Cat Collar Guide - How to Choose the Best Collar For Your Cat
A collar can be a great tool for your cat, but it can also be dangerous.cat collar The wrong type of collar can rub the skin, snag on objects or get caught in your cat’s teeth. Worse, it can even get your kitty into trouble — and in some cases, lead to injury or death.
Our free cat collar guide gives you everything you need to know about choosing the safest collar for your cat.cat collar We’ve talked to experts, reviewed the available options and chosen the best possible collars for your feline.
Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, it’s important to outfit them with a collar for safety reasons.cat collar In the event of a door left open, a faulty window or carrier, or just plain forgetfulness, your cat might make a break for it. A collar will help you locate them – especially if it displays your name and phone number – so you can return them home safely.
Collars are generally regarded as safe and non-toxic, but many people worry that they can cause neck injuries in some cats.cat collar Injuries resulting from collars are actually quite rare. Those that do happen, however, are usually caused by the wrong type of collar or by improper use. In a study conducted in 2013 by the Animal Welfare Research Institute, 107 veterinarians were asked about incidents of collar related injury that they had seen. These vets had a collective millennium and a half of experience, so they’d seen a lot! In total, these vets reported 686 collar related incidents. Of these, only one resulted in a fatality.
The majority of the incidents were caused by elasticated collars – in some cases, these were stretching so far that they got wrapped around a cat’s neck and became stuck. Other common causes were decorative buckles, studs or glitter rubbing on the skin and being swallowed by curious cats. These were all relatively easy to avoid if you choose a sturdy, solid nylon collar in a color that your cat will like.
Some owners also prefer to add a bell to their cat’s collar. This can scare away predators, as well as signal that your cat has an ID tag on and may need help. These bells typically emit a sound of about 50-60 dB, and while they can be a bit irritating to some cats, most don’t care for them at all. We recommend the Ruff Threads Custom Collar, which allows you to send in either your kitty’s neck size or collar length and have them customize a collar for your pet. The collar has a breakaway buckle and comes in a variety of colors, including reflective ones that glow in the dark to help drivers spot your cat in the evening. The collar is made in the USA, which is a plus for many pet parents. It’s also washable and quick-drying, which helps keep your kitty comfortable. It’s a good idea to check and adjust the fit often, as your pet might grow or lose weight over time.