"Cat collars need to be safe, fit right, and have current ID tags."
Which Cats Need a Collar?
Safe cat collars with identification tags should be worn by all cats! Yes, even indoor cats should wear collars with ID tags!
Natural disasters happen every day (earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.) that can leave your cat outside and lost. A repairperson coming into your house while you are away, or someone accidentally leaving the door open, can allow your cat to wander away.
According to the ASPCA, very few cats without a collar and current identification are reunited with their people. A collar and pet ID tag are essential for your cat’s health and safety and for your peace of mind.
Beware of Dangerous Cat Collars
Two types of cat collars are safest for your cat. One is a breakaway-type collar that has a plastic part designed to "break away" from your cat's neck should something come between your cat and the collar. This prevents the collar from strangling or hanging your cat. Break-away collars are designed to break under pressure or weight, such as your cat’s weight hanging from a branch. (You can even get breakaway
cat collarswith flea control at PETsMART.)
The other type of collar is one with an elastic panel that will stretch in the event that the collar gets stuck on something.
The safest cat collar has both a breakaway feature and an elastic panel, but they are getting harder and harder to find. Most pet supply stores are now only selling breakaway collars.
If you allow your cat to go outdoors, please consider a
reflective collarfor added safety on dark nights. And a cat
collar with a bellis always helpful to the birds in your neighborhood!
Choosing the Right Size Collar for Your Cat
A cat collar should not be so tight that it irritates (or chokes) your cat, nor so loose that your cat can easily slip it off.
A general rule for a good fit says that you should be able to fit two fingers between your cat’s neck and the collar. If your prefer, you can also measure your cat's neck (pull away her hair so you can get close to her skin) and add one to two inches. This should be the measurement of a proper fitting collar.
Check the fit frequently to make sure that the collar is on properly. Be careful that the elastic on a collar with an elastic panel has not become so stretched out that it could fall off of your cat.
Identification Tag for Your Cat's Collar
All cats should have an ID tag on their collar. Your cat's name, your name and your current contact information should be included on the
pet ID tag.
A collar with your visible contact information is your cat's ticket home to you.
According to The Humane Society of the United States, cats found wandering without visible identification have a tragically poor track record of being reunited with their people. Many of these unknown and unclaimed cats will perish in shelters while their "owners" search frantically.
Related Topics:
Cat Supplies List of essential cat supplies and best places to buy online
