Pet collars are sometimes seen as “dog stuff,” but collars are also useful for domestic cats.
There are pros and cons to whether we should collar our pet cats. They’re useful for identification and contact information, they can increase visibility, and collars with bells can even reduce hunting, but collars have also been linked to serious injuries in cats.
quick overview
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Collars can be used for cat identification, a clear sign of ownership, visibility, and as a hunting deterrent.
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Collars without safety features can cause mouth, neck and jaw injuries, although this is uncommon.
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The quality, type, and fit of your cat’s collar are critical to safety.
Read on to learn more about why you may (or not) need a collar for your cat, how to keep them safe, and tips on getting them used to it.
Reasons to use a collar
Cats may wear collars for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common reasons include:
1. Identification label
A common reason for wearing a collar around a cat’s neck is for ease of identification. The collar makes it clear that the cat is owned and cared for by the owner and not a stray cat, while the identification tag can carry the owner’s details.
A microchip is a more permanent form of identification, but many owners prefer an immediately visible ID collar. This is probably more applicable to cats that are outdoors, but should also be able to identify cats that are only indoors, as escapes may occur.
Ideally, cats should have both a chip and a collar for identification purposes. If your pet’s collar falls off, they can still be reunited with their owners using the cat’s microchip if they are given to an animal shelter or veterinarian.
Also read: 7 Best Cat Collars
2. Hunting deterrent
If your cat is a skilled predator, constantly bringing you “gifts” of rodents or small birds, a collar and bell may be useful.research shows Bell collars reduce cat predation The impact on local wildlife, in some cases, has almost halved the number of small mammals such as birds and mice killed by domestic cats.
Also read: How do cats hunt?
3. Visibility
There are various risks for cats outdoors, such as road accidents. Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk, which are also times when ambient light levels are lower. Wearing a collar with reflective material increases visibility in the dark, which may help keep them safer.
ALSO READ: What to do if you accidentally step on your cat
4. Flea Control
Flea collars are popular among some pet owners as a way to treat fleas without giving their cat medication. However, the safety and effectiveness of flea collars vary.
Many anti-flea collars contain toxic chemicals like permethrin or organophosphates, which pose a safety risk, while others use more natural ingredients that don’t actually treat fleas effectively.In most cases, there are Better Flea Control Methods Can be used for cats.
Also Read: 8 Best Cat Flea Treatments – Get Rid of Fleas With These Safe Ways
5. Decoration
Pet stores, supermarkets and online stores stock a wide variety of cat collars, some of which are beautifully decorated and aesthetically pleasing.
However, a collar should never be used purely for decorative purposes – if it does nothing for animal welfare, it should not be used. Your cat is pretty enough already!
Collar ornaments, such as gemstones and studs, can also cause irritation if rubbed against the skin, and can be ingested if they come off the collar.
Also read: Is Burning Incense Bad for Cats?
Do collars cause harm?
The main argument against cat collars is the potential for injury or injury.
Some cats shed around the neck where the collar is. This is unlikely to be a problem unless the collar rubs against the skin and causes inflammation or abrasion.
Collars pose a more serious threat to your cat’s health, although this is less common. There is a risk of strangulation if the collar gets caught on something and does not snap off or slip off. A cat’s leg or jaw can also get caught in the collar, causing wounds and potential nerve damage.
This is especially common in collars with elastic inserts, which, thanks to the elasticity, are stretchable enough to allow a limb or chin to wrap around them but not break when grasped.
Bells and discs attached to collars can become caught in objects or present a choking hazard if swallowed.
It’s worth noting that collar injuries are fairly rare. A Research by the American Veterinary Medical Association Of 538 cats followed for six months, 18 (3.3%) reported problems with collar entrapment of forelimbs or mouths.
Also Read: Seresto Collars for Cats: Overview, Dosage and Side Effects
Other Disadvantages of Collars
The main reason some owners decide not to use cat collars is the risk of injury, but there are other downsides as well.
Collars cannot be relied upon solely for contact purposes as they can be damaged and lost. If you’re concerned about your cat running away or getting lost, a microchip is a more permanent method of identification.
Some cats simply cannot tolerate collars, even with gradual introduction and lots of positive reinforcement. If your cat is overreacting, freezing, or frantically trying to remove the collar, even after many, aggressive and gentle attempts, it is best to forego the project.
Also read: How Much a Cat Will Cost in 2023
keep your cat safe
If you choose to use a collar, there are some important tips to help keep your kitten safe and sound.
Be sure to choose a safety collar with a buckle that will automatically open if your cat’s collar gets caught on something. Also known as quick release collars or breakaway collars, they can give your cat a better chance of escaping injury if they are unfortunate enough to get the collar caught on something. Make sure the collar is of good quality and the snaps are easy to release.
The collar needs to be fitted properly. The collar should fit snugly around the cat’s neck with only one or two fingers between the collar and the cat’s skin. Some owners worry that a collar that is too tight will affect the cat’s comfort, but loose collars are a safety issue and there is no evidence that loose collars are more comfortable for cats.
Any tags, discs or bells should be lightweight and fastened securely to the collar. Check your cat’s collar regularly for damage, fit, looseness, or loose fit. Check the fit of your kitten’s collar regularly, as collars can grow out quickly and can cause discomfort and neck injuries if not changed to the correct size.
It may take some time and patience for your cat to get used to the collar, especially if an adult cat has never worn a collar before. Put the collar on for a short time at first, then take it off, gradually increasing the amount of time your cat wears the collar. Lots of positive reinforcement like praise and treats can help.
ALSO READ: How to keep your home kitten-free: 6 essential tips
Alternatives to Collars
If you don’t want your cats to wear collars, they should still be recognizable – even if it’s an indoor cat. Your veterinarian can place a microchip under the skin between the cat’s shoulder blades. The chip is not visible from the outside, but it can be picked up with a microchip scanner and your details found through an online portal. Your cat’s microchip should last a lifetime without issue, and most veterinarians and animal shelters have scanners.
If your cat is a hunter but can’t stand a bell collar, a study showed A diet high in meat content and lots of game in moving objects can reduce hunting behaviour. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) also recommend measures, including keeping cats indoors at specific times when birds are more vulnerable.
Also read: Can You Train a Cat?
Cats and Collars: Final Thoughts
Many cat owners use collars for their pets. Collars can serve a variety of functions, including identification, increased visibility, and confinement of hunting. They can be used to treat fleas, but there are many other flea treatment options available. Microchips are a useful alternative form of identification, and chips can also be used in conjunction with collars. While collars can cause harm to cats, it’s not common. Always make sure your cat’s collar has a quick release feature, is comfortable and of good quality and is fitted correctly.
ALSO READ: 7 Best Cat ID Tags
frequently asked questions
Should cats wear collars all the time?
Collars can be used for cat identification, visibility and predation deterrence. Once your cat is used to their collar, it is recommended that you wear it at all times, as even indoor cats can get away with it.
Should I remove my cat’s collar at night?
If your cat has not worn a collar before, put the collar on them for a short time first. Once they get used to wearing it, they can wear it all day. Check periodically that the collar still fits and is not damaged.
Why don’t people wear collars on their cats?
Many cat owners choose to use another, more permanent form of identification for their cats, such as a microchip. Some owners are also concerned about the possibility of injury to the collars and are reluctant to use them. A small percentage of cats simply cannot tolerate collars.
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