Q: What’s the best cat collar?
A: We’ve been asked this question so many times that we’ve written an article about it »
Q: What’s the safest cat collar?
A: The safest cat collar has a quick-release clasp and doesn’t stretch. There are many hanging hazards both inside and outside the home, so this is the only type of cat collar to consider.
The quick-release clasp opens quickly if your cat gets caught on something, preventing strangulation.
The collar should not stretch. Elasticated cat collars (with an elastic insert or fully elasticated) – even if combined with a quick-release clasp – are not safe. A cat can get its front leg caught in the collar, which can cause a serious injury. Even with veterinary treatment, sometimes the injury doesn’t heal and may require amputation. Another scenario is if the cat gets caught on something, it will struggle, twisting and twisting the elastic. This may lead to strangulation. With one of our quick-release cat collars, the collar would open quickly and free the cat from danger.
And if your cat is outside after dark, we recommend the added safety of the most reflective cat collars you can buy.
Q: Are elasticated cat collars safe?
A: No! An elasticated cat collar is unsafe for 2 reasons. First, the cat can get its front leg caught in the collar. This can cause a serious injury which even when treated sometimes doesn’t heal properly and can lead to amputation or death. Second, when a cat gets caught on something, it struggles and twists. An elasticated collar will potentially twist and strangle the cat. Note: An elasticated collar with a quick-release clasp is still unsafe.
Q: Why should my cat wear a personalised cat collar?
A: Proper identification greatly increases the chances of your cat being returned to you. A personalised cat collar makes it easy for you to be contacted because your phone number is printed directly on the collar. It’s a great alternative to a cat tag which some cats find annoying and which can fall off the collar.
Q: My cat is microchipped. Does he need a personalised cat collar?
A: Yes, for these reasons:
- Many people assume that a cat without a collar is a stray.
- Many people are not aware of microchipping.
- Some people do not have the means (cat carrier and car) to safely transport a cat to a vet to be scanned. (One person asked me if it would be OK to wrap a cat in a towel and take it on a bus!)
- Microchips can move or fail.
Remember to update your cat’s microchip details if you move house or change phone numbers. Ask your vet to check your cat’s microchip on every visit.
A personalised cat collar makes it easy for you to be contacted if your cat is lost or injured.
Q: My cat is an indoor cat. Does she need a personalised cat collar?
A: Yes! An indoor cat that escapes from the house is much more likely to become frightened, disoriented and lost, so it’s extremely important that she wears identification.
Q: My cat is an outdoor cat. Does he need a personalised cat collar?
A: Yes! Even the most streetwise cat can get lost and most cats find an open car or van simply irresistible. We keep reading about cats that have hitched a ride and ended up many miles from home. So it’s very important that he wears identification.
Q: If my cat has a personalised cat collar, does she still need to be microchipped?
A: Yes! Your cat might lose his collar or someone might remove it, so microchipping is extremely important.
Q: Should I put my cat’s name on his collar?
A: You can, but it’s much more important to include your contact details and any critical medical information.
Q: Can I put a dog collar on my cat?
A: No! It wouldn’t be safe. Dog collars are designed to stay on (for use with a lead), but cat collars need to be able to come off in an emergency.
Q: Can I use a cat collar with a lead?
A: No! Quick-release cat collars (breakaway cat collars) are designed to snap open under pressure, so they must never be used with leads. An elasticated cat collar used this way would be potentially dangerous.
Q: Can I put one of your cat collars on my puppy / toy dog / small dog?
A: Some people put our cat collars on their puppies / toy dogs/ small dogs, but this is for identification purposes only, never for use with a lead. Breakaway cat collars are designed to snap open under pressure, so they must never be used with leads. We sell personalised dog collars too!
Q: My cat keeps removing his collar. What can I do?
A:
- Try one of our personalised soft cat collars. They’re super soft and there’s no tag to annoy the cat. We’d recommend ordering it without a bell because many cats don’t like them.
- Make sure the collar is not too tight and not too loose. For a safe and comfortable fit, you should be able to fit only 1 to 2 fingers (flat) between the collar and the neck. That’s 1 large or 2 slender fingers. If you can fit more than this, the collar is too loose which will annoy the cat and allow him to get a leg in to remove the collar.
- Let your cat get used to his collar indoors where you can keep an eye on him and distract him with his favourite toy or treat.
Our customers give us really good feedback after trying one of our personalised soft cat collars without a bell.
Q: My cat keeps losing his collar. What can I do?
A: Your cat might be getting into tight spots and the collar is coming off as it is designed to. Or, your cat might be pulling the collar off because he finds it uncomfortable or annoying. See “My cat keeps removing his collar” above.
Q: At what age can a kitten wear a collar?
A: 6 months and only if the collar fits properly. The smallest adjustment on all of our collars is about 20 cm which tends to fit from about 6 months, but it depends on the size and breed. For your kitten’s safety and comfort, you must wait until the collar fits properly. For a safe and comfortable fit, you should be able to fit only 1 to 2 fingers (flat) between the collar and the neck. That’s 1 large or 2 slender fingers. If you can fit more than this, the collar is too loose. We haven’t found a safe collar for younger/smaller kittens.
Kittens grow very quickly, so check the adjustment daily and adjust as needed.
Our personalised cat collars are wonderful for kittens 6+ months because they’re so soft and comfortable, and there’s no need for a cat tag.
It’s a good idea to get your kitten used to wearing a collar before she starts going outside, but only when the kitten is at least 6 months old and the collar fits properly.
Q: At what age can my kitten go outdoors?
A: If you decide to let your kitten go outdoors, please wait until she is at least 6 months old, fully vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. She will also need a cat flap and an indoor litter tray.
Q: Do you sell flea collars for cats?
A: No, because the safest and most effective flea control is available only from veterinarians. We could probably make a lot of money selling flea collars for cats, but we don’t because we love cats!
Please note that the chemicals in some spot-on flea and worming treatments may react with the fabric and plastic hardware of cat and dog collars. The chemicals may glue the collar to the pet’s neck and if the chemicals get into the clasp, they may damage it and prevent it from opening. Please remove the collar before applying any spot-on treatments and ensure that your pet’s coat is completely dry (preferably overnight) before refitting the collar.
Q: Why do cat collars have bells?
A: Some people like a bell to:
- tell them where their kitten or cat is (they’re handy for knowing where your kitten is, so you don’t accidentally step on it, or for finding your cat in the garden)
- warn wildlife that a cat is in the area, so the animal has a chance to escape
According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), a bell may reduce predation of birds, mice and voles.
Each of our collars comes with a bell, but please tell us if you don’t need it.
Q: Help! My cat keeps killing birds!
A: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommends:
- keeping cats indoors when birds are most vulnerable: at least an hour after sunrise and at least an hour before sunset, and also after bad weather, such as rain or a cold spell, to allow birds to come out and feed.
- using a quick-release collar (all of our collars are quick-release) with a bell to reduce predation of birds, mice and voles.
Some of our customers tell us that two bells work better than one. Apparently, cats can learn to control one bell when stalking prey but find it more difficult to control two. We supply double bells free of charge. When placing an order, type “double bells” in the Special Instructions field in the Checkout.
Q: My cat doesn’t like bells. Can I order a collar without?
A: Of course! Before adding a collar to your basket, select ‘Without Bell’.
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