Should Cats Have Bells on Their Collar?

Bells were put on the collars to alert potential prey that the cat is approaching them. Outdoor cats have a genetic tendency to hunt, hence bells were a way to keep a track of them in the wild.

On the other hand, indoor cats hide in spaces which are out of sight, hence owners use these collar bells to locate their four-legged companions in their personal space. In big indoor spaces it helps in keeping the mind calm knowing that your pet is somewhere around you.


Bells are beneficial in both indoor and outdoor environments. For outdoor cats, a research concluded that cats with bells preyed upon less animals than those without any bells. It acts as a warning for other species around them.

Cats tend to pounce on other cats in their space, the sound of the bell alerts the others and reduces the chances of sneak attacks and fights between pets in the same household. For cats that stay indoors and outdoors, bells jingles help in keeping a track of the cat wherever it wanders off away from the owners.


Cats have intense hearing power, for some bells can cause major discomfort. Those with more hearing power can get stressed out as a jingle is heard by them at every step they take. What sounds like a small sound to us, can cause mental trauma and heart issues for your friend.

If trained, cats understand the sound as a punishment for themselves, which can change their whole behaviour, personality, and lifestyle. The annoying jingle of the bell can cause your cat to be less confident, less playful and more lazy in the daily routine.


Cats have a built in natural hunting instinct, which the bells try to overpower but in some cases it does not help. Cats learn to move in a way which does not make the bell jingle and does not alert their prey about the attack that they have in mind.

Cats tend to prey on bird, which can be reduced by bright, colourful collars which the bird can see from afar even if the cat has not made a sound from the bells hanging from their collars. These hunting instincts do not go away, but they can be reduced by using the proper collar and bell combination.


The comfort and peace of your pet must always be at the back of your mind. When choosing a bell and collar for your pet, it must be light, comfortable for them and easily removable if they ever get stuck in a small place. Give your cat ample time to get used to the sound of the bell jingling, and try on different sizes before deciding on the perfect bell for them.


The decision of putting on a bell depends on the environment and the lifestyle that your cat has around and with you.
For some bells serve as warning signs but for other it just might be an irritating sound which follows them everywhere they go. As their care takers, we need to validate the use of the bell on their collar and keep their peace of mind above everything else.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do bells harm cats’ hearing?
   Not directly, but constant noise close to their ears can irritate or stress sensitive cats.
2. Are bells effective in stopping hunting?
   They help reduce kills but don’t stop hunting completely, some cats learn to move quietly even with a bell.
3. What type of collar is safest?
   A breakaway or quick-release collar is best to prevent choking hazards.
4. Should indoor cats wear bells?
   Usually not necessary, unless you need to locate a particularly sneaky cat.