Should I Use a Collar On My Cat?
Most pet owners understand the importance of using a collar on their companions in order to keep contact information should they ever get lost from home. But for cats these collars though useful in helping them find their way home they can also be a danger to a cat. For this reason many cat owners consider long and hard on whether or not they should use a collar on their cat. Of course if a well-designed collar is purchased and used it can serve it function of giving a place for the owner to show contact information but will not place the cat in any danger.
The first mistake many cat owners make when shopping for a cat collar is to purchase one that is actually made for a dog. Dogs need tight fitting collars that they cannot get out of which are not good for cats at all. Since cats tend to climb trees and maneuver in tight places this type of collar will only get them stuck, maybe in a place they will never be found. Therefore it is essential to use a collar that will give your cat a escape route in case this type of scenario occurs.
Collars designed for cats are made to give them an escape route. Some have elastic that stretches while others use a breakaway buckle or fastener. If a cat should get hung on their collar while climbing or crawling under a fence they will be able to get out and keep on moving. Breakaway collars will do just that while the stretch collars will give a cat the room they need to maneuver out of it.
Of course while it is important that a cat can get out of their collar when absolutely necessary it is still something that should fit well. A collar that is too loose will not stay on when needed while one that is too tight can affect how your cat eats and drinks.
I like my cat to wear a collar because it makes him think he belongs to me and of course always likes the smartest and brightest collar on the street. If he comes home without it, he looks kind of lost and when I get a new one out of the cupboard, he comes and jumps on my knee and patiently lets me fasten it round his neck and adjust it to suit. Because we are such good friends, we know what each of us thinks, however over the last 14 years, I’ve lost count of the number of collars he has lost. I just don’t understand why all the neighbours don’t turn up at my door with a soggy soiled collar that they’ve dug up out of their gardens!
On saying this, I must keep the collar makers in good business. No, Patches has definitely felt more of a sense of belonging when wearing a collar, plus with bells on, a few more birds lives are saved.