Collars can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
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Best cat collars in 2024
Although cat collars are not mandatory, many small feline owners are eager to buy one for their pets. Collars can be aesthetically pleasing and functional in terms of security and identification.
Cat collars come in various styles, from GPS collars, flea collars, anti-choke collars, and so on. To choose the best collar, consider not only the size of your pet's neck but also the collar's function. Opt for an accessory with a customisable stainless steel plate if you want a custom collar. You can also get a reflective collar with a glow-in-the-dark strip to make your cat visible in car headlights.
Do you want to know what your pet does at night? Consider a collar with built-in GPS, which sends all relevant data to your smartphone in real-time. In any case, make sure that the model you select includes a quick-release buckle: it could save your pet's life! If you are looking for an accessory for your kitty, now is the time to check out our buying guide.
Summary
Why should I buy a cat collar?
Cat collars are useful for a variety of reasons. Thanks to a tag or an engraved plate, the collar is usually used to identify the cat. If the animal gets lost, anyone who finds it can quickly contact the number on the collar plate to reassure the owners.
You can also opt for a flea collar to protect your cat from parasite infestations. Most of these collars are made with essential oils and can be worn for several months.
Finally, if you live in a flat and want to take your cat outside, a collar allows you to walk your cat on a leash. This will enable you to keep your pet under control while taking a safe and enjoyable walk together.
Some owners opt for purely decorative collars to give their cat some style.
What is the difference between a cat collar and a cat harness?
A collar and a harness have different purposes. A harness is only used to walk the cat while on a leash, whereas a collar can also be used to identify the animal.
A collar is a strap that wraps around the animal's neck. The harness is more sophisticated, with several straps wrapping around the cat's neck and chest.
The collar places all of the pressure on the cat's neck. In contrast, the harness distributes it evenly throughout the animal's body. As a result, there is less risk of strangulation with a harness. On the other hand, only collars provide anti-strangulation systems, with a quick-release buckle system that unhooks itself when pressure is applied.
Both collars and harnesses are available in a variety of styles.
How do I put a collar on my cat?
To properly fit your pet's collar, make sure it fits snugly around their neck. The collar should be neither too tight nor too loose to avoid discomfort. It may compress the animal's trachea and airways if it is too tight. If it is too loose, your cat will not only be able to remove it, but it will also rub against the skin, irritating it gradually.
As a result, you should ensure that you can fit two fingers between the skin and the collar. If you can, the collar is securely fastened.
When choosing a collar for your cat, check the product description carefully and check the neck size it can accommodate.
Are there any risks in putting a collar on a cat?
When you put the collar on your cat, there is a risk of scratching and biting because cats dislike being held down. To avoid this, soothe your pet by stroking them, gently speaking to them or giving them a treat. The animal will quickly become used to the collar, especially since it feels like a second skin: the cat will not even notice it!
On the other hand, the collar may put your cat at risk in another way. They are, indeed, active animals that enjoy exploring, jumping, and sneaking around. With a collar on, there is a risk to get entangled in something during their walks, such as tree branches, fences, or door handles. It is then challenging for them to get out of the collar, and they can inflict severe injuries while attempting to do so. They can die from strangulation if they become trapped while jumping. That is why it is critical to select an anti-strangulation collar that unbuckles itself as soon as the cat puts some pressure on it.
How do you get a cat to get used to a collar?
Before you put a collar on your cat for the first time, leave it on the floor for a few days. Your cat will then be able to come and sniff it whenever they want, making it their own and understanding that it is not dangerous.
Don't hesitate to rub the collar against your cat's pillow to get them used to the smell.
Then, when your cat is particularly calm and peaceful, put the collar on them. Make sure it's on the neck area, but do not fasten it. Repeat this process several days in a row until your cat is comfortable. When buckling the collar for the first time, leave it on for about 10 minutes before taking it off.
