My Cat Keeps Losing Their Collar (SOLVED)
If your cat keeps losing their collar, we completely understand the frustration. It's far more common than you might think, and it's the problem that inspired us to create Supakit in the first place. The good news? Collar losses are almost always fixable with a few simple adjustments. So before you give up on collars altogether, or start looking at options without a breakaway safety feature, read on. We'll walk you through the most common reasons behind breakaway cat collar losses, and share the practical fixes that will help your cat's collar stay exactly where it should be: comfortably on.
Scroll down for the full guide, or click below to watch on YouTube.
Quick navigation
Why is my cat losing their collar?
Reason 1: Your cat is uncomfortable in their collar
Collar discomfort is the most common cause of collar losses, accounting for approximately 90% of cases that we see in our research. Cats are smart, and when they're not comfortable in their collar, they'll soon find ingenious ways to take it off!
You might notice that your cat keeps removing their collar, or you might see other signs of discomfort like trying to get the collar into their mouth, using a back leg to scratch at it, or rubbing their neck persistently on things that they pass.
The good news is that comfort issues are some of the easiest to fix. Here are the most common causes and what to do about them:
-
Incorrect fit
A collar that is either too tight or, more commonly, too loose can cause discomfort. A loose collar can move around and rub against your cat's neck, making them hyper-conscious of it.
The fix: Aim for a perfect fit. You don't want the collar to be too tight, pressing into their neck in any way. But you also don't want it to be too loose. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations, but for a Supakit collar we advise a one-fingertip fit. This means that you should be able to slide one fingertip between your cat's fur and the collar when it's on.
Related: How to fit your Supakit collar
-
Too fast an introduction
Introducing a collar too suddenly can unsettle your cat. If they're not used to the sensation of wearing a collar, they may fuss and try to remove it. But with a little patience and a gradual introduction, most cats will soon forget they even have a collar on.
The fix: Follow our collar introduction guide to gradually introduce the collar to your cat. If they've already had experiences with collars in the past and decided they are not a fan, check out our 'help, my cat hates their collar' remedial guide.
-
Uncomfortable material
A collar made from an itchy or scratchy material can cause ongoing discomfort, especially on the inside surface that sits directly against your cat's neck.
The fix: Choose collars made from soft and smooth materials that are gentle on your cat's fur. In particular, look for collars with a soft material on the inside, not just the outside, as this is the part which will be in contact with your cat's neck. Supakit collars are made inside and out from smooth, supple natural materials that smell and feel just right to your cat, helping them feel at ease from the very first wear.
-
Heavy or bulky collar
A heavy or bulky collar can make your cat acutely aware of what's around their neck, especially if large accessories like tags or trackers have been added. The more they notice it, the more likely they are to try and remove it.
The fix: Keep things as light as possible. Choose a slim, lightweight collar and be selective about what you add to it. If you do need accessories, introduce them one at a time so your cat can adjust. For tracking, choose a small and slimline option. If you're using an Apple AirTag, our AirTag holders are designed specially for cats and add minimal extra weight.
Reason 2: The collar is getting snagged
Snagging is another common cause, and one that's especially familiar to owners of outdoor cats, though it can happen indoors too. It happens when something like a branch, fence post or piece of furniture slips between the collar and your cat's body as they pass by. If your cat pulls away with enough force, the breakaway buckle will release, which is exactly what it should do for safety, but it means the collar is lost.
The fix: The good news is that snags are largely preventable. A correct collar fit keeps the collar sitting close to your cat's body, leaving no gap for things to catch in. Choosing a collar made from supple material also helps, as it will follow the natural shape of your cat's neck rather than holding its own shape and creating space for things to slide underneath.
Reason 3: Outgrowing the kitten collar weight range
If you initially chose a Supakit collar with a kitten buckle for your cat but have since noticed collar losses, it might be due to your cat outgrowing the weight range for the kitten buckle.
Our kitten breakaway buckle is designed to provide safety for the smallest cats, making it perfect for small, lightweight cats. However, as your cat grows and passes 2.5kg / 5.5lbs, the sensitive kitten buckle can start triggering and falling off during their energetic play.
If you've noticed that your cat used to wear their Supakit kitten collar without issues but it's now frequently coming off, it's a strong sign that they've crossed the weight threshold.
The fix: To determine if your cat has outgrown their kitten collar, you can easily weigh them at home. First, step on a scale while holding your cat and note the weight. Then, step on the scale without your cat and subtract the two figures.
If your cat's weight is 2.5kg / 5.5lbs or above, it's time to transition to a collar with our sturdier regular breakaway buckle, ensuring it stays securely in place during their grown-up adventures!
Related: When should my kitten switch to a regular buckle collar?
Reason 4: Conflict with other cats
Another important factor to consider is whether your cat may be involved in fights with other cats in your home or local area.
The fix: This is the most challenging factor to address with the collar alone, because it's crucial for your cat's safety that the collar breaks away if another cat grabs hold of it. While checking the fit to ensure the collar is as snug as possible is always advisable, resolving conflicts between cats often requires a broader approach.
In such cases, we'd recommend seeking guidance from a qualified cat behaviourist who can help you understand and address the root of the conflict, for the wellbeing of all cats involved.
Conclusion: how to keep a collar on a cat
Most collar losses have a simple fix, and with a little patience and the right approach, they can almost always be resolved. The key is getting the fit right, choosing a breakaway collar that's genuinely comfortable, and giving your cat time to adjust. Once those pieces fall into place, you'll likely find that your cat forgets their collar is even there, and that's when it stays on for good.
