Best Collar for Cats Who Hate Collars
- Abi
- May 18, 2023
- 3:58 pm
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A collar is an essential accessory for all indoor or outdoor cats, but some cats aren’t keen to have something around their neck. Let’s look at the best collars for cats who hate collars.
Collars are important as they allow you to attach an identifying tag so your cat can be easily identified should it become lost or ill away from home. Unfortunately, not all cats are used to wearing collars, and some don’t like the sensation of a collar. In this article, we’ll discuss choosing the best collar for cats who hate collars.
Best Collars for Cats Who Hate Collars: Buying Guide
There are several types of cat collars available, including ones with fun designs or colors, personalized collars with your pet’s name and contact information, and even flea and tick control collars.
Additionally, some cat collars come with extra features such as built-in LED lights for visibility at night or bells that help you keep track of your cat’s movements. When selecting a collar, consider the type and size of your cat, as well as the safety features it offers.
Larger cats may require a sturdier collar that is adjustable and fits comfortably. For cats that spend a lot of time outdoors, look for a reflective collar to help increase visibility at night.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for the best collars for cats who hate collars:
Soft Material
Cats who hate wearing collars won’t take kindly to ones made with heavy and thick material. The best material for collars for these cats should be lightweight and soft.
Examples include:
- Suede
- Silk
- Lightweight polyester
- Neoprene
A thinner collar should be less irritating and more comfortable than one with a larger diameter. When choosing the collar, ensure the fabric is durable and won’t break easily.
Adjustable Size
An adjustable collar ensures a comfortable fit for your cat. The collar should be snug enough to stay on without impeding your cat’s breathing but not so loose that it risks falling off.
A good guideline is to ensure the collar can fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck without squeezing too tightly.
Breakaway Clasp
A breakaway clasp is another essential feature. This closure is released automatically when pressure is applied, preventing strangling if the collar gets snagged on something while your cat explores their environment.
If your cat has long fur, ensure that the collar’s clasp doesn’t trap the fur, as this can cause your cat pain, and make collar wearing even more difficult.
Plain Collars
Cats who hate wearing collars may find that plain collars are more comfortable because there are fewer irritating accessories attached to the collar, such as bells, rings, and other decorative items.
However, if you find a lightweight collar you think your cat would like, you could always remove the extra accessories.
Potential Problems with Cat Collars
Most cats become used to wearing a collar after a few days. However, sometimes they can experience problems:
Allergic Reactions
Cats with sensitive skin might develop allergies or irritation from certain materials used in collars. If you notice any redness or swelling around the neck area after introducing a new collar, consult your vet immediately.
The best material for cats with sensitive skin is typically soft fabric or neoprene. These materials are gentle on their skin while providing durability and comfort.
Inaccurate Fit
A collar that doesn’t fit properly can lead to problems such as difficulty breathing, chafing against the skin, and increased chances of getting caught on objects.
Always double-check measurements before buying the collar and regularly inspect the fit as your cat grows.
Fearful Behavior and Stress
Some cats may become stressed or fearful when wearing a collar, especially if they’ve never worn one. This can lead to behavioral changes such as hiding, aggression, or excessive grooming to try and remove the collar.
Tips for Getting Your Cat to Wear Their Collar
If you’re struggling with getting your feline friend accustomed to wearing their new collar, consider these tips:
Introduce Gradually
Start by allowing your cat to sniff and explore the collar before putting it on. Once they seem comfortable, place it around their neck for short periods, gradually increasing the duration.
You should also only put the collar on your cat when you think it’s in a relaxed and calm state. If your cat seems anxious or upset, placing a collar on it could exacerbate their symptoms and make them more fearful of wearing a collar.
Reward Positive Behavior
Offer treats or praise when your cat allows you to put on its collar without resistance. This positive reinforcement helps create a pleasant association with wearing the accessory.
Gently stroke your cat, give it plenty of attention, and offer them a favorite food treat.
Maintain Consistency
Establishing a routine can help your cat adjust to the new experience. Try putting on and removing the collar daily so your pet becomes familiar with this activity as part of their regular schedule.
Monitor Your Cat’s Progress
Keep an eye on your cat wearing its new collar to ensure they don’t experience any issues. Remove the collar and consult with your vet if you notice signs of distress or discomfort.
Signs of distress include:
- Excessive scratching at the neck area
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of fur around the neck due to rubbing against the band
Use a Pheromone Spray
If you’re still struggling to get your cat to wear a collar, consider spraying the collar with pheromone spray before gently putting it on your cat. Pheromone spray is a natural product consisting of feline pheromones which mimic the hormones a mother cat produces when she gives birth to kittens. These pheromones calm the kittens and encourage them to suckle on the mother.
Spraying the collar with pheromone spray can make your cat feel calmer about wearing a collar. Instead of spraying the collar with pheromone spray, you could use a plug-in pheromone product.
Alternatively, gently rub the collar against the side of your cat’s mouth because this is where feline scent glands are located. This way, your cat may feel more comfortable wearing a collar that smells familiar.
Best Collars for Cats Who Hate Collars: FAQs
How often should I change my cat’s collar?
It is recommended to change your cat’s collar every few months or as needed. Factors such as wear and tear, new growth spurts, or changes in activity levels can impact the fit of their collar, so it is important to regularly check for any signs of strain or discomfort. Additionally, if you notice that the buckle has become loose or fraying on the material, it’s time to switch out the collar for a new one.
Are there collars specifically designed for kittens?
There are cat collars that are specifically designed for kittens and cats of smaller sizes. These collars typically have breakaway or lightweight buckle closures with adjustable straps that can grow with your pet as they grow. Additionally, some cat collars come with reflective details and built-in safety features to help keep your pet safe and easy to identify.
Are there any cat collars that can track my pet’s location?
GPS and tracking collars available that allow pet owners to locate their cats if they become lost. These collars use technology such as radiofrequency or Bluetooth to help track a pet’s location and can be used in conjunction with an app on your smartphone. Additionally, some GPS collars come with safety features like breakaway buckles so your cat can quickly escape from any dangerous situations.
Are there collars that can help protect my cat against fleas and ticks?
There are specialty collars designed to help protect cats from fleas and ticks. These collars contain active ingredients such as permethrin or fipronil, which can kill off fleas and ticks on contact. Additionally, some of these collars are waterproof so they can be worn even when your pet goes outside. It’s important to note that you should still check your cat for signs of fleas or ticks regularly even if they’re wearing a special collar.
What type of collar is best for outdoor cats?
For outdoor cats, it is recommended to use a lightweight, adjustable collar with a reflective material. This will help to keep your cat visible at night and provide them with extra protection against potential dangers.
Which type of cat collars should I avoid?
It’s important to avoid collars that could be a choking hazard for your cat, such as those with elastic bands or straps. Additionally, never use a collar with sharp edges or pointy parts that could cause injury to your pet. Finally, if you’re using an anti-scratch or deterrent collar – make sure to check it regularly for signs of wear and tear, and ensure that it fits properly so your pet can’t escape from it.
Are there any tips for choosing the right collar for my pet?
The best way to choose the right collar for your cat is to measure your pet’s neck and compare it to the collar’s size chart. Be sure to double-check that the collar fits properly so there is no risk of your cat slipping out of it.
How often should I check my cat’s collar?
It’s important to regularly inspect your pet’s collar for signs of wear and tear. Additionally, be sure to check that the buckle or clasp is properly secured so there is no risk of your cat slipping out. Finally, if you’re using a flea and tick collar – make sure to follow the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer.
Best Collars for Cats Who Hate Collars: Final Thoughts
Choosing the best collar for cats who hate collars can be a challenging task. However, you can ensure your cat’s collar is comfortable and safe by considering key features such as breakaway buckles, removable bells, and soft materials. It’s also important to remember potential problems with cat collars and tips for getting your cat to wear their collar.
Finding the perfect collar for your cat may take trial and error, but keeping them safe is worth it. By following this buying guide and considering your cat’s body weight, fur length, indoor/outdoor status, and personality type, you will find a great choice of comfortable collars for feline friends who hate wearing anything around their necks.
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