How To Properly Fit and Choose a Cat Collar
Posted by Dawn Jenness on
How To Properly Fit and Choose a Cat Collar: A Guide
As many feline owners already know, a cat collar can be a very valuable item.
For starters, these collars are a great method of visual identification. If your cat gets lost, the finder can refer to the information on the collar. Additionally, this lets your neighbors know that the cat has an owner.
Some cat collars also come with magnetic keys, which can be used to unlock the flap from the outside. With this key, only your cat will be able to enter your home.
If your furball could use a collar, go ahead and buy one. Keep in mind, however, that choosing (and fitting) a cat collar is a more complicated task than it might seem. Here is what you need to know.
Choosing a Cat Collar
First of all, collars with elastic inserts are a no-no. They can all stretch to various extents, allowing your cat to get a leg through. In many situations, this will lead to the cat getting injured.
Flea collars can be tempting, but they're not a great choice either. Too many of them contain chemicals which are toxic to cats, potentially causing skin reaction and hair loss. Plus, there are far more efficient methods of flea control.
So, which collar should you go for? Well, our top choice would be the quick-release cat collars. These come with a buckle designed to snap open if it gets caught in something or if the cat sticks its leg through it.
Of course, some quick-release collars are firmer than other. If you're considering buying one of these, make sure to check how easily the buckle opens. For example, you can test the collar by hanging a bag of sugar on it.
Fitting a Cat Collar
Once you've found a collar to your liking, it's time to start thinking about the fit. If the collar is either too loose or too tight, it may cause issues for your cat.
How tight should a cat collar be? As a general rule, you should be able to get one or two fingers underneath. Keep in mind that your cat may tighten its neck muscles during the collar fitting, so re-check the fit later.
If you're putting a collar on a kitten, be prepared for some growing pains. Kittens are small and crafty, and they'll probably try their hardest to get the collar off. They're also more likely to get the collar caught on something.
That said, it's good to have a cat get used to wearing a collar at an early age. If your kitten is about 4-6 months old, try fitting it with a collar only when it's being watched. If nobody's supervising it, take the collar off.
Of course, older cats will probably need some convincing as well. Quick tip: Try fitting them with a collar before a meal or their favorite game.
Conclusion
Finally, don't have anything hanging from the cat safety collar. Bells and other attachments can get stuck on all kinds of things. Plus, your cat may decide to train its claws on them.
Are you looking for a perfect cat collar for your feline friend? We may be able to offer some valuable advice! Contact us right here, and we'll get back to you soon.
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