few extra dollars for a durable, high-quality cat collar with safety features.

Here are our top picks for the best cat collars with bells: 

Our 2024 Picks: Best Cat Collars with Bells
	Red Dingo Reflective Cat Collar Quality nylon webbing Stainless steel K-Ring Price: $	CHECK PRICE
	Safe Cat Adjustable Snag-Proof Breakaway Cat Collar  Snag-proof nylon Adjust the size from 8 to 12 inches Price: $	CHECK PRICE
	Necoichi Chirimen Fireworks Cat Collar Adjustable design Break-away clip buckle Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Frisco Solid Nylon Breakaway Collar Quick-release circle buckle clips Adjustable design Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar with Bell Soft yet strong leather Lightweight collar Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Necoichi Zen Gold Fish Charm Cat Collar Soft and durable Breakaway clip buckle Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Country Brook Design Summer Pines Cat Collar Lightweight, soft polyester webbing Made in the USA Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Pawtitas Glow-in-the-Dark Cat Collar Comfortable Durable and adjustable design Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Necoichi Japanese Kimono Style Bow Tie Collar Soft and durable Adjustable design Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE

Red Dingo Reflective Cat Collar

Made from durable materials with safety and comfort in mind, this Red Dingo Reflective Cat Collar is a great choice. This collar comes in seven different colors, all featuring a cute fish pattern and priced under $10. The quality nylon materials are abrasion resistant and the collar is adjustable from 8 to 13 inches. You’ll also be glad to know this collar is reflective for low-light visibility and it has a quick-release safety clip that comes undone with tension.

Pros: Durable and reflective nylon materials, quick-release safety clip, ring for ID tags

Cons: Some found the collar sizing too small

Safe Cat Adjustable Snag-Proof Breakaway Cat Collar

If you’re looking for a cat collar that will keep your furry friend safe, this Safe Cat Adjustable Snag-Proof Breakaway Cat Collar is a great option. It comes in seven different colors, all affordably priced under $7. This cat collar is made from durable snag-proof nylon materials with a responsive breakaway buckle. The snag-proof nylon won’t fray or get caught on things easily, and the breakaway buckle ensures that your cat will be able to escape if the collar gets suck on something. The collar is adjustable from 8 to 12 inches to ensure a comfortable fit and comes with a matching bell.

Pros: Made from durable snag-proof nylon, responsive breakaway buckle, adjustable for comfort

Cons: Some users found the buckle tricky to open, doesn’t come with ring for ID tag

Necoichi Chirimen Fireworks Cat Collar

For a cat collar that stands out, consider this Necoichi Chirimen Fireworks Cat Collar. Necoichi makes a variety of unique cat collars that are handcrafted with fun patterns. This collar is made from chirimen cotton, a sturdy fabric typically used for kimonos, so your cat will be both comfortable and stylish. In addition to being sturdy but soft, this collar features a breakaway buckle clip for safety and a gold kitty charm that holds a tiny bell. Choose from three colors priced under $18.

Pros: Unique design, durable and stylish, breakaway clip for safety, gold kitty charm

Cons: May self-adjust during grooming, no ring for ID tag (might be able to use the bell ring)

Frisco Solid Nylon Breakaway Collar

The Frisco Solid Nylon Breakaway Collar comes in four solid colors affordably priced around $6. This collar is made from high-quality nylon webbing ideal for everyday use, both indoors and out. It features a quick-release buckle that clips securely but comes undone easily under tension. The collar also includes a metal ring to attach your cat’s ID tag and, of course, comes with a mini cat bell. If you’re looking for an inexpensive cat collar with bell and tag, this is a good option.

Pros: Breakaway collar made from durable nylon, quick-release buckle and ID ring, four colors

Cons: Not intended for cats under 8 pounds, nylon materials may fray with scratching

CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar with Bell

Leather is a durable and stylish material for a cat collar, but it may not be quite as comfortable as nylon. There’s also the concern that it may be more difficult to include a breakaway feature. This CollarDirect Leather Cat Collar with Bell addresses both these concerns. Though made primarily from leather, this collar also features an elastic band so your cat can slip out if it gets stuck. This collar comes in two sizes and twelve colors priced around $10 and features a metal buckle, attached bell, and D-ring for an ID tag.

Pros: Attractive leather materials, elastic band for safety, adjustable fit and two size options

Cons: Cat may slip out of the collar more than intended

Necoichi Zen Gold Fish Charm Cat Collar

Personalized cat collars can be expensive, but this Necoichi Zen Gold Fish Charm Cat Collar makes your cat stand out without costing a fortune. Available in three colors and priced under $18, this bow-style collar is made from kimono-grade chirimen rayon fabric. It’s soft for comfort but durable enough for daily use and it features a breakaway clip buckle for safety. This collar also comes with a gold fish charm and a bell, plus you can attach your cat’s ID tag to the ring.

Pros: Unique pattern and design, breakaway clip for safety, includes gold charm and ID tag ring

Cons: Breakaway feature may be too sensitive for outdoor cats, buckle located too close to the bow

Country Brook Design Summer Pines Cat Collar

This vibrant cat collar is made with high-quality materials in an abstract geometric print. The Country Brook Design Summer Pines Cat Collar is affordable and stylish, made from polyester webbing that won’t irritate your cat’s skin. It comes with a breakaway buckle for safety and the bell is attached with a ring you can also use for your cat’s ID tag.

Pros: Vibrant colors and geometric pattern, breakaway clip for safety, ring for ID tag

Cons: May not be as durable as some materials

Pawtitas Glow-in-the-Dark Cat Collar

Keep track of your cat day or night with this Pawtitas Glow-in-the-Dark Cat Collar. Not only does it come with a little bell, but it glows in the dark as well. This collar is made from reinforced, tear-resistant ripstop nylon with a sewn-in reflective ribbon. It features a breakaway buckle that comes apart under stress with a durable D-ring to hold your cat’s ID tag. This durable, glow-in-the-dark collar comes in eight colors and is priced under $18.

Pros: Glow in the dark, made from durable ripstop nylon, breakaway buckle for safety

Cons: May not glow as bright as expected

Necoichi Japanese Kimono Style Bow Tie Collar

Why settle for an ordinary cat collar when your cat can look stylish in the Necoichi Japanese Kimono Style Bow Tie Collar. This collar comes in three colors, all made with patterned kimono-grade chirimen rayon fabric. It features a breakaway clip buckle and comes with a gold charm. This cat collar is the perfect accessory for any cat.

Pros: Stylish bow design, made from soft but durable fabric, breakaway clip feature

Cons: Bow may too big for very small cats, may come unbuckled too easily

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are bells harmful to cats? If you find the idea of a constantly ringing bell annoying, you may be wondering if your cat does as well. Whether bells are actually harmful for your cat, however, is another question. Most of the bells on cat collars are very small, only likely to produce 50 to 60 DB of sound. Studies show that cats are largely unaffected by sounds under 80 DB, so there’s no harm. Just be careful if the bell comes loose or falls off – you wouldn’t want your cat to ingest it.
2. Are there alternatives to bells on cat collars? If you’re concerned that your outdoor cat is killing too many small animals, but you don’t want him to wear a cat bill, there may be an alternative: a cat bib. A cat bib is simply a brightly colored fabric device that covers the cat’s collar and serves as a visual warning to birds. Research shows both options to be roughly equal in their efficacy on birds, though a bib collar may not work as well on small animals.
3. Should my cat wear his collar indoors? If you’re going to put a collar on your cat, he should wear it all the time. Collars are highly recommended for outdoor cats to carry identification and so others know the cat isn’t a stray. Indoor cats should wear collars with identification in case they get out of the house without your knowledge.
4. Are collars safe for cats? When fitted properly, collars are perfectly safe for cats. Wearing a collar too tight could irritate your cat’s skin or interfere with his breathing. The other concern is that a collar might get stuck on something and your cat could injure or strangle himself. Breakaway collars are designed with this in mind – they have a feature that snaps if something pulls on it with enough force.

When it comes to your cat, his safety is of the utmost importance. You may not like the idea of making him wear a collar, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If he gets out of the house and someone picks him up, they’ll know he’s not a stray and his ID tag will lead them back to you.

Cat collars come in all shapes and colors, so you have a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing the best cat collar for your pet. If you’re looking for a cat collar with bell and tag ring, consider one of the options we’ve reviewed above!