Feb 14, 2018

A Buyer’s Guide to Cat Collars


Category: General
Posted by: Suresh

As it is with dog collars, there are certain factors that must be taken into consideration when it comes to choosing and buying the right cat collars. If you’re planning on dropping by an animal supplies store getting one for your cat, then here are some things worth knowing before you go shopping.

Why Cats Need Cat Collars

Many people feel that only those cats that frequent the outdoors need to wear cat collars. However, there are several reasons why you should consider putting a collar on your feline friend, whether they’re the outgoing or stay-at-home type.

Identification

The most common reason—as well as the most important one—for putting collars on your cats is for identification. As it is with dog collars, you can put a lot of information on cat collars that will prevent people and animal rescue from considering them as strays and bringing them to the pound. Some of the most common types of information put in cat collars include your cat’s name, your address, and your contact number. Aside from these, you can also include confirmation that your cat has had their rabies shots regularly.

Even if you keep your cat locked up at home, there may be instances when your cat is accidentally let out of the house or escapes through an open window. When this happens, cat collars can be a great way to let people know that the cat belongs to you. It then provides them with a way to get in touch with you and safely return your beloved pet back to your home.

Access

Homeowners with modern houses usually have computer operated cat flaps installed in their doors. This is a good idea since it prevents squirrels, raccoons, and other critters or rodents from entering into the house without restricting the entry and exit of their pet cats. These types of cat flaps are operated with the use of a microchip which is installed in cat collars.

Most of these microchips do not only manipulate access to the cat flaps, but they can also be used to store information about the cat and its owners.

Ornamentation

Cat collars can also be a way to make your feline pet look stylish and cute. However, aesthetics should only be secondary to the aforementioned reasons for letting your cat wear collars. You should also make sure that you the collar is the correct fit for your cat—never let your cat wear an ill-fitting collar just because it looks pretty.

In addition, avoid cat collars that have really bright colours. In many instances, these are manufactured using chemicals that may be toxic to your pet. Also, avoid cat collars that have small bits (like ornamental stones) on them. Cats have a tendency to scratch at their collars which may cause these to come off and they may accidentally ingest them.