Cat collars are adorable, there’s no denying it. But not every cat will tolerate wearing a collar. For those that do, breakaway cat collars are a must. Find out why breakaway cat collars are the safer option for your cat, and get answers to common collar questions: How tight should a cat collar be? And do cats like collars?
Should cats wear collars?
That is entirely up to you—and your cat. There are some benefits to cat collars, besides just looking cute.
If you’re worried about your cat escaping outside, you can use a collar to attach ID tags. Some pet parents even place GPS tracking devices on their pets’ collars.
Another use for cat collars is if you have a blind pet in your household. You can attach a small bell to the collars of other cats and dogs in the house so that your blind pet can hear them. (Bells can also be useful for protecting wildlife if your cat goes outside: Think that songbird won’t hear your cat coming? Think again!)
Note: If you have a particularly adventurous cat that likes to walk outside on a leash, you should not attach a leash to your cat’s existing collar. (Cats can strangle if they’re walked this way.) It’s best to purchase a cat harness that comes with a leash for those outdoor excursions.
Do cats like collars?
Many cats will not tolerate wearing collars. You shouldn’t force them to wear one if they clearly dislike it.
The best way to encourage a cat’s tolerance of collars is to put a collar on them as a kitten. (But again, if the kitten loathes wearing a collar—don’t force it!)
Always use breakaway cat collars
Why use breakaway cat collars? Breakaway collars feature a breakaway safety buckle that unsnaps or unclips when pulled with force. If your cat’s collar is snagged on something that entangles them, your cat will not choke or have a neck injury because the collar will automatically break away from the neck.
So, you can see why breakaway cat collars are important—especially if your cat ever goes outside. With a non-breakaway collar, even the simple act of climbing a tree can become dangerous for a cat.
How tight should a cat collar be?
We’ve established that cat collars are okay to use, as long as they’re breakaway. But how tight should a cat collar be?
Cat collars should fit firmly without being restrictive. You should be able to easily slide your fingers underneath your cat’s collar and feel them snug against the neck. If you can't fit a finger underneath the collar, then it is too tight. And if it’s loose enough that your fingers aren’t snug against the neck, then it’s too loose for your cat!
Most breakaway cat collars are adjustable, and some come in more than one size. Make sure to purchase a collar that’s fitted for your cat’s general size and weight. And if you’re outfitting a kitten, don’t forget to upgrade from kitten size to adult size when it’s time!
Tip: Your cat may be tensing his neck muscles the first time you fit the collar to him. Make sure to check the fit shortly after and adjust the collar if necessary.
Remember: If you have kitties that tolerate these darling yet practical accessories, make sure you go with breakaway cat collars!
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