How do I Choose a Good Cat Collar?

Many cat owners, especially those living in urban areas, feel that a cat collar is vital for keeping their pet safe.  Should your cat ever wander too far from home, wearing a collar immediately lets people know that he is a domestic cat, rather than a feral stray,  and that someone is probably looking for him.  Accompanied by a tag, engraved with your contact details, a collar can be your pet´s best chance at being returned to you safely and quickly should he ever stray or get lost.

A cat collar also offers a way to hold your cat more securely during transport, those awkward trips to the vet, and a number of other situations where you may need to hold your cat safely despite the fact that they have other ideas!

So how do you choose the right collar for your cat?

Above all,  a cat collar needs to be comfortable for your cat.  When fastened around your cat´s neck,  you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your cat´s skin.  Too tight, and the collar may restrict your cat´s breathing or swallowing, and can also rub away at his hair and skin, causing bald patches and irritation.  Too loose is no better either,  as a cat will have no trouble slipping out of a collar that is not tight enough.

A cat collar should be adjustable,  so that it can be loosened or tightened to accommodate changes in weight or coat thickness.  This is particularly important for breeds that shed large amounts of their coat during the warmer summer months.  For long haired breeds you will also need to make sure that any cat collar you choose does not have parts that can snag or tangle the hair around their neck.

You should check your cat´s collar regularly, once a month or so,  to make sure that it is still a comfortable fit, and that it is in good condition.

Essential Cat Supplies

Whether you are adopting an adult cat, or bringing home a new kitten, there are a few essential cat supplies that you will need to welcome your new kitty into your home.

Cat Litter and Tray
One of the key essentials,  a cat litter tray provides a defined and sanitary place for your cat to relieve themselves.  It is important to have the litter tray set up before introducing your cat into your home, and make sure that they can find is easily, in order for them to learn that this is the place that you want them to go.  

Cat litters vary a great deal in cost and quality, and some cats can be picky about the type of litter that they will use so you may need to experiment with a few brands before finding one that both you and your cat are happy with.

Cat Collar
Your cat’s collar can be as basic or as flamboyant as you want, but above all it should be comfortable.  If you are bringing home a kitten you will probably need to buy a smaller collar now and a full sized one in a few months.

Cat Bed
Although most cats will decide for themselves on the comfiest spot in your home and quickly take up residence there it is important that they have a space that is exclusively theirs, where they can feel comfortable and safe.  Cat beds are sold in a wide variety of sizes and styles,  so you can choose one that fits in with the decor of your home and the space available.

Food and Water Bowls
Your cat will need his own food and water dishes.  These should be kept at a comfortable height for your cat to reach easily.  Bowls with non-slip feet are great if you will be feeding your cat on a hard surface to stop the bowl from sliding around the floor.  Auto-feeders are also available which will make sure your cat always has the right amount of food when he wants it.  

Food and Treats
There is a wide variety of specialty cat food on the market, so choose the highest quality that you can afford and look for any varieties that are designed for your cat´s specific needs, for example if he is elderly, overweight or an exotic breed.

Grooming Supplies
Cats are great at keeping themselves clean, but it doesn´t hurt to give them a helping hand.  Brushing you cat regularly can help to decrease hairballs as well as reduce the amount of shed hair in your home.  You may also want to buy some basic healthcare items such as ear drops, claw clippers and flea and tick treatments.

Scratching Post and Toys
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good condition.  If you want to avoid them tearing up your furniture or even walls make sure there is somewhere for your cat to relieve this natural urge.  There are some amazing, elaborate scratching posts available that offer your cat places to play and rest as well as trim his claws, however there are also more cost and space saving options.  It is advisable to start small and work your way up, as with all things, cats can be particular about where they like to scratch.

Cat Carrier
You will need a secure way to transport your cat to and from vet visits.  Choose between soft and foldable carriers to more robust crates.  A great trick to stop your cat from becoming nervous while in his carrier is to keep it out in your home at all times, as an alternative bed.  Place a snuggly blanket inside and occasionally encourage your cat to get in by putting a treat or two inside.

How To Keep you Cat Extra Safe With Cat Collars

If your cat loves to explore the neighbourhood there are many dangers that he will be exposed to.  While the urban jungle might be mostly safer than the wilderness that wild cats live in there are still hazards that your cat will have to face.  Some cat collars have been designed with this in mind, and incorporate safety features to keep your cat out of trouble from high vis to high tech, here are some of the ways that cat collars can complement your cat’s survival skills.

If price is no object, and you simply have to know where your cat is at all times, then you may already have heard about GPS cat collars, which are fitted with a device that allows you to track your pet´s movements wherever they roam.  However sometimes the best ideas are the simplest, for example, some cat collars feature a small section of elastic.  While not as high tech as GPS, this safety features allows a cat to squeeze out of their collar should it become snagged on something.  If your cat loves to roam around outdoors this type of breakaway cat collar may save them from becoming trapped in tree branches, hedges or fences.

Another safety feature seen in many collars is some form of reflective material that will make them easy to spot in a car´s headlights, helping to avoid any nasty road accidents.  The collar may be entirely reflective or may have some decoration that will catch the light.  You can also buy small flashing lights to attach to your cat´s collar, making them easy to find in the dark.

The final safety of a cat collar is a bell.  If you can´t see your cat, at least you will be able to hear him tinkling away whenever he moves.  Bells are also a great way to prevent your cat from bringing home ‘gifts’ or birds or mice, as they will have a warning before he pounces!

Warning! Cats and Fireworks Do not Mix!

Some Cats Love FireWorks!

For those that dont Please read our tips below.
pet owners should plan in advance and prepare their pets for Fireworks.  Cats in particular need careful consideration throughout the weeks leading up to bonfire night and during the Christmas and    New Year period. At these times of year many hundreds of pets get injured or worse. An even bigger statistic is the number of lost animals during this time. Please make sure you know where your pets are after dark. Please read our quick and easy tips to keep your pets safe.

This is what you need to do!

• Make sure your cat can get to their favourite bolt hole, bed or hiding place at all times.
• If your cat hides on top of a cupboard or under furniture leave them where they are. This is where they feel  safe, they will come out when  ready.
• If you have a dog, give it extra long walks during the day so that they are ready to sleep at night. All animals will feed of each other and  if you and the rest of your pets are calm your cat will be as well.
• Ignore any fearful behaviour and do not try to comfort your cat. Fearful cats prefer to be left to cope on their own.
• Make sure your cat is microchipped, or at least has an up to date, address tagged collar on. If your get gets out they can easily get lost when frightened and confused.
• Try not to go our whilst fireworks are going off.
• If you are expecting fireworks, make sure your cat is inside, close all doors windows and cat flaps.
• Close all curtains and turn on the TV or play music. Cats have sensitive hearing you need to reduce the noise of fireworks and mask the sound
• If your cat is particularly nervous you might want to contact you vet. They may be able to supply you with a pheromone diffuser or sedatives

How do i know if my Cat is Stressed??

You know your pets better than anyone else and you will often notice changes in behaviour in traumatic situations.  My dog usually sits on my knee!!  Cats can be a little harder to read than dogs but here are a few things you should look for.

• Cowering  and hiding on or behind furniture
• Keeping their distance, trying to run away, getting high up or staying in the corner of the room.
• Refusing to eat , eating less or eating at different times
• Soiling the house

My Cat is Missing What Should I Do??

If your cat has gone missing the first thing to do search in your local area, your garden and even your house. Particularly during the day and when it is quite.  There is every chance your cat is just hiding nearby. If this fails then you need to contact local veterinary practices, rescue centres, your nearest police station. Also try to catch the local postman, dustman and anyone else who is regularly in your area.

I hope you all have a great fireworks season.

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.

Using A Cat Harness Instead Of A Collar For Walks

Cat collars are specially designed to make sure that a cat can get out of them should they find themselves hung up by the collar while crawling in tight spaces or climbing a tree. For this reason cat owners who wish to train their cat to walk on a lead or leash need to invest in a cat harness for this purpose. With a traditional cat collar and leash the cat will be able to snap the buckle that holds the collar in place or stretch out the collar and shake free. This can be dangerous for a cat to find himself or herself out on a walk and without a lead possibly resulting in your pet becoming lost.

A cat harness is much better suited for leading a cat on a leash since it is not designed to break away and set the cat free. Of course if your cat is not used to the harness getting them ready to use one instead of just putting it on will be better for both of you. Get the cat used to the harness by slowly adding it to their lives. Place the harness in their bed and once they are okay with its presence put it on the cat ensuring that it is not too tight. Allow the cat to just wear the harness around for periods of time until they are finally used to the feeling of being in one.

Once your cat is comfortable in their harness than you can start introduce them to being on a lead. Encourage the cat to follow you while on the lead with the use of their favorite treats until walking with you becomes second nature. At this point the two of you are ready to take walks and enjoy time together in parks and other locations the two of you enjoy.

Do ID Chips Make Cat Collars Not Necessary?

Many pet owners are now having ID chips inserted just under the skin on their pet in order to increase the chance of recovering them just in case they ever become lost from home. These chips do not cause the pet any harm and can be read by a reader much as the products in a grocery store can be scanned for their information.

Many cat owners feel that if they use an ID chip with their cat they will not need to use a cat collar as well. These owners hear stories about cats getting caught up by their collars and not being allowed to get free when they are running around outside. Not wanting their cats to be harmed by their collar many think that having an ID chip is the only guarantee they need to bring a lost pet home.

As effective as these chips are they are not fool proof and are actually only effective if the cat is taken to a vet or facility that can read the chip to get the information off of it. Still the best defense to getting a lost cat home is a simple name and phone number attached to a cat collar. Many lost pets are found by regular people who are animal lovers concerned with the safety of the animal and want to help them find their way home. These individuals do not have the ability to read the chip and may not even know it is there. Also many veterinarian offices are still not outfitted with the equipment to read an ID chip making them ineffective there as well.

While an ID chip is handy for helping a cat return home, still the best way to bring them home is with personal information on a cat collar. These collars are perfectly safe provided they are the breakaway style that will allow a cat to get free if they should get it caught on a branch or fence.