If you don’t get the right collar, your cat may get stuck out and about if they catch their collar on something. They could even get their own paw stuck in their collar. These collar accidents have the potential to cause serious injury, including strangulation, deep skin lacerations and jaw damage.
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Unfortunately, cats can entangle themselves in their own collars. When attempting to remove them, for instance, they may get their front legs trapped through them; this usually occurs when the collar is ill-fitting or loose. Alternatively, they may get stuck or entangled on branches, gate posts, or fences, making it impossible for your cat to get away or possibly choking them.
But while collars are a useful accessory for dogs, they can cause issues for cats, so it might not be the best choice for your cherished pet. We examine some of the typical justifications for collar fitting cats and the things you should think about first.
Cats are prone to getting lost or hurt when they roam. You and your four-legged friend can be reunited sooner rather than later if your cat has your contact information on its collar.
Bells, discs, and other items hanging from the collar, however, can be dangerous and increase the chance that your cat will tangle with objects or snag their claws on the bell.
What can I use instead of a collar?
We have some collar-free ideas that might be helpful because we understand there are many reasons why you might want your cat to wear a collar:
- Keeping fleas at bay. Using flea collars to keep bothersome pests away can be unreliable. Many types are not very effective at all. An effective way to keep fleas away from your cat is to use a regular flea treatment that has been approved by the vet. Your veterinarian can provide you with more information on the best flea treatment for your cat. There’s also a chance that they could lose their flea collar and their flea protection. Using a tablet or spot-on treatment will help ensure that they’re protected at all times. Read more about protecting your cat against fleas.
- Finding their way back if they get lost. The thought of your four-legged friend getting lost while traveling can be quite unsettling. Getting them microchipped is the best way to ensure that you will be reunited with them if they stray too far—just make sure to keep their information current! A microchip is a long-term method of ensuring that anyone who finds your cat can quickly reunite you with them. An ID tag on a collar can easily be lost or come off. Find out more about microchipping.
- Keeping their cat flap private. You may have thought about installing a cat flap with a special collar to open it if you’re concerned about other neighborhood cats entering and helping themselves to your cat’s food. The advantage of a microchip cat flap is that it will only open for your cat and there’s no chance of them losing their key (well, collar, but still). But did you know that you can get microchip versions of these? ).
- Protecting the local wildlife. Cats are natural hunters – it’s just who they are. They really can’t help themselves. We recognize that you’ll want to protect the neighborhood birds and mice from your killer cat, so it might seem like a good idea to get a collar with a bell. Other strategies to try and stop your cat from preying on unsuspecting animals include: Placing bird feeders at least two meters away from trees and bushes so that birds can see you coming; Ensuring that your cat cannot access any nest boxes (including places where the young birds may be first emerging to learn how to fly); Mounting bird feeders atop metal poles that your cat cannot climb; Keeping your cat inside during prime hunting hours (shortly after sunrise and just before sunset); Playing with your cat to encourage them to practice their hunting techniques indoors rather than on other animals See our exercise recommendations for suggestions on how to keep your indoor cat active.
What’s the problem with cat collars?
Although attaching a collar to your cat may seem innocuous, there are a few issues and risks you should be aware of:
- They could get stuck. Because cats are inherently inquisitive and enjoy exploring, they frequently climb or squeeze through shrubs and other vegetation, which increases the risk that they could snag their collar on a branch and become stuck. Even if they are able to escape, they run the risk of hurting themselves if they become anxious or struggle to free themselves.
- Collars can rub. Always wearing a collar may cause your cat’s skin to rub against it, especially if it is ill-fitting. They may get sore on their skin as a result, and their neck fur may fall out.
- They could get stuck on the collar itself. Once more, if your cat’s collar is loose or improperly fitted, it may get caught in their mouth or even snag their paw, which could cause major injuries.
FAQ
Is it OK for cats to wear collars?
Do vets recommend collars for cats?
Is it cruel to put a bell on a cat collar?
Should I take cat’s collar off at night?