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Should Cats Wear Collars? The Pros and Cons

Walk through your local pet store, and you will likely see a small assortment of cat collars, including many different colours, styles, materials, and sizes. But do cats really need to wear a collar? Should cats wear collars, or are they more of a fashion statement?There are both benefits and potential challenges to introducing a collar to your cat.It’s a conversation that isn’t discussed often enough in the pet space. After all, how are you supposed to make an educated decision if you don’t have the information? But don’t worry, we have you covered! In this article, you’ll find both the benefits and risks of cats wearing collars for both indoor and outdoor cats. Plus, we’ll help you find the best collar for your cat (if you choose to use one).Let’s get started…Benefits of a Collar for Your CatJust like with dogs, there are many benefits to encouraging your cat to wear a collar. First, and most obviously, is the ability to add identification if your cat ever gets lost. While most experts encourage cats to be microchipped, an identification tag can speed up the process of someone identifying your cat and reaching out to you if they are found. This may not be relevant if you are caring for an outdoor community cat. But there’s a good possibility that not all your neighbours will be familiar with your indoor cat if they wander onto their property. Another benefit directly related to that situation is the ability to identify that a cat has an owner waiting for them at home. With the growing number of stray cats in most towns and cities, your missing kitty can easily be mistaken for another street cat and be overlooked. Unfortunately, indoor cats don’t possess the same level of survival skills outdoors that a cat raised living outdoors will have. The longer they are outdoors trying to fend for themselves, the greater the risk of something tragic. However, if someone spots a cat with a collar, they look out of place, drawing attention to them. Many collars incorporate reflective elements. If your cat spends time outdoors regularly, a collar may provide much-needed visibility at night to help reduce the risk of being hit by a vehicle.Finally, as we learn more about the impact of outdoor cats (whether living outdoors full-time or spending time outdoors), we have discovered that cats can have a significantly negative effect on the biodiversity in an area. Why? By killing off birds and small animals, like mice and squirrels, they upset the balance in that ecosystem. Placing a bell on your cat’s collar will warn potential prey that your cat is coming. This also means your cat is less likely to catch and ingest the animal, reducing the risk of parasites or diseases. Are There Risks to Wearing a Collar? There are risks to consider when it comes to putting a collar on your cat BUT these risks are primarily caused by a collar that isn’t fit properly or using a collar that lacks the necessary safety measures to make it cat-friendly. If your cat’s collar is too tight, it can cause chaffing and irritation. The discomfort of the collar putting pressure on their neck due to its size may also encourage your cat to paw at or scratch at the collar, increasing the risk of getting their nails snagged in the collar’s fabric or even their entire foot caught under the collar. Like fitting a collar to a dog, you should always ensure you can fit two fingers inside the collar when it is fastened on your cat’s neck. They can also get the collar stuck around their lower jaw, especially if it is too large, preventing them from closing their mouths. This can lead to the cat experiencing extreme stress or anxiety as they try to free themselves from it, causing an injury during the struggle.Many well-meaning cat owners will grab a small dog collar for use on their cat, but these collars are missing the critical safety feature that sets a cat collar apart – the breakaway mechanism. If your cat gets their collar stuck on an object like a fence post or furniture in your home, they may strangle themselves trying to escape. As cats often wander unsupervised away from us, indoors or out, and tend to hide, they are far more likely to get snagged somewhere without us realizing it. However, purchasing a properly fitting cat-specific collar with a breakaway mechanism can significantly reduce or eliminate these risks.

US-based Veterinarian Returns to Greece to Help Stray Cats

Dr. Anna Kotogiritis returned to Greece to establish a non-profit rescue organization to help the stray cats living on Karpathos Island.

Scare The Poop Out of Us Halloween Dog Costume Contest

We want you to scare the poop out of us! Send us a picture of your dog dressed up in a Halloween costume and you could take home a scary-sweet prize pack from Bernie’s Perfect Poop.

Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range o…

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Halloween Candy?

If your dog eats Halloween candy, it's important to take immediate action to ensure their safety, as many of these candies can be toxic to dogs. Here's what you need to.

Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With s…

Cat in Heat: Signs and What to Do

If you have an unspayed female cat, it’s just a matter of time before she goes into heat and is ready to mate. But will you be able to recognize that she’s i…

Spaniel Breeds

To learn more about all of these magnificent dogs, dive with us into the diverse world of spaniel breeds and meet some of the most popular spaniels around!

Intestinal Worms in Dogs: Types and Symptoms

Although an unpleasant topic to think about, the harsh reality is that worms are a common problem in dogs – one that you need to know how to tackle and prevent.…

How Can I Reduce My Dog's Environmental Pawprint?

Luckily, there are a lot of small but important steps that you can take in order to make your pet’s lifestyle and care much more eco-friendly without compromising the quality of life they are used to. Here's where to start if you want to become a more eco-friendly, sustainable dog owner!

Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your…

How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they c…

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scente…

What to Know About Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA, is a condition that’s common in cats – experts have found that 90% of kitties over the age of 12 have it. And because ca…

Hypothermia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

When a dog gets too cold, they’re at risk of hypothermia. But what is hypothermia, what are its symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? Below is a brief…

How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

Your dog needs daily exercise, but when it’s too cold, snowing, or raining, you shouldn’t let them spend too much time outside; instead, it’s best to bring t…

Do Dogs Like Halloween Costumes?

If you love getting dressed up for the Halloween season, then you may be considering including your dog in the festivities. But do dogs like Halloween costumes?

How Can I Reduce My Dog's Seasonal Shedding?

Depending on your pet’s breed, the seasonal shedding can be moderate, or heavy. In the latter case, you might find yourself with a ton of pet hair all over the place and wondering if there’s a way to reduce your dog’s seasonal shedding for good.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Thanksgiving

Are you going to be hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home this year? Then it’s time to think about the ways that your pets could be affected. That’s right: a…

What Are Natural Methods for Flea and Tick Protection in Dogs?

While there are many commercial products available for flea and tick prevention, some dog owners prefer natural methods – here are 6 steps you should take to keep ticks and fleas away from your pet without resorting to insecticides:

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

While it’s obvious that you need to do it regularly, just how often should you clean your bird’s cage? Is it on a check-and-see basis or is there a recommended frequency of cleaning? Let’s find out.

How Often Do Dogs Need to Go Out to Pee?

You don’t want them to have an accident inside the home but you probably don’t want to take them out for a walk every hour or so (even if you did have the time for it) so it’s important to find the right balance.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help

What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?

Everyone likes a nice, relaxing massage – no doubt about it. It helps us unwind, soothes sore muscles, and can promote the release of “happy hormones” such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.

Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

If you notice that your pet is licking or even chewing their paws obsessively, it should raise concern. This type of behavior might indicate an underlying medical issue, so here’s what you need to know before you phone your vet.

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and you’re probably excited about everything that this festive time of year has to offer. But even though you might be focused on be…

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Excessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals.