Should cats wear collars all of the time? The outside world poses dangers to cats and cats can pose a danger to wildlife so the answer is yes, though, if a collar causes skin rashes then don’t let your cat wear it. What if they get lost and don’t have any way to help us find them? Fortunately, the answer is that despite cats being pretty good at staying safe on their own, you can make their transition into the outside world a little bit easier by helping them wear collars. This article explores the many benefits of cat collars, as well as possible cons mooted by some cat lovers.
Cats are naturally independent animals. They are also smart, which makes them good at avoiding danger and finding their way back home. However, its normal to let them venture out on their own. As much as you’d probably like to, you can’t keep your cats at home 24/7. They have to be allowed out into neighborhoods, parks, and backyards once in a while so they can explore, hunt, and play. We know they’ll likely be safe while they’re gone, but a collar can give assurances.
What Is a Cat Collar?
A collar is a piece of wearable equipment that fits around the neck of a pet. It’s designed to make it easier for owners to leash their pet and to help keep pets safe and contained. Cat collars are usually made of durable material, like nylon or plastic. They usually have one or more bells attached to them, so kitties can attract attention when they need help. Depending on what you want them to do, you can use a regular collar with your cat’s name or address or a cat collar with a special function, which we’ll discuss in a bit further. Collars come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Some are meant to be decorative, while others are functional and won’t be covered by your pet’s pet insurance.
Why Do Cats Need Collars?
Owners use collars to help us keep track of our pets when we’re not near them. Collars with leashes are also essential for cat containment. Cats have a natural instinct to hunt, which means they have a tendency to wander outside the fenced-in yard. Pet owners can use a collar and leash to help prevent their kitty from getting lost or injured by animals. If your cat is loose outside, you can use a collar to identify her and track her movements.
Make Sure Your Cat Wears a Collar Before Letting it Out
Whether you’re walking your cat or leaving her outside for short periods of time, make sure she’s wearing a collar. It’s not so important for your moggy to wear a collar if she’s securely indoors, but having it on all of the time offers some assurances if it finds a way to get outside. Collars are essential for keeping track of your cat. Not only will a collar help you find your cat if she escapes, it can also help keep your cat safe. If your cat is wearing ID, you can report her missing if she’s lost outside.
Why do Some Cats Resist Wearing Collars and Leashes at Night?
The reasons why some cats don’t like wearing collars and leashes at night are mostly behavioral. Essentially, a collar is a portable means of confinement. If this is the first time your cat has ever worn one, she may not know how to handle the transition. She may try to get around it, by scratching off the bells or trying to scratch herself out of it. In case your cat is used to wearing a collar at night, but is not comfortable with the new one you’ve put on her, there are some behavioral adjustments that you can make to help her get used to the new restriction. For this, you can try these solutions:
- Keep a close eye on her. If your cat is not used to wearing a collar at night, it may be best to keep a close eye on her the first few nights she wears the collar. This way, you can notice any signs of distress, like her struggling to get free, or showing signs of aggression towards you or the collar.
- Keep the collar on her. In most cases, the best way to help your cat get used to wearing a collar at night is to keep the collar on her. This way, she is not as free to scratch or move around, and her behavior is more likely to be affected negatively.
Cats Should Wear Collars to Track Down a Stray Kitten
Sometimes, you may come across a stray kitten that you think might need help. But, you don’t know where to start looking. And, even if you did, there’s a high chance that you would fail miserably. Most stray kitten Alerts are set up to help owners find their lost or stray animals. Unfortunately, finding a stray kitten isn’t easy. And, tracking one down without a collar isn’t always possible.
There are a few ways you can go about this. The first way is to check the microchip database. Some of these are free, while others cost. It’s important to check various databases to make sure that the owner of a stray kitten is registered. Another way to find a stray kitten is to take a “dog-friendly” route. This means that you should avoid parks where there are large packs of dogs. Also, you should check places where there are large open spaces or vacant lots.
4 Reasons Why Cats Should Wear Collars
- They keep your pet safe and secure.
- They help your pet feel confident and safe around you.
- They let your pet know where they are and where they’re supposed to be.
- Preventing your cat from harming wildlife
Make Sure That The Collar is The Right Size
Before you buy a collar, ensure that it is the right size for your cat. Some cats might be able to wear a small collar all the time, but grow quickly and become underweight when they reach adulthood. If your cat is underweight or developing health problems, a small collar may not be adequate. A large collar is generally too heavy for a small cat. You should also be careful not to purchase a small collar for a large cat.
Make Sure That The Collar is Secure on Your Cat
Your cat should be wearing a collar that is securely fastened. A loose collar may come off while your cat is moving, getting excited, or when your cat is stressed. If your cat has a habit of pulling its collar off, it may want to wear a smaller collar so that it doesn’t pull its whole neck out of socket. On the other hand, if your cat is happy with its current size, it may be better off with a larger collar.
Don’t Forget to Replace Your Cat’s Collar
Even if you think that your cat’s collar is a few years old, and starting to look ragged change it so the cat feels comfortable and healthy.
Alternatives To Cat Collars
Cat collars can raise concerns for some people especially if they are not fitted properly. Some cat lovers argue that cats can get jammed in small holes or even get a paw stuck in a loose collar. With a major benefit of cat collars being identification if the fur ball gets lost, some suggest that a great alternative is to have your cat microchipped and they point out a chip will never be lost or stolen like a cat collar which is sensible.
Collars can rub. Wearing a collar all the time, especially if it’s not fitted properly, could rub against your cat’s skin. This can make their skin sore and cause them to lose fur around their neck. They could get stuck on the collar itself. Again, if your cat’s collar isn’t fitted properly or becomes loose, they could get it stuck on their mouth or even get a paw stuck in it which can result in serious injuries.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/cat-collars
Conclusion
Cat owners sometimes keep their cats indoors for their safety. But, this doesn’t mean that cats can’t go outside and explore the world around them. They can do this without getting hurt or taken advantage of. They’re just naturally curious about everything that goes on around them.
What is clear in the debate about whether cats should wear collars all of the time is that either option is okay if preparation is key. If you’re going to opt to keep a cat collar on your pet all of the time make sure it fits its comfortable. Collars can be a great way of helping to ID your cat. Conversely, micro chipping your cat is probably an even better way of keeping tabs on your moggy if the chip is kept up to date.
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