Measuring Your Pet for the Perfect-Sized Collar
- Louise Sleigh
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Choosing the correct size for a FeliFeed® or CaniFeed® Support Collar isn’t simply a matter of fit — it directly affects comfort, stability, and how well the feeding tube is supported during recovery. A well‑measured collar helps prevent rubbing, slipping, or unnecessary pressure, allowing your cat or dog to rest and move more comfortably while keeping the tube safely in place.
Accurate measurement is the first and most important step. In this post, I share clear, practical guidance to help you measure your pet confidently and select the right collar size for their recovery needs.
How to Measure Your Pet's Neck Circumference
Measuring your cat or dog for a FeliFeed® or CaniFeed® Support Collar requires a little care and accuracy. Pets vary widely in shape and build, and a well‑fitted support collar helps keep the feeding tube stable without rubbing or slipping.
If your vet has mentioned protecting the cat feeding tube neck area, this simply refers to the section of the neck where the O‑tube exits and where a soft, well‑fitted support collar is essential for comfort and stability.
These simple steps will help you take clear, reliable measurements:
Choose a calm moment — ideally when your pet is relaxed or resting.
Use a soft tape measure and wrap it gently around the base of the neck, where the support collar will sit. Measure close to the skin, smoothing the fur rather than measuring over it.
Check the ease by slipping two fingers between the tape and your pet’s neck. This mirrors the gentle, comfortable fit that the collar is designed to provide.
Record the measurement in centimetres, rounding up if your pet sits between sizes.
Repeat the measurement once more to confirm accuracy.
Taking a moment to measure carefully ensures the collar supports the tube securely while remaining soft and comfortable — reflecting the same thoughtful, slow‑made approach behind every FeliFeed® and CaniFeed® collar.
Understanding Support Collar Fit
Support collars used during feeding‑tube recovery are very different from everyday pet collars. They are designed to stabilise the tube, protect the stoma site, and keep your cat or dog comfortable while they heal. Because of this, the way you measure — and the way the collar should fit — follows a more careful, clinical approach.
Support collars are non‑breakaway — FeliFeed® and standard‑fabric CaniFeed® collars are designed for indoor or fully supervised use only. The secure closure keeps the collar in place so the feeding tube remains supported and protected.
Waterproof CaniFeed® collars are the only exception: they are designed specifically for dogs approved for short, supervised outdoor walks.
The fit should be snug but comfortable — The collar should sit close to the skin without gaping, twisting, or riding up. A stable fit helps prevent rubbing and reduces the risk of the tube shifting.
Use the two‑finger rule — You should be able to slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and your pet’s neck. This ensures the collar is supportive without being restrictive.
Accurate Measurements Matter
Because support collars are soft, padded, and adjustable within a limited range, choosing the correct size ensures the collar performs as intended.
Selecting the right size and fit helps your pet stay comfortable and secure throughout their recovery — a small but meaningful detail that reflects the same thoughtful, slow‑made approach behind every FeliFeed® and CaniFeed® collar.
What Is the 2‑2‑2 Fit Check?
To help owners feel confident once the collar is on, you can include a simple, practical fit check:
2 fingers — You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck.
2 adjustments — Check the collar at both the front and side of the neck to ensure the fit is even.
2 minutes — Observe your pet for two minutes to ensure they can move, swallow, and rest comfortably.
This quick check helps confirm that the collar is supportive, balanced, and comfortable before you settle your pet.
Using the Size Guide for Accurate Collar Selection
Once you’ve taken your pet’s neck measurement, the next step is choosing the correct size.
To make this simple, we’ve created a clear, easy‑to‑follow size guide for both FeliFeed® and CaniFeed® Support Collars. It shows the full measurement ranges for each size and helps you select the collar that will sit comfortably while keeping the feeding tube stable.
Because each collar fastens with a soft Velcro closure, the fit is gently adjustable, and some pets may fall into more than one size range — giving you flexibility to choose the most comfortable option for their shape and build.
View the size guide here.
Using the size guide alongside your measurement ensures the collar fits securely, supports the tube correctly, and gives your pet the comfort they need during recovery.
A Thoughtful Approach to Fit and Comfort
Every FeliFeed® and CaniFeed® collar is made to be soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin, with enough structure to support the feeding tube safely.
Taking a moment to measure carefully and choose the right size helps the collar perform exactly as intended — stable, comfortable, and reassuring for both you and your pet.
It’s a small detail that makes a meaningful difference during recovery.
Craftsmanship, Care, and Purpose
Every FeliFeed® and CaniFeed® Support Collar is made with intention — soft, breathable fabrics, careful construction, and a focus on comfort during recovery. Many pieces are created from repurposed textiles, giving high‑quality materials a new life while keeping the collars gentle on the skin and easy to wash.
Taking a moment to measure your pet accurately is part of this same thoughtful process. It ensures the collar sits comfortably, supports the feeding tube securely, and reflects the care you’re putting into their recovery. It’s a small but meaningful act that brings together practicality, compassion, and considered making.
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