Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How To Open a Breakaway Cat Collar in 4 Simple Steps

Share

Adorable brown color domestic cat sitting and enjoy herself on fence of the house

As pet parents, we all want our cats to be safe, and everyone knows that cats wander. That’s where having a collar for your feline friend comes in handy. You can be sure that your cat has a collar and tag with your address and phone number on it just in case it should become lost during its wanderings.

However, we also know that cats are curious creatures and that they’ll climb something in a split second. So, what happens if your furry friend climbs something and falls, such as off a ladder, a roof, or even a tree? They could get hung by the collar and choke or even worse.

That’s where breakaway collars come in, but sometimes it can be confusing for pet parents to open the collar. We’ll examine how to open a breakaway cat collar and more in the article below.

divider 3 paws

How to Open a Breakaway Cat Collar

Have you ever wondered how you’re supposed to open that breakaway collar to keep your cat safe? You need to know to put the collar on the cat, to begin with, and remove it should an emergency happen.

1. Locate the Breakaway Strap

The first thing you want to do is locate the breakaway strap on the collar. You can do this by holding the collar right side up and then looking for the strap on the front.

tabby-cat-on-owners-lap
Photo Credit: Uplight pictures, Shutterstock

2. Apply Force to the Snap

Once you’ve located the snap, you can apply force to cause the strap to snap away from the collar.


3. Slide It Through the Clasp

The simplest way to open the collar is by sliding it through the clasp that holds it, then gently pulling it apart with your fingers so as not to scare your cat.


4. Remove the Collar

Once the breakaway collar is unsnapped, remove it until you’re ready to put it on again.

woman-wearing-collar-to-her-cat
Photo Credit: Patara91, Shutterstock

divider 3 paws

Benefits of Breakaway Collars for Cats

Now that you know how to remove the breakaway collar from your cat’s neck, you might not understand why you need one.

Your Cat’s Safety

If your cat has on a breakaway collar and gets tangled in anything from a tree to a tight spot, just a bit of pressure on the collar will make it come off, which keeps your cat from being trapped or choked by the collar. Any pressure on this collar will cause it to come undone, possibly saving your feline’s life.

Attach an ID Tag

If you don’t want your cat to wear a regular collar because of the choking hazard, you have no way of attaching an ID tag to the cat’s neck just in case it becomes lost. If the cat has a breakaway collar, the collar can come off in an emergency.

These are just a few benefits of purchasing a breakaway collar for your feline pal. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our pets, and a breakaway collar gives you peace of mind in knowing your cat is protected when they’re away from the house.

Finding the right cat collar can be tricky with so many options on the market. Our favorite is the Hepper Breakaway Collar, a durable hemp collar with adjustable slip-locks, a reliable quick-release buckle, and an included jingle bell to keep your local wildlife safe. This collar is stylish and practical, perfect for any cat!

Hepper Hemp Safety Breakaway Cat Collar with Bells
  • Hemp-Hemp Hooray - hemp breakaway cat collars are long-lasting and resistant to UV rays – The...
  • What the neck?! - Our cat breakaway collar has adjustable sizing with metal slip-locks, and softens...
  • Breakaway Safety - Cat collars breakaway to ensure that when out adventuring, the material getting...

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

divider 3 paws

Wrapping Up

Breakaway collars can be difficult to open, especially if you are concerned about your cat. While we all want our cats to be safe when they’re out and about, putting a standard collar on a cat is not a good idea because some felines get into tight spaces and end up being hung by their collars.

There are quite a few benefits to purchasing a breakaway collar for your pet, so make sure to research products beforehand to ensure a breakaway collar is the right choice for you and your feline companion.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Baramyou0708, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Weird Cat Behaviors That Actually Make Perfect Sense

We have been sharing our lives with cats for thousands of years, yet we still find ourselves genuinely stumped by what they get...

The Dream of Talking to Cats Just Got Closer to Becoming a Reality

If you’ve ever wished your cat could simply tell you what they wanted, you’re not alone. From the meow that wakes you before...

Kizzy: The Feline Princess With a Purpose

We were first introduced to Miss Kizzy after she won a licky-treat challenge hosted by Professor Fluffovich, our resident feline research specialist. While...

Chatting With Sally About Mission Meow & Helping Cat Rescue Organizations Collaborate | Chatty Cattys, Episode 24

In this episode of Catster’s podcast, Chatty Cattys, Nicole and Dr. Karyn sit down with Sally Williams, the founder of Mission Meow, for...

More related

Boating With Cats: A Complete Vet-Approved Guide

Cats are believed to be notoriously reluctant to get wet or be on water. But many breeds have been sailing on boats for...

Do Cats Have Taste Buds? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Cats have sharp senses, and their senses of smell, hearing, and vision are incredibly developed. Still, some of their other senses, like the...

How to Make Your Cat Smarter: 5 Tips for a Brainier Pet

Everybody loves the idea of having the smartest pet on the block, but how do you actually get them to start performing tricks...

Is It Ok to Put Ice Cubes in a Cat’s Water Bowl? Vet-Reviewed Pros & Cons

Most cat owners know that keeping a cat hydrated can sometimes be a challenge. Hydration is important for cats, and it’s even more...

Keep reading

How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy: 12 Vet-Reviewed Tips

If you want your cat to live as long as healthfully as possible, keep them inside. Indoor cats not only tend live longer than their outdoor counterparts, but they’re exposed to fewer illnesses, infections, and injuries. They will inevitably require...

woman-playing-with-her-cat

Are All White Cats With Blue Eyes Deaf? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

At some point, you’ve likely heard someone say that all white cats are deaf—particularly those with blue eyes. But is this factual? Not entirely! While white cats with blue eyes certainly are more prone to hereditary deafness—white cats, in general,...

turkish cat with blue eyes_love pattern_shutterstock

How Often Will a Feral Cat Move Her Kittens? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

You may have seen your domestic mama cat move her kittens more than once, and the same behavior is common for feral mother cats. Feral cats will move their kittens for various reasons. If the mother cat is unsatisfied with...

kittens in the grass with their mother

What Are Cats Scared Of? 8 Vet-Reviewed Feline Fears & How to Help 

Cats are highly attuned to their environment and are sticklers for routine. This sensitivity can make them easily startled by certain objects, sounds, and situations, and it all comes down to a cat’s natural instinct for self-preservation and unease surrounding...

scared cat hiding behind the drawer

Can Cats Eat Ham? Vet-Approved Health Benefits & FAQ

Since felines are obligate carnivores, their diet primarily consists of meat. They require certain essential nutrients that can only be found in animal products. And one of those products is ham. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe for your cat...

Can Cats Eat Ham

Why Is My Cat Afraid of the Ceiling Fan? – 4 Possible Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats, like many other pets (and us), possess unique personalities. Some can be extremely brave and adventurous, while others can be more timid and get scared easily. A cat’s personality can be influenced by several factors, including their genetics, early...

ceiling fan

Why Does My Cat Have Whiskers on Their Eyebrows? Vet-Verified Facts & Functions

Though whiskers above the mouth are a standout feature in cat anatomy, whiskers in other areas are less conspicuous. In addition to the area above their mouths, cats have whiskers on their chins, forelegs, around the ears, and above the...

cat orange eyes

Hound and Gatos Cat Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you’re interested in getting your cat back to their historical roots with a meat-centric diet, you’re not alone. That’s the whole premise behind Hound & Gatos, a family-owned company that started in 2010. Although their recipes aren’t...

Hound & Gatos Cat Food Review

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.