Things to Consider When Choosing Cat Collars

Just like dogs, cats are also in need of a collar. Except for being a great way to identify it (because of its identification tag), these collars are also a great way of keeping track of your cat. Whether your cat gets lost or something, the one who has found will easily return it to you thanks to the identification tag and your address information. That way you can have peace of mind that your cat will come home safe and sound, reducing your stress and anxiety levels. When in the search for the right collar, you should know that there are several important things to have in mind.

Types of Cat Collars


Flea Collars

As the name implies, these collars are mainly used for cats that have fleas. As we all know, both dogs and cats are prone to catching fleas and this collar is a great way to kill fleas without compromising the health of your pet. However, reading the instructions before using the collar is paramount in order to be sure how to use the collar in order to reap its benefits.

Bell Collars


It goes without saying that these collars for kittens are one of the most traditional types there are on the market. Even though traditional, it seems that bell collars for kittens are the most sought-after and favoured by cat owners for many reasons. The first and most important one is that these collars give them an early warning about what the cat might be doing. On the other hand, by hearing the bell, you can have peace of mind that the cat is somewhere around the home and near you.

Although in the past these collars were used so the cats could scare the birds, preventing the cat from getting hold of them. That way, you can be sure that your cat won’t do anything bad while being sure that your little pet is near you.

Breakaway Cat Collars


Breakaway collars are the ones that have a buckle or clasp that can break the link only under pressure. In other words, these collars are great for cats who are always on the go, running and trying to catch something. For instance, these collars would also be great for those occasions when your cat snags up against a tree, fence or bush. Since they are not able to free themselves with the help of their paws, by starting to pull away from the collar, the collar buckle will open up leaving the cat free for doing whatever it wants.

Cat Tracker Collars


These collars are ideal if your cat loves snooping around the neighbourhood. Thanks to their tracking device, you will be able to find your cat anytime it goes missing from your home. The best thing is that these tracker devices are usually attached to the collar without being obtrusive. Ranging in style, design, size and shape, you can easily find the ones that will meet your personal needs and budget as well.

Regardless of the type of collar, you plan to invest in, it is recommended to add an identification tag on it. Usually made of thin metal or plastic material, these tags can be personalised with different information like your phone number and address.

Choose the Right Size


Since we are talking about kittens, you should keep in mind that your little cat won’t stay the same in size forever. So, in this case, choosing an adjustable collar is recommended. But this is not the most important thing. What matters the most is keeping an eye on your cat and always have it checked in order to loosen the collar when needed. This is essential since collars can literally grow into your pet’s neck and cause unbearable pain which is not good for your little furry friend. Veterinarians recommend checking on your kitten’s collar on a weekly basis until it’s fully grown. A rule of thumb is that you need to leave around two or three fingers between the collar and the neck of your cat/kitten. Another thing to have in mind is to consider the age of your cat and its tendency to lose weight. Since it’s not strange for older cats to lose weight, you should check on the collar and see if it’s not too loose. If you don’t pay attention to this, the collar could slip off your cat’s head and your cat could easily escape with no collar and identification tag.

How Often Should You Change the Cat’s Collar?


As we already mentioned, this can certainly depend on the age and size of your cat. But besides this, you should regularly check for any irregularities since cats can be a little bit clumsy. So, it is paramount for you to check for any harm or collar malfunctions. Then and only then, you can be sure that you have a 100% functional pet collar.