Check your cat’s collar regularly for damage, fit, loose attachments, or insecure fastenings. Some owners worry that a tight collar will affect their cat’s comfort, but a loose collar is a safety concern, and there is no evidence that wearing a collar loosely is more comfortable for your cat.Īny tags, discs, or bells should be lightweight and securely fastened to the collar. Collars should lie snugly on the cat’s neck, and you should only be able to fit one or two fingers between the collar and your cat’s skin. Make sure the collar is of good quality, and that the snap fastening releases easily. Also called a quick-release collar, or breakaway collar, these give your cat a better chance of escaping injury if they are unlucky enough to get their collar snagged on something. If you chose to use a collar, there are some top tips to help keep your kitty safe and sound.Īlways choose a safety collar with a buckle that snaps open if your cat’s collar gets caught on something. A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association followed 538 cats for six months, and 18 (3.3%) reported a problem with a forelimb or mouth caught in a collar.Īlso Read: Seresto Collar For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects Other Disadvantages Of CollarsĬhoose collars with safety clasps that are designed to break open if they collar becomes hooked on something. It is worth noting that collar injuries are fairly rare.
This is particularly common with collars with elastic inserts, which have enough stretch to get a limb or jaw around them due to the elasticity, but don’t break when caught.īells and discs hanging from collars can get caught on objects, or pose a choking hazard if ingested. Cats can also get a leg or jaw stuck around the collar, causing wounds and potential nerve damage. There is the risk of strangulation if the collar becomes caught on something and doesn’t break or slip off. This is unlikely to become a problem unless the collar rubs the skin and causes inflammation or abrasion.Ĭollars can pose more serious threats to cat health, although uncommonly. Some cats will suffer from hair loss around the neck where the collar lies. The main argument against cats wearing collars is the possibility of harm or injury. Traditional collars without safety features can be dangerous for cats.