Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Cat collars can be controversial for most cat owners as they don’t feel like the collar is necessary. However, these collars are far more critical and might be what your cat needs. Significantly, cat collars can help bring a missing cat home and prove that the cat isn’t a stray.
In addition, these collars can scare away potential prey. Furthermore, you can get a collar to reduce your cat’s hunting skills. Moreover, some cat collars reduce the risk of your cat being in a dangerous situation.
With all the benefits cat collars provide, you must choose wisely. Although you may think that all you need is a durable collar, there’s more to consider before picking one for your pet. And with all the variety of cat collars on the market today, it can get overwhelming. However, this doesn’t mean that choosing a cat collar should be hard.
Here are four important things to remember when shopping for cat collars:
1. Collars For Large Cats
As a cat owner, you must consider the collar’s length and size before settling for an option. It’s important to note that large cat collars should extend up to 29 cm, to ensure they can fit larger cats including Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds. This way, your cat won’t have difficulty moving around and dealing with restricted breathing.
Cat Collar from Supakit.co
To be safe, conduct the two fingers test where you have the allowance to slide two fingers between the collar and your cat. Consequently, confirming that the collar fits your pet will help ensure its safety.
2. The Right Type Of Collar
There are numerous types of collars that serve different purposes depending on your cat’s needs. However, to avoid getting overwhelmed when settling for an option, here are some tips to help you choose the perfect one.
- It’s more challenging to spot a dark-colored cat in the dark. Therefore, you should consider getting a reflective collar to increase your cat’s visibility in the darkness. This will be helpful, especially if your cat usually wanders off at night.
- If you have a cat that wanders off and is worried it might go missing, you’ll need an identification collar. Even though the safest method of identifying your cat is microchipping, you’ll still need more visual markers. Hence, people can easily reach you if your cat wears an ID collar with a tag containing your information.
- Most pet owners are scared of having fleas introduced into their houses by their pets. Luckily, some collars can act as flea collars for a short period. However, keeping it on for a longer period isn’t advisable as the flea repellant might have harmful chemicals.
- Getting a cat harness is essential if you’re a cat owner who enjoys walking your cat. Hence, a collar with a clasp that can be attached to a harness is what you need. This way, you can easily attach the harness to help secure your cat.
- Cats are known to bring home different small animals they find. To prevent this, you’ll need some preventive methods. One is getting a collar with a noise device that will scare away small animals before cats reach them.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now3. The Functional Design
Now that you know which cat collar suits your pet, you must choose the right design. Below are some of the functional designs you can choose from:
- Breakaway Collars
These types of collar designs, also known as quick-release, are made to snap automatically whenever you tag them with enough force. The quick-release mechanism makes this collar the safest, especially if your cat gets trapped.
- Buckle Collars
These collars use adjustable buckles to fasten them. In addition, they’re much more robust and less likely to break. Buckle collars are safe and secure, especially if you’re looking for a collar suitable for leash walking or long-line training. On the other hand, this type of collar is best for outdoor cats and can be personalized.
- Decorative Collars
If you’re feeling a little extra and want to spoil your favorite feline, decorative collars might just be what you need. These collars have a personalized touch with festive patterns, silver accents, woven designs, rhinestones, gold accents, etc.
When buying decorative collars, you should consider the personality of your cat. However, remember that these collars are more visual than functional and might lack vital features.
- Elastic Collars
These collars work the same way as breakaway collars, allowing your cat to get away when trapped. However, they’re less safe as cats can get stuck in them, which might lead to injury.
4. The Material Of The Collar
When choosing the collar’s material, you must ensure that it’s comfortable, breathable, easy to maintain, and non-allergic.
Here are some of the best materials that make the best option:
- Cotton
Collars made of cotton are great because of their softness and comfort. These collars are lightweight and strong enough to last long. In addition, cotton is friendly to your cat’s skin, making it a preferred choice.
- Mesh
If you’re looking for a soft and breathable collar, the mesh is one of the best. It can keep your cat warm during the winter and cool in the summer. As a result, your cat’s fur can breathe freely regardless of the weather. And apart from being made from high-quality and durable materials, mesh collars won’t hurt your cat.
- Polyester
This material is excellent for safety as it can be reflective and allow the cat to be seen in the dark. In addition, this material is easy to maintain because it doesn’t retain much water. With the lack of water retention, your cat won’t have to carry extra weight around its neck.
Bottom Line
As a cat owner, your feline friend plays an essential role in your life. They’re your friends and company, so you must ensure they get the best. Once you choose the suitable collar, you must constantly check the fit. You should take time every couple of weeks to check the collar. If it’s loose or you notice discomfort, you might have to change it.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now