f you are ordering a custom photo bib for your cat or small dog, getting the right fit makes all the difference.
A bib that is too tight will irritate your pet’s neck fur, restrict movement, and cause stress. One that is too loose will keep sliding off during meals and playtime, and your pet may even manage to pull it off completely.
Many new customers guess the size based only on their pet’s weight or breed. Unfortunately, weight alone is not reliable. Two cats of the same weight can have very different neck thickness. That is why measuring your pet’s neck is the most trusted way to choose.
## What Supplies Do You Need?
1. Soft flexible cloth measuring tape (the tailor tape works best)
2. Treats to keep your cat or dog calm and cooperative
3. A piece of paper or phone note to write down your neck‑circumference number
If you do not own a soft measuring tape, you can use a piece of string, then lay the string flat against a ruler to read the centimeter value.
## tep‑by‑Step Measuring Instructions
1. Find your pet’s collar position: measure around the **base of the neck**, low down near the shoulders, not high up close to their jaw. This is where their regular collar sits.
2. Wrap the tape gently around the neck.
3. **Critical rule**: Leave room for 1‑2 fingers underneath the measuring tape. Never pull tight against the skin. Your pet needs space to breathe, turn their head, and groom themselves comfortably.
4. Take 2‑3 separate readings, then take the average number, in case your pet moves. Write down your final neck circumference in centimeters.
## Our Official Size Chart
- **S (15‑30 cm neck circumference)**：Kittens, tiny adult cats, teacup‑size small dogs
- **M (20‑40 cm neck circumference)**：Most average‑sized domestic cats, popular small dog breeds
- **L (25‑45 cm neck circumference)**：Large fluffy cats, medium‑sized small dogs
- **XL (30‑55 cm neck circumference)**：Stocky heavy‑build cats, bigger small‑breed dogs
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> **Important sizing advice**: Whenever your measured neck value falls between two sizes, always select the larger option. Extra loose space is far better than a tight fit for your pet’s comfort.
## What If My Pet Refuses To Stay Still?
Cats and puppies often hate being measured. You do not need to force them.
Grab one of their well‑fitting existing collars. Lay it flat on the table, measure its usable length. That measurement is a great substitute for direct neck measurement.
## Common Measuring Mistakes To Avoid
1. Measuring too tightly: Tight neckwear creates discomfort and safety risks for pets. Always keep 1‑2 fingers of slack.
2. Measuring near the jaw or throat: Always measure at the lower neck where collars sit. Numbers taken higher up will give you wrong results.
3. Choosing size purely by pet weight: Body build varies wildly even within one breed. Weight is only a rough hint, never a replacement for actual neck measurement.
4. Ignoring adjustability: Our custom bibs have adjustable fasteners, but you still need to pick the base size that covers your pet’s neck range.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Q: Can my cat sleep while wearing this bib?
A: We recommend removing the bib during unsupervised rest or sleep time. It is designed mainly for feeding time, photo shoots and supervised daytime wear.
### Q: Will the bib rub my pet’s skin?
A: Our bibs are made of soft polyester fabric. When you pick the correct size with proper slack, rubbing and chafing will not happen. An overly tight size is the main cause of skin irritation.
### Q: Can I return it if the size still does not fit?
A: Since each bib is custom‑printed with your own pet photo, returns due to incorrect size selection are not available. That is exactly why we created this measuring guide to help you get it correct the first time.
## Ready To Order Your Custom Photo Bib?
Once you know your pet’s neck circumference, you are ready to design your unique custom bib. Upload your favourite pet photo, select your correct size, and create a one‑of‑a‑kind accessory for your furry companion.
Thank you for visiting Dodo Cat Bibs. Every item in our shop is handmade‑printed with love for cats and small dogs.
