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10 Best Cat Muzzles – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Quincy Miller

By Quincy Miller

cat wearing a muzzle while nails are being trimmed

Owning a cat is largely sunshine and rainbows: You get to pet them, snuggle with them, and watch them be absolutely adorable. There couldn’t possibly be any downsides!

But then, you have to take them to the vet, or bathe them, or trim their nails — and then you see the demon hiding inside your precious ball of fluff. Even the tiniest, most precious cat can cause serious damage if they bite you, so you do not want to be on the business end of their fangs.

That’s why having a reliable cat muzzle on hand can be such a good idea. These devices can keep your cat’s teeth safely behind a barrier, ensuring that they can’t hurt you while you’re trying to help them.

In these reviews, we look at which muzzles do the best job of protecting you and your cat so neither of you needs to dread the next vet visit.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle
  • Made of strong nylon
  • Cats can’t wriggle out of it
  • Easy-to-use Velcro fastener
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Alfie Pet Spike Nylon Muzzle Alfie Pet Spike Nylon Muzzle
  • Strong and durable fabric
  • Covered eyes help cat stay calm
  • Tented nosepiece provides room to breathe
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Jorvet Premium Cat Muzzle Jorvet Premium Cat Muzzle
  • Won’t move or slide around
  • Laces keep it securely fastened
  • Thick nylon prevents teeth from penetrating
  • Best for Kittens
    wintchuk Cat Muzzle wintchuk Cat Muzzle
  • Soft and comfy fabric
  • Opening in front lets cats breathe
  • Comes in other sizes for larger cats
  • Ovida Cat Adjustable Hood Ovida Cat Adjustable Hood
  • Fastens securely
  • Plenty of holes to allow air in
  • Completely encloses cat’s head
  • The 10 Best Cat Muzzles

    1. Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle — Best Overall

    Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle

    Material: Nylon
    Fastener type: Velcro

    The Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle may make your cat look like they’re about to rob a bank, but it offers comfort (for them) and security (for you), making it the best overall cat muzzle.

    Made from strong nylon with an adjustable Velcro fastener, it can fit snugly over your cat’s face without the risk of them biting through it. It leaves them plenty of room to breathe, so they shouldn’t panic or flip out once they get used to it.

    The Velcro makes it easy to put on and take off, even when dealing with the most uncooperative patient. It’s also next to impossible for cats to wriggle out of, which prevents unexpected chomps.

    There’s no stretch to them at all, though, so if you don’t get the fit exactly right, it won’t work that well. That can be an issue with cats that are in between sizes.

    There are three muzzles in each order, and they come in small, medium, and large sizes. That makes it a smart choice for multi-cat households, vet offices, and rescue groups because you can fit just about any size cat without breaking the bank.

    If you deal with problem cats on the regular, the Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle is your best bet for keeping yourself as safe as possible.

    Pros
    • Made of strong nylon
    • Easy-to-use Velcro fastener
    • Cats can’t wriggle out of it
    • Comes with three muzzles
    • Ideal for vets and rescues
    Cons
    • No stretch can make getting proper fit difficult

    2. Alfie Pet Spike Adjustable Quick Fit Muzzle — Best Value

    Alfie Pet Spike Adjustable Quick Fit Nylon Muzzle

    Material: Nylon
    Fastener type: Velcro

    The Alfie Pet Spike Adjustable is a budget-friendly option that gets the job done, making it our choice for the best cat muzzle for the money.

    It has a tented nosepiece, so your cat should have plenty of room to breathe. All that room should make them less likely to panic while it’s on, increasing the likelihood that they’ll be well-behaved for as long as you need them to be.

    The nylon material is strong and durable yet breathable enough that it won’t cause your kitty to overheat. It covers their eyes too, which will make them less likely to react poorly to anything that you’re doing. Their ears will remain uncovered and unbothered, though, enabling you to speak soothingly to them.

    These things run rather small, though, so if you have a Maine Coon or another large-breed cat, they may not work. Also, there’s only a tiny patch of Velcro, which can make it a bit of a pain to fasten if you’re dealing with an unruly cat.

    The Alfie Pet Spike Adjustable isn’t the best cat muzzle on the market, but in terms of value for the price, it’s hard to beat.

    Pros
    • Good value for the price
    • Tented nosepiece provides room to breathe
    • Strong and durable fabric
    • Covered eyes help cat stay calm
    • Cat’s ears won’t be obstructed
    Cons
    • Runs small
    • Only has tiny patch of Velcro

    3. Jorvet Premium Cat Muzzle — Premium Choice

    Jorvet Premium Cat Muzzle

    Material: Nylon
    Fastener type: Laces

    If you don’t want to take any chances with your cat’s teeth, the Jorvet Premium is made of extremely thick nylon that looks and feels more like plastic, so there’s virtually no chance that a stray tooth will shoot through.

    Rather than using Velcro, this muzzle laces up in the back, which is both good and bad. It’s much easier to customize the fit this way, and the muzzle is much more likely to stay in place, but it also takes longer to, which can be a problem if your cat tends to morph into a Tasmanian devil.

    The very tip of the muzzle stays open even when securely fastened, so your cat will be able to continue breathing unimpeded.

    This is a high-quality muzzle and it should last for years. As a result, though, it’s going to be more expensive than most of the thinner nylon muzzles that you’ll find, so it’s up to you whether that’s worth paying extra for or not.

    The Jorvet Premium is truly a premium option, but some users may feel that it’s not superior enough to the competition to justify the increased price.

    Pros
    • Thick nylon prevents teeth from penetrating
    • Laces keep it securely fastened
    • Won’t move or slide around
    • Front is open for unobstructed breathing
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Takes a bit of time to lace up

    4. wintchuk Cat Muzzle — Best for Kittens

    wintchuk Cat Muzzle

    Material: Polyester
    Fastener type: Velcro

    The wintchuk Muzzle comes in various sizes, including small and extra small, making it ideal for use on young kittens. You can also work your way up to large as the cat grows, but that will require buying new muzzles.

    It has an opening in the front that lets your cat breathe, but it’s not large enough for them to attack you. There’s Velcro on the back that enables you to attach it quickly and firmly, so you can get it on in seconds if you need to.

    The fabric is quite soft, so cats should be comfy while wearing it. It covers their eyes completely, which should help calm them.

    However, the band only stretches across the back of the head, and cats may be able to claw it off or wriggle free if you don’t restrain them constantly. Your kitten will be more comfortable, but they’ll also be more of a flight risk.

    If you’re hoping to use this while bathing your cat, you should know that it isn’t waterproof, so your kitty will get soaked (and they probably won’t appreciate that).

    The wintchuk Muzzle is a good choice, especially for kittens, but it’s not quite up to the same level as some other muzzles.

    Pros
    • Small size ideal for kittens
    • Comes in other sizes for larger cats
    • Opening in front lets cats breathe
    • Soft and comfy fabric
    Cons
    • Easy for cats to slip off
    • Fabric isn’t waterproof

    5. Ovida Cat Adjustable Hood

    Ovida Cat Adjustable Hood

    Material: ABS plastic
    Fastener type: Velcro strap

    If those skimpy nylon muzzles make you nervous, the Ovida Adjustable Hood is a good alternative. It will make your cat look like an angry astronaut, but it also keeps their teeth as far away from your flesh as possible.

    Made from durable plastic, it opens like a clamshell, so you won’t have to cram your cat’s head through the tiny opening. It then secures with a loop that fastens with Velcro, ensuring that it stays in place.

    There are holes in the bottom, so you don’t have to worry about your little astronaut running out of air. Your cat will also be able to see everything that’s happening around them, which may reduce anxiety for some cats (or it may increase it for others).

    This hood is definitely designed for smaller-domed cats, though, and if you have a large breed, they may not have much room inside. Also, even with the clamshell design, it can be difficult to put on, especially if your cat develops an aversion to it.

    The Ovida Adjustable Hood is an excellent alternative for those who don’t like regular cloth muzzles, but we wouldn’t recommend starting with it.

    Pros
    • Completely encloses cat’s head
    • Made of durable plastic
    • Fastens securely
    • Plenty of holes to allow air in
    Cons
    • Not ideal for large-headed cats
    • Can be hard to put on
    • Cats may develop an aversion to it

    6. ZOOPOLR Breathable Mesh Cat Muzzles

    ZOOPOLR Breathable Mesh Muzzles

    Material: Nylon
    Fastener type: Velcro

    The ZOOPOLR Breathable Mesh Muzzle is made of mesh, so air can flow freely through it. Not only does that let your cat breathe, but it also keeps them nice and cool as long as it’s on. There’s an opening in the front, so being able to inhale shouldn’t be an issue.

    Putting it on is simple enough because you just slide it over your cat’s nose and close the Velcro on the back. However, it only comes in two sizes, so finding an exact fit is unlikely. The mesh is soft, though, so it shouldn’t irritate your cat if it slides around a bit.

    However, the way that the straps sit may cause it to fold over your cat’s ears a bit, which can cause discomfort after a while. That may make your cat start to paw at it, and once that starts, it’s only a matter of time until it comes off.

    The ZOOPOLR Breathable Mesh Muzzle is a good choice for owners who worry about their cat not getting enough air, but it’s not as secure as some other choices.

    Pros
    • Made of breathable mesh
    • Easy to put on
    • Soft fabric unlikely to irritate skin
    Cons
    • Only comes in two sizes
    • May sit uncomfortably on ears
    • Can be knocked off by cat

    7. Tylu Transparent Muzzle Set

    Tylu Transparent Muzzle Set

    Material: Plastic
    Fastener type: Zip slider

    You get three faceguards of different sizes in the Tylu Muzzle Set, making it a good choice for multi-cat households or kittens that will soon grow.

    These transparent shields cover their entire face, ensuring that their teeth won’t be able to sneak out and snag you. There are holes at the end that enable your cat to breathe freely, and the strap is an adjustable buckle that can be cinched up in seconds.

    With the way that it’s designed, though, it will put pressure on the side of the cat’s face when fastened. That makes it hard to get it truly secure without hurting your cat. The cinch is also difficult to unfasten when you’re done with it.

    Also, while there are holes on the end, they’ve been arranged in a cute, kitty-cat design — no doubt to encourage pet owners to buy it. However, there aren’t many holes near the nose, where they’re needed most.

    The packaging encourages you to use this in the bath, but the design (enclosed mask with minimal air holes) means that any water that gets in will stay there for a bit, which won’t be pleasant for your cat.

    The Tylu Muzzle Set is a good choice if you have multiple cats or care about how cute their muzzle is, but it has a few flaws that make it less than ideal for everyday use.

    Pros
    • Shields cover entire face
    • Three different-sized muzzles in each order
    • Adjustable cinch is easy to close
    Cons
    • Puts a great deal of pressure on sides of face
    • Air holes aren’t near nose
    • Terrible for use in the bath
    • Cinch can be difficult to undo

    8. Weewooday 4-Piece Cat Bathing Bag

    Weewooday 4-Piece Cat Bathing Bag

    Material: Polyester
    Fastener type: Drawstrings

    You get more than a muzzle in this four-piece set from Weewooday: It also comes with a pair of bathing bags (and a second muzzle, just in case).

    This makes it an excellent option for nail trimming or bathing, and the bags can be adjusted to keep the cats’ legs inside or let them dangle out. The fabric is a soft, breathable polyester, so your cat should stay comfy while inside. It’s also washable, in case that becomes necessary.

    The muzzle completely covers your cat’s lower face, which should help keep you safe and may calm them. There’s no open space at the end, though, so some cats may get claustrophobic or start to breathe heavily.

    The masks close with drawstrings, which can make them more secure (if properly tied), but it also means that it will take time to fasten them. Tying them off can be difficult if you have a squirming cat in your arms. The bags, on the other hand, use Velcro and zippers, and they can be complicated in the heat of the moment.

    If you’re looking for something to restrain your cat’s paws and jaws, this set from Weewooday is a good choice. If you’re buying it just for the muzzles, though, you can find better ones elsewhere.

    Pros
    • Includes bags for covering cat’s body
    • Legs can be put inside or left out of bags
    • Muzzles can be washed if soiled
    Cons
    • No opening at end of muzzle
    • Drawstrings difficult to tie while holding cat
    • May cause some cats to be claustrophobic
    • Hard to get cats in bags

    9. Beikal Cat Muzzle

    Beikal Muzzle

    Material: Nylon
    Fastener type: Velcro

    The Beikal Muzzle is one of the least expensive options on the market, so it’s a good starter option if you’re not sure what your cat will need.

    There’s nothing about it to set it apart from other muzzles, however. It has a simple Velcro enclosure at the back, there’s a hole in the front for breathability, and it covers the cat’s entire lower face, blocking out the outside world. In that sense, it’s just as good as some higher-priced models.

    However, the nylon is slick, almost slippery. That can make it easy for the cat to slip out, and since it only comes in a large size, many cats will be able to Houdini their way free. The material is quite thin too, so while it’s unlikely that a tooth can get through, it may not stop them from being able to chomp on you.

    If cost is your primary concern, then the Beikal Muzzle may be all you need. However, for just a few bucks more, you can get a muzzle that works better.

    Pros
    • Low-priced option
    • Has many features shared by higher-priced models
    Cons
    • Slick material is easy to slip off
    • Thin nylon won’t stop chomping
    • Only comes in one size
    • Not suitable for smaller breeds

    10. OneCut Cat Muzzle

    OneCut Cat Muzzle

    Material: Polyester
    Fastener type: Velcro

    The OneCut Cat Muzzle is a polyester mesh option that wraps around the cheeks and eyes, leaving a slight opening in the front to enable the cat to breathe.

    Some cats do well not being able to see, while others calm down when they can see what’s happening. Unfortunately, the OneCut offers the worst of both worlds, as it only offers an obstructed view.

    It has a simple Velcro backing, but it fits over the ears a bit when closed. This can make it easy for the cat to slip off, even if not deliberately trying to do so. Also, if they try to get it off with their feet, the mesh may snag a claw along the way.

    You’ll only find it in two sizes, small and large, which ignores the existence of medium-sized cats entirely. As a result, the fit will never be ideal.

    That said, the OneCut does get the job done, and it’s certainly better than nothing. However, if you plan on using a muzzle frequently, it makes sense to buy one that checks off a few more boxes.

    Pros
    • Easy to put on
    • Mesh is breathable and comfortable
    Cons
    • Creates an obstructed view
    • Only comes in two sizes
    • Unlikely to fit perfectly
    • Easy for cats to slip off
    • Mesh can snag claws

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Muzzles

    Buying a muzzle for your cat may be something that you never thought you’d do, so when it comes time to purchase one, you might not know where to start. In this guide, we reveal what questions you should ask yourself before making a decision.

    Aren’t Muzzles Cruel?

    No, as long as you choose a muzzle that’s comfortable and fits well, putting a muzzle on a reactive cat is much kinder than the alternatives, which are usually neglecting to trim their claws or take them to the vet.

    Keep in mind that the muzzles on this list are designed for short-term use; they should only be kept on as long as necessary, not worn full-time. Your cat probably won’t like wearing one, but they don’t like going to the vet either.

    The fact is that sometimes, you have to do things that your pet doesn’t like in the short term to ensure their long-term well-being.

    What Should I Look For in a Cat Muzzle?

    Muzzles are simple devices, so there aren’t many bells and whistles to worry about.

    There are only a few factors to consider, such as:
    • Comfort: While your cat likely won’t be happy when the muzzle is on, it shouldn’t cause them physical pain.
    • Ease of Use: If you’re buying a muzzle, it’s likely because your cat is a handful. You don’t want to be struggling with a muzzle while also trying to wrestle with an angry feline.
    • Security: Make sure the thing will stay on as long as it’s needed. After all, if it slips off at an inopportune moment, it’s basically worthless.
    • Safety: Ensure that your cat can breathe while wearing it and that it doesn’t pose any other health risks, like potential damage to their claws or eyes.

    Also, you should know that when stressed, cats tend to breathe primarily through their mouths. Make sure that any muzzle you buy leaves both the mouth and the nose unobstructed.

    Should My Cat Be Able to See While Wearing a Muzzle?

    That depends. Some cats immediately start to calm down when they’re in a dark, cramped area — that’s why they’ll hide under beds or similar places when frightened. For those cats, being completely shrouded in darkness while wearing the muzzle may be soothing.

    Others don’t like being unable to see what’s happening around them, and blocking their view will only make them more frightened. In that case, using a clear muzzle or one that doesn’t wrap over their eyes is a good idea.

    Unfortunately, this varies from cat to cat, and there’s no way to know in advance how your cat will react. You may have to try a few different models before you find one that works.

    cat wearing adjustable muzzle
    Image Credit: Amazon

    Do I Have to Use a Muzzle on My Cat Forever?

    Not necessarily. For most procedures, like simple checkups and nail trims, you can use positive reinforcement training to slowly teach your cat to let you handle them without reacting aggressively. That will require hard work and dedication on your part, though, and we can’t say whether you’ll be willing to do that.

    If you deal with feral or unknown cats quite a bit, we recommend defaulting to a muzzle every time unless you’re extremely confident about how the cat will respond.

    Can I Use a Muzzle to Stop Everyday Cat Aggression?

    No, that’s not really what they’re designed for. They’re intended for extremely short-term use, not to be worn around the clock. If you have an aggressive cat, you should call a trainer or behaviorist rather than try a Band-Aid solution like a muzzle.

    However, if you have to put your cat in a short-term situation where they might react aggressively (if they have to be around another cat for a brief period, for example), you may want to put the muzzle on them until the situation is over.

    Remember, though, by muzzling your cat, you’ll be depriving them of one of their primary defense mechanisms, so make sure they’re not in danger first.

    Related Reads:

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    Final Thoughts

    If you’re looking for a good muzzle, the Downtown Pet Supply Cat Muzzle is a simple, reliable option that gets the job done. Also, the Alfie Pet Spike Adjustable is a good bargain-basement option that works about as well as some of the premium models.

    Putting a muzzle on a pet is never a fun thing to do, but trust us when we tell you that it’s better than taking antibiotics for a puncture wound in your arm. Hopefully, these reviews will help you find a muzzle that will work for both you and your cat. In time, you might find that these situations become less stressful for both of you.

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