7 Best Cat Muzzles of 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Is your cat a sweet puddle of fuzz at feeding time, but a tiny tiger at bath time? A cat muzzle may be the solution that helps both you and your cat get through stressful situations safely and calmly.

Do not muzzle your cat for any prolonged period.

Cats don’t sweat the way people do, and mostly vent their excess body heat by panting. A muzzle will inhibit your cat’s natural ability to cool themselves down and could quickly become dangerous if left on for longer chunks of time.

But how do you choose? Canvas, mesh, eye covering, or not – there are quite a few considerations to take into account. Don’t get your kitties in a twist, because now you’ve got our thoroughly researched reviews of the seven best cat muzzles to help you figure it out.

And don’t forget to check out the buyer’s guide at the end for information on materials, features, and tips for how best to introduce your feline friend to a cat muzzle.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites for 2023

The 7 Best Cat Muzzles – Reviews & Top Picks 2023

1. Proguard Pets Softie Cat Muzzle – Best Overall

When considering your cat’s safety and your own during a challenging vet visit or nail trim, the Proguard cat muzzle is the best of both worlds.

Made from DuPont’s patented fabric used in protective apparel, there’s no way kitty’s teeth are going to be sinking into your arm! The materials are a blend of canvas and Kevlar, and the stiff (but comfy) cone-shaped muzzle holds its shape to keep your cat’s breathing as free and easy as possible.

It’s a little more expensive than competitors, but the superior breathability and durability more than make up for the handful of extra dollars.

All in all, we think this is the best cat muzzle.

2. Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle – Best Value

Those needing a quick, inexpensive way to keep their cat’s chompers contained should check out the Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle. It is easy to put on, nigh impossible to slip out of, and the best cat muzzle for the money.

We advise that you pay special attention to your cat’s breathing in this mask. There is a nose hole to help promote airflow and if the size is correct it should be just fine. However, an improper fit could lead to poor ability to breathe.

But tough nylon-like this is less breathable than other fabrics, and it is better to be cautious and safe. Don’t snug your cat’s muzzle down too tight or leave it too loose and take it off if they seem to be experiencing any shortness of breath.

3. Jorvet Premium Cat Muzzle – Premium Choice

Your tiny little Hannibal Lecter will be completely powerless to feast on your flesh in the Jorvet Premium Cat Muzzle. It is incredibly sturdy, and the fasteners make it impossible for even the most talented of feline escape artists to wriggle out.

We don’t love how thick the water-resistant nylon material of the muzzle is, and how little air can flow through it. However, the clever design of the Jorvet provides a solution to this.

The cone shape of this muzzle is firm and does not squish or flatten against a cat’s face. And because this design is longer than others, it can have a larger opening at the end. That means your cat will get more airflow and likely breath better in the slightly intimidating Jorvet than in a smaller, thinner muzzle.

The premium materials and craftsmanship of the Jorvet also translate to premium pricing. But for folks that want a cat muzzle that will last, or have a particularly bloodthirsty feral feline, should look to Jorvet for the best deal.

4. Xbes Nylon Cat Muzzles

Those looking for decent quality at a highly reasonable price will want to consider Xbes. The Xbes nylon cat muzzle has comfy, quick release Velcro straps and completely covers your cat’s eyes to keep them calmer and more docile.

The company even gives some sizing tips to help ensure that you get the safest fit. We aren’t a fan of the less breathable nylon material, but of the nylon muzzles, this is one of the best.

The main issue we noticed with the Xbes muzzle is that the nylon is also very slippery. Fastening a muzzle on a cat gets very tricky if the cat does not want it on, and the additional slippage can make it even more challenging.

We do not recommend it for thrash-happy felines, but this muzzle could be a good budget option for less wiggly cats.

5. Guardian Gear Nylon Cat Muzzles

For an inexpensive cat muzzle that stops biting and covers your cat’s eyes, check out Guardian Gear. These muzzles come in a variety of colors and sizes and won’t cost you much at all.

The material is thick nylon, which is less breathable than a natural fiber. The nose hole at the end seems to provide enough air, but the malleable shape means that especially wild cats may shove the muzzle around and reduce their ability to breathe well.

The lack of sizing information provided by the company led to a trial and error fitting. Once we found the appropriate size it fit fairly well – snug but not too snug – but it took experimentation to find the perfect fit.

If you end up choosing the Guardian Gear cat muzzle, try getting multiple sizes at once and returning the ones that fit poorly. Because if you need a cat muzzle, chances are you do not want to have to wait around for returns and replacements.

6. ZOOPOLR Cat Muzzles

If you need to keep your cat from over-grooming, scratching their face due to wounds or allergies, or Zoopolr’s cat muzzle may be just the thing.

The highly breathable fabric makes it one of the safest muzzles on the market for your cat. But the tradeoff is that it provides little protection for you.

This cat muzzle’s mesh is very thin and does not prevent teeth from penetrating the fabric. Many reviewers even remark on the ability of particularly crafty cats to extricate themselves.

It would be a great option for calmer cats that just need some behavior correction. But the Zoopolr muzzle will not pose any challenge to hairy Houdinis or tiny tigers bent on sinking fangs into flesh.

7. Alfie Pet Quick Fit Nylon Muzzle

Alfie Pet Supply also makes a decent nylon cat muzzle. It is sufficiently durable to prevent nasty bites and covers the cat’s eyes completely to help keep them calm.

The sizing runs large, however, and on many of our smaller adult cats, it could not be snugged to an appropriately safe level. With a poor fit, your cat may shove their nose into the fabric and make it harder to breathe, and wily cats will take advantage of any extra room to make a break for it.

This muzzle is most appropriate for larger, less ferocious cats. It’s also relatively similar in price to many other items, so if you have a smaller cat you won’t be losing out on a good price.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to buying the right cat muzzle, there are two main concerns: your cat’s safety and comfort (i.e., breathability), and your own safety.

Of course, price plays into all purchasing decisions. Luckily, cat muzzles are relatively inexpensive products. But that doesn’t mean you should go for the cheapest, nor that you should let a company charge you an exorbitant amount for what essentially amounts to a specially shaped piece of fabric.

Let’s take a closer look at what features inform how you can choose the best cat muzzle to keep your cat safe, and your skin intact!

Material

Canvas, Natural Fibers

Natural fiber cat muzzles generally ensure the most breathability for your fuzzy friend. Cat owners who are simply looking for a way to cover their cat’s eyes effectively and help calm them that way will appreciate the safety and softness of natural fibers.

The big downside to natural fibers is that they provide less protection from your feisty feline’s teeth. Canvas can provide an excellent solution to this problem.

Historically, canvas was made from hemp. But as the modern engines of mass production have chugged forward, it is now predominantly made from linen or cotton and sometimes blended with other materials.

Canvas is extremely durable and is the natural fiber of choice for many products such as ship’s sails, tents, backpacks, and some outdoor apparel. A tough canvas weave will stand up to even the sharpest of cat teeth! It’s also easy to clean and maintain.

However, make sure that if you purchase a canvas cat muzzle that the fabric is not treated for water repellency. Chemical treatments such as this will reduce airflow.

Nylon

Perhaps the most commonly used material in cat muzzles is the synthetic material known as nylon.

Nylon is a highly versatile material that can be melted down and reshaped. You will find nylon used in nearly every production industry in the world: resins and molds for car parts, food packaging film, fishing lines, toothbrush bristles, cello strings, and a huge variety of clothing for commercial and military use.

It is also durable in comparison to natural fibers and has become a very low-cost option for manufacturers. Strong nylon, however, is not as breathable as natural fibers. The tougher the nylon, the less easily air can pass through it.

Cat muzzles are most commonly used to prevent biting, so a tough nylon fabric may sound like a good thing. But when deciding on your purchase, remember that with the direct tradeoff of breathability for durability you run into a serious issue of comfort for your cat.

You must make the choice between buying a cheap and breathable nylon cat muzzle that won’t last, or a muzzle that is thicker, stronger, but also less comfortable for your cat to wear.

Breathable and inexpensive nylon mesh cat muzzles are available. However, they do not do as much to limit your cat’s vision. If covering your cat’s eyes helps keep them calm, a mesh muzzle may not work.

Alternative Synthetic Fibers

Some synthetic materials are designed for superior breathability and durability, used in protective gear for humans in the medical and industrial sectors.

Finding a cat muzzle made from high-quality protective material may be a little pricier. But the tradeoff of higher price for better breathability, protection from those teeth and claws, and longevity of the product is a solid one.

Materials to Avoid

Breathability is the most important part of a cat muzzle. Almost any muzzle you choose will restrict your cat’s ability to breathe, so pick a material that does so the least.

Here are some common fabrics and materials to that simply are not breathable or comfortable enough to be useful in a cat muzzle:

Other Features to Keep in Mind

Size

After the breathability of materials, sizing your cat’s muzzle properly is the next most important consideration. After all, if it doesn’t fit, how are you supposed to avoid getting chomped?

The proper fit of the muzzle will also be safer for your cat. A snug, but not too tight fit will keep your feline from wiggling out or getting themselves caught in the fabric somehow.

Most cat muzzles give you appropriate dimensions of what size neck and head they fit. Use a tape measure (and maybe some treats!) to get an idea of the circumference of your kitty pal’s head and nose, as well as their neck.

Closure Design

If your cat is a thrasher, you may want to pay special attention to the type of closures.

Is the closure method fast and easy, like Velcro? Or will you be fumbling with snaps or straps while your tiny tiger makes mincemeat of your arms?

Is your cat the type to try and rip a muzzle off, or can you go for a lightly secured option? Considering things like these ahead of time may save you from having to return and re-order.

How to Use a Cat Muzzle

When introducing your cat to a muzzle, it is highly advisable to do so gradually. A slow introduction will give your cat time to get used to the muzzle, even if they never like it.

Here are a few tips on how to reduce stress and help ease your feline friend adjust to a muzzle:

Frequently Asked Questions about Cat Muzzles

Conclusion

Don’t want to read through all of our in-depth reviews, but still want the lowdown on which cat muzzle will work best for you?

Here’s the scoop:

The best overall cat muzzle on the market is the Proguard Pets Softie Cat Muzzle. It is only moderately expensive, and provides superior breathability for your cat, eliminates their ability to bite, and is durably made to stand the test of time.

And as for the best value, check out the Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle. It’s cheaper than a bagel and a coffee at your favorite fancy café and will do a solid job keeping your cat and your hands protected during stressful grooming situations.

We hope these reviews and handy tips can make your experience purchasing and using a cat muzzle as painless as possible.