Cat collars with safety buckles
A safety buckle is designed to open if your cat's collar comes under strain. It can reduce the risk of your cat getting stuck when climbing, playing or exploring its surroundings.
Why the buckle matters
Branches, fences and furniture can catch a collar when your cat moves through tight spaces.
During play or hunting, your cat can suddenly change direction and put strain on the collar.
Coat, growth and weight can affect how the collar sits. That's why it needs to be checked regularly.
How a safety buckle works
A safety buckle, sometimes called a quick-release or breakaway buckle, is designed to open when it is put under enough strain.
If the collar gets caught, the buckle can therefore give way so that your cat has a chance to break free. This is especially relevant for a cat that climbs, goes outdoors or moves around in places where the collar could get hooked.
This can happen, for example, if the collar gets caught on a branch or an object.
Under enough strain, the buckle is designed to give way.
This reduces the risk of your cat being left hanging by the collar.
Adapted to the way your cat moves
A safety buckle isn't only relevant for outdoor cats. Indoors there is also furniture, handles and other objects where a collar can get hooked.
A cat that climbs or moves through dense vegetation can get its collar caught around a branch or twig.
The collar can get caught at home too, for example on furniture, hooks or other narrow openings.
During play, your cat can get a paw under the collar or get caught on something lying around.
Check the buckle and the fit
A well-chosen cat collar should sit securely without restricting your cat. Always try the collar under supervision before your cat wears it on its own.
Adjust the length so that the collar is neither too loose nor pressing against your cat's neck.
The collar should sit comfortably and securely. Your cat should not be able to easily get its lower jaw under it.
Open and close the safety buckle by hand so that you understand how it works.
Let your cat wear the collar under supervision and check that the fit stays secure.
Add an ID tag
A collar can carry important contact information if your cat goes missing. An engraved ID tag lets the finder quickly see who the cat belongs to.
Because the safety buckle can open, there is always a chance that your cat loses its collar. An ID tag therefore complements your cat's identification, but does not replace a microchip and registration.
Check the collar regularly
The safety function needs to be combined with a collar that is intact, clean and correctly adjusted.
Make sure it isn't cracked, damaged or blocked by dirt.
Replace the collar if the material has become very worn or damaged.
Adjust the collar if your cat's weight, coat or size has changed.
Check that the phone number on the ID tag is still correct.
Don't attach a walking lead to a collar with a safety buckle. Use a cat harness designed for walks.
About safety buckles for cats
What is a safety buckle on a cat collar?
It's a buckle designed to open when the collar is put under enough strain. The aim is to reduce the risk of your cat getting stuck.
Does an indoor cat need a safety buckle?
A safety buckle can be relevant indoors too. Collars can get caught on furniture, handles, hooks and other objects in the home.
Can my cat lose a collar with a safety buckle?
Yes. Because the buckle can open, the collar can be lost if it gets caught or comes under strain. This is part of the collar's safety function.
Does a safety buckle guarantee that my cat won't get caught?
No. A safety buckle can reduce the risk by giving way under strain, but no collar can guarantee that every accident is avoided.
Can I attach a lead to the safety collar?
No. A buckle designed to open under strain is not intended to hold your cat on a walking lead. Use a cat harness designed for walks.
Does an ID tag replace my cat's microchip?
No. The ID tag gives quick access to contact details, but does not replace identification with a microchip and correct registration.
How often should the cat collar be checked?
Check the collar regularly and always if your cat's weight, size or coat has changed. Replace the collar if the buckle or material has been damaged.
Choose a cat collar with a safety buckle
Discover colours, patterns and models for your cat. Add an engraved ID tag with up-to-date contact details.