Q: Why should my cat wear a breakaway cat collar?

A: Cats, being naturally curious, can get themselves into some really tight spots. A breakaway cat collar is designed to snap open quickly if it gets caught on something. So if your cat is in danger - hooked on a tree branch, snagged on a fence, caught on a window latch - she can break free and live to chase another mouse.

If your cat wears a collar, please make sure it's a breakaway collar. But please be aware that some breakaway collars aren't safe. We tested one brand that we could barely pull apart ourselves - how is a cat supposed to get out of it?

Q: What is the safest cat collar?

A: The safest cat collar is one with a breakaway clasp that snaps open under pressure to release your cat if caught on something. This is the type of cat collar recommended by most animal welfare organisations and the only type we would put on our own cats. These are called breakaway cat collars, quick-release cat collars or snap-open cat collars. But please be aware that some cat collars called breakaway or quick-release actually aren't, and could endanger your cat's life.

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 an indoor cat. Does she need a personalised cat collar?

A: We think so. 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: We think so. 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: My cat is microchipped. Does he need a personalised cat collar?

A: We think so, 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.
- It is sometimes not possible to scan for a microchip if a cat is badly injured. Some vets will only operate on an injured cat if they have been able to contact the owners.
- 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: If my cat has a personalised cat collar, does she still need to be microchipped?

A: Yes! Your cat might 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: Some people think you shouldn't put a cat's name on a collar or tag because someone could use it to lure the cat away. It's far 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! Cat collars are designed to snap open or slip off under pressure, so they must never be used with leads! Cat harnesses are designed for this purpose.

Q: My cat wears a cat flap magnet. Can I attach it to one of your collars?

A:

Staywell: If you have one of the Staywell 'mouse' magnets or infrared keys, you should be able to attach it to the D-ring of any of our collars. If the collar you are ordering doesn't have a D-ring, please reply back to your receipt asking us to add one.

Cat Mate: Pet Mate have recently changed the Cat Mate magnets so that they fit on breakaway collars. They are available directly from Pet Mate on 01932-700000.

Other models: We can build other cat flap magnets and keys into our sparkly reflective collars. Please contact us.

Q: My cat won't wear a collar. What can I do?

A:
1) Make sure the collar is not too tight and not too loose. For a comfortable and safe fit, you should be able to fit only two fingers comfortably under the collar.
2) Try removing the bell. Usually it's the bell that the cat dislikes, not the collar.
3) Try one of our personalised cat collars which are made of really soft nylon, only 1 cm wide and extremely comfortable.
4) Let your cat get used to his collar indoors where you can keep an eye on him, and perhaps give him his favourite treat.

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 won't wear a collar" above.

Q: At what age can a kitten wear a collar?

A: The Feline Advisory Bureau recommends waiting until a kitten is 6 months or older before fitting a collar.

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, it's important to wait until the collar fits properly. With kittens, you should be able to fit only 1 to 2 fingers (flat) between the collar and the neck. We haven't found a safe collar for younger/smaller kittens.

Kittens grow very quickly, so check the collar weekly and adjust as needed.

Our personalised cat collars are wonderful for kittens 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 again please make sure that it fits properly.

The Feline Advisory Bureau has published an excellent article on kitten care which includes a section on collars.

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.