Obtaining the perfect cat collar and harness fit is important for your cat's wellness, safety, and movement.
First, heed the the age and breed of your cat:
Keep in mind the rapid growth most kittens (~2.2 lbs - 5.5lbs)
undergo. Choose a collar with an adjustable size range to accommodate your kitten's current size as well as room for growth.
Does your cat pack on extra fur in cold weather? Some need another collar size to account for changes in fur density in specific seasons and/or those fluffy, furry cats who experience fluctuations in their fur appearance by way of regular grooming.
How to Measure Your Cat for a Collar
Grab a measuring device:
Wrap a soft tape measure closely but comfortably around your cat's neck and note down the measurement. No soft tape measure? Use string, a ribbon, or a cord to gather the circumference, then measure it against your ruler or hard tape measure. IMPORTANT: Add 2 inches to this figure to allow the correct amount of space between their neck and the collar.
Have a well-fitting collar you’re replacing? Simply take it off and measure the inside circumference when it's fastened on the correct hole.
Cat Collar Sizing Guide (within our collars that bode with dogs and cats)
Extra-small: up to 10"
(kitten and petite cats + most adult cats)
Small: over 10"
(adult cats that are curvy, furry, and >10" in neck circumference)
If shopping a collar that can bode well with cats and dogs, choose XS or S, depending on your kitten or cat's statistics:
Kitten and petite cat necks are typically 6-8 inches; adult cats are usually 7-9 inches; large cats are usually 9-11+ inches
How to Measure Your Cat for a Harness
Obtain the 'chest girth' first:
Measure from behind the front legs to atop the spine, making a full circle. You are measuring the widest part of your cat's chest, behind the front legs. Properly sized, you should fit two fingers between the harness and your cat's body.
Obtain the 'neck girth' too:
Measure the widest part of your cat's neck, from the shoulder blade to above the front legs, where the harness will sit. Note that this neck measurement is different from where a collar sits.
Extra-small (XS): adjusts to 15-19" bust / 12-15" neck
Small (S): adjusts to 17-23" bust / 14-19" neck
FYI:
Cat collars and even harnesses are often adjustable several inches, a major perk for your pet's potential varying weight and coat if in doubt, choose one where your pet's neck measurement is in the middle of the range.
If a collar was the exact size of your pet's neck, it would be too tight: Allow room to slip two fingers between the collar and the cat's neck or add two inches to the neck measurement.
Note: Even leashes, collars, harnesses, and such identifying, control, and safety tools pose a risk: As with any and every tool, it can be used in a positive or a negative way. Please remain vigilant and informed with your pet's whereabouts, safety, and gear.
