Want your cat to look cool, but also be safe and sound when they venture out of the house? Get yourself a leather cat collar in place of the nylon counterparts!
Leather collars look great, they are sturdy and they have all the bells and whistles that modern nylon collars come with too! So take a look through some of the best leather cat collars and get your cat set up for an outdoor adventure!
Table of Contents
The Best Leather Cat Collars
#1 Rogz Glow In the Dark Reflective
This is by far my favorite collar on the market, leather or nylon based. It is an excellent collar that has all the features and functions a collar should have for your feline friends.
Not only does it have key safety features like a breakaway clasp and a D ring for tags, but it has a reflective strip built right in too. If you've got a cat that goes outside on a regular basis then you can't find a better leather collar than this one!
A few other items worth noting:
"I finally managed to find a collar that stays on my cats. The adjustable safety release ensures it doesn't come off at any old tug or pull and the collar is super bright at night!"
#2 Outlaw Studded Safety Collar
If you're looking for a leather collar that will make your cat look like a bit of a hard ass then this might be the collar for you. Not only is it black, but it comes fully equipped with a bunch of chrome pointed studs that make it look like only the toughest cats around would wear it.
This collar also features an elastic section to ensure that your cat won't get stuck in any dangerous situations. If they get stuck they can simply pull their way right out of the collar
A few other things worth noting:
"This collar has lasted several years even though it has been on my cat daily, great quality and it still looks awesome too!"
One item worth noting:
#3 Pearl Leather Safety Cat Collar
Do you have a sophisticated cat that needs an extra nudge to put him or her over the top into high society? this beautiful leather collar is decorated with numerous lustrous pearls that will make your kitty look like a socialite!
While it isn't a break away collar, it does come fully equipped with an elastic section built in to ensure your cat can escape from any sticky situations he or she may find themselves in.
A few other things worth noting about this option:
"This is both a great looking collar and it has held up well over the year our indoor cat has used it..."
It is also worth noting:
#4 Epic Rogue Leather Cat Collar
If you're looking for a completely functional no frills collar then this option from Epic Rogue is worth considering. It is a available in numerous colors and is fully equipped with stainless steel fittings so it'll never rust even from plenty of use.
This genuine leather collar will make your cat look great and will bring an added layer of safety if your kitty happens to escape the house and get lost!
"After ordering the extra small for my cat I am pleased with how great it looks!"
There is one key item worth noting on this option:
#5 Cute Flower Collar with Bling
If your cat just needs an extra layer of bling or an extra layer of fashion to look cool then this is definitely the option for you. This collar is beautifully decorated with flowers and also comes with numerous rhinestones in the shapes of flowers.
It is the perfect addition for any cat that is perhaps attending a party or just wants to look extra classy! You could even use it as part of a costume for a Halloween event.
A few other things worth noting about this collar:
"If you're looking for a great way to make your kitty appear extra feminine then this is the perfect option!"
Keep the sizing in mind on this option when you make a purchase:
#6 Custom Engraved Leather Collar
If you're looking for a collar that you get to customize then this is definitely an excellent option. Not only does this collar look great, but it also comes with a riveted on name plate that you can add your cat's name and phone number to for additional safety.
As an added bonus you also get an additional hang tag for your cat made of stainless steel. You can add additional information to the hang tag as well for any additional information you might need to include.
A few other things worth noting on this option:
"I have had this collar for months and the reflective band is super easy to see in the dark, it gives me lots of extra confidence when my cat is out at night!"
It is worth noting one item about this collar though:
#7 Personalized Blingy Cat Collar
Trying to get your cat ready for the holidays and you don't want to consider a Christmas Costume? This collar is a great option to help your cat ring in the winter season!
It has a bunch of jewels on it, but it also has numerous snowflake shaped jewel combinations and is bright red! Talk about a collar custom made for the winter holidays...There are of course other color options if you desire, but I absolutely love this color myself.
A couple of things worth noting before purchase:
"My little cat looks absolutely great in the red collar during the holidays!"
It is worth noting one thing before purchase:
#8 Luxury Collar With Skulls
If your cat is a total rebel and likes to cause lots of trouble then this is the leather collar for you. Not only does the black leather bring a level of danger to the look of the collar, but the skulls make it even cooler and more intimidating for anyone looking on.
Your cat will be the talk of the neighborhood with this collar and all the other cats will know to walk the other direction when they see him or her coming! You can't go wrong with this option if you've got a cat that has a reputation to establish or maintain!
A few other things worth noting:
"This collar is super sturdy and it has held up really well even after over a year of use!"
There is one key item worth noting on this collar though:
#9 Small Cats Studded Safety Collar
If you've got a cat that is on the smaller end of the spectrum and you haven't been able to find a leather collar that fits then you're not alone. Small cats are often difficult to locate products for, but you shouldn't be concerned! This great leather collar is specifically designed with smaller cats in mind.
It has all the major features and functions of the studded collar called out above, but it is made for cats that have a much smaller neck than your average cat! Either way, let's review some of the key items it features:
#10 Bowtie & Bandanna 2 Pack
If you have it in mind for your cat to look like a dapper little businessman, but you want to have a leather collar, then this is the right option for you. This two pack of collars gives you a traditional bow tie collar and a bandanna collar where the collar itself is made of leather.
This is an excellent deal if you're looking to have options for your cat and you have a specific desire to keep leather as the core component of the collar. A few other things worth noting here:
"I have two cats at home and I bought this package so I had one for each of them and they'd match! They look like a dynamic crime fighting duo!"
It is worth noting this about the collars:
#11 Leather Collars w/ Bell 2 Pack
If you're looking to buy collars specially for multiple cats, or you know your cat is likely to go ahead and lose collars then this is a great option. The price point for this two pack makes it as accessible as a single collar from almost any other company out there.
On top of this there are a few different color combinations you can choose from so you can get your kitties to match or you can match them up to your home decor! A nice perk at this price!
Also worth noting the following:
It is worth cautioning potential buyers of one key item:
#12 Suede Collar With Fish ID
This is one of the only suede options out there that can be customized and has an attached bell. It is a great option for a cat that you want to have a little flair built into their collar, but you also still want it to be functional and helpful in case your cat sneaks out the door and gets lost!
There are a couple of key items worth noting here:
"The fish attachment makes my fluff ball look quite dapper, I love it!"
It is worth noting the following two things before purchasing:
#13 Leather Safety Collar for Kittens
This option is made out of soft genuine leather and it is designed specifically for kittens. It is hand stitched to ensure you’re getting a long lasting good quality product.
There's a built in elastic strap designed to allow your cat an easy release if the collar snags on anything. They also feature very bright colors making your cat easy to spot even in low light.
A few other things worth noting:
"I love all the colors! I bought one for every day of the week for my cat so he can have a new one each day."
Please pay attention to the following before making a purchase:
#14 Classic Padded Leather Collar
Last, but certainly not least on the list, is this awesome collar that comes from AoLove. Made of high quality leather and padded on the inside for comfort, this is another great option for anyone looking to make their cat look extra cute and visible!
A few key features worth noting on these collars:
It is worth noting the following before purchasing:
Additional Information
Are Leather Collars Safe?
Leather collars just as safe as any other type of collar on the market for cats. You just need to make an educated purchase based on the circumstances of your particular cat.
They key difference between many leather collars and many nylon collars is that a lot of leather collars still don't come equipped with a full on safety release or an elastic band. This means if your feline friend gets stuck they can get injured or even worse.
Note that I specifically called out every collar in this list with a breakaway latch or an elastic band. These features are becoming far more common, but they aren't quite yet the norm as they are with nylon collars.
One other item you may wish to factor in is how much additional safety comes from having a collar that won't fall off versus the likelihood of your cat getting stuck on something. If the likelihood of your cat getting stuck seems low, but the likelihood of your cat pawing the collar off seems high, then you may want to go for a more traditional buckle style option instead of a safety release.
You should make your decision based on the habits and behavior or your cat as well as the environment your cat spends most of his or her time in.
Behavioral Factors:
- Super Curious / Loves Exploring: Your should definitely consider a safety release.
- Relaxes All Day: This type of cat should be ok without a safety release.
Environmental Factors:
- Outdoor cat: You should definitely consider a safety mechanism.
- Indoor/Outdoor cat: You should think about having a collar with a safety mechanism.
- Indoor cat: I still recommend a safety mechanism, but if you are constantly with your cat and you don't have many obstacles indoors then a collar without a safety mechanism may be ok.
What Features Should I Consider?
Safety Release / Elastic Band
This is by far the most important feature to consider for any cat collar, especially if you have a cat that is an indoor/outdoor or full on outdoor cat. Outdoor cats tend to do a lot more sneaking around in potentially dangerous places than indoor cats.
With that additional sneaking comes the opportunity for your cat's collar to get caught on things. It could be a fence post or it could be something sticking out the side of a bush or tree. A collar without a safety release of some form could cause your cat to get stuck and end up choking.
Safety releases come in two major forms:
- Breakaway releases: The breakaway release is designed so that if the collar gets pulled on with any decent amount of pressure it will simply pop open and fall off.
- Elastic Bands: Elastic bands ensure that the collar stretches an inch or two when pulled on with pressure. This ensures your cat can't easily choke and can escape the collar.
Both of these features are definitely worth exploring if your cat is going outside. Even if you have an indoor cat it doesn't hurt one bit to aim for collars with this type of release built in for added safely.
The only drawback of these releases is that since the collars come off more easily your cat may lose them. This means an additional cost to replace lost collars and the potential issue of your cat getting lost outside and losing their collar in the process.
D Ring for Tags
Depending on the laws in your state or city you may legally be required to keep tags on your cat if he or she goes outside. Even if you're not legally required though it is smart to keep tags on your cat. This way if your cat ends up lost or injured people can be in touch with you a heck of a lot faster and more easily.
A D ring is the traditional metal ring built right into the collar that you'll be able to hang tags from.
Personalized Name Plate
Not much different than your D ring for tags, but personalized name plates are usually much more secure than a typical tag. The plates are often sewn right into the fabric or the leather of the collar to ensure they stay on unless the collar itself falls off. This is an added layer of security for your kitty cat.
Reflective Strip
A reflective strip is a huge benefit for any feline that is going out at night. The closer you leave to busy roads the more important it is for your kitty to have a reflective strip on their collar. The whole idea is so that your cat is easy to see when there are lights around.
Reflective strips make your cat visible from much further than they would be otherwise. If you have a dark colored cat it is even more important that he or she has a reflective strip to help keep them safe.
Color
You may not think of color as an important factor in your selection, but it is worth considering whether or not the color of the collar will stand out against your cat's fur.
Not only will this help people understand the cat is not a stray, but it'll also help identify your cat in low light situations. Bright colors against dark fur make a stark contrast in fading light or on a dark road.
Can I Walk My Cat With a Collar?
A very calm cat can potentially be walked on a collar, but a collar is not at all designed to stay on a cat in any situations of stress or hard pulling. I wouldn't recommend walking a cat on a collar no matter what type, but you should be even more careful if your collar has a breakaway component or a stretching elastic band built into it.
These collars are basically designed to come off or let your cat out when they encounter a stressful or dangerous situation. If your cat is out for a walk and encounters any form of danger they can easily slip out of a collar and disappear on you.
Collars are not designed for taking your cat on walks. If you want to take your cat out on a walk you should definitely look at a traditional harness and leash combination instead. Harnesses are specifically engineered to stay on your cat even when they are pulling hard against the leash.
This means additional safety for your feline friend and an easy way to pick your cat up when it is necessary.
Should My Cat Wear a Collar?
Ideally all cats should wear collars. The simple fact is that most cats that get lost never make it home to their family. This is of course another reason you should microchip your cat, but a collar can make all the difference.
Collars not only provide an additional level of safety for your cat, they also let people know that a cat belongs to someone. This means people are more easily able to look at the collar and make a quick phone call if they discover a lost or injured cat.
Without a collar your cat would easily end up in the Animal Care and Control center or even worse, ignored as a stray when in dire straits.
Even if your cat is completely an indoor cat you should still consider a collar. Most cats manage to escape the house at some point or another. They are curious after all, and every time the door or window opens it is an opportunity for your feline friend to get out.
A high quality collar is a great way to let people know that this cat belongs to someone and it likely wants to find its way home. With advancements in safety releases and latches you also have far less to worry about than you previously did when fitting your kitty with a collar.
Will My Cat Wear The Collar?
Many owners don't think that cats are likely to wear a collar. But the research flat out shows that cats can and will get used to wearing a collar if the owners are committed to ensuring their cat wears it.
Research from a consortium of schools revealed that as long as owners insist on their cat wearing a collar the cat is quite likely to wear it. Over 70% of cats in a 6 month study kept wearing their collar when the owners stayed on top of it.
The short of it is, as long as you take control of the situation you will be able to keep a collar on your cat. You may need to introduce the collar slowly, but once your cat is used to it there won't be so many problems.
There are all sorts of tips and methods available for getting your feline friend to wear a collar. You can check some of them out here on the Humane Society website.
How Do I Make Sure It Fits?
Making sure your cat's collar fits is pretty straight forward. It is mostly dependent on you measuring your cat before you purchase a collar and then fitting it to the point that it is snug, but not too tight that it feels like it choking your kitty.
You can measure your cat on your own with a piece of string and a ruler. The most important measurement for a collar is around the neck of your cat. You want to make sure that your collar is going to buckle on snugly at the appropriate length, otherwise it will be prone to fall off easily and get lost.
The general rule of thumb for 'snug' is that you should be able to fit two of your fingers between the collar and your cat's neck. This will give sufficient space but also stay on well enough to keep your cat safe.
Check out the video below for more detail:
Wrap Up On the Best Leather Cat Collars 2021
If you're in the market for a collar and you simply don't like nylon options then leather is a great option. It looks great and it will also do the job just as well as any nylon collar.
There are also a lot of great looking options that simply aren't available with nylon when it comes to the decoration on the collars. This means you can get some additional good looks or a bit of bling you might not otherwise see on traditional nylon collars.
The best leather cat collars feature a safety release mechanism like a breakaway snap and they also ensure that your cat's information is attached or included in case of any injury or a lost cat. If you have any experience with the collars above or another option then please leave a comment below!
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References: Rogz Collars, Humane Society, ASPCA
