do cats need breakaway collars vs elastic

#Do cats need breakaway collars vs elastic skin
#Do cats need breakaway collars vs elastic free

If you’re worried about your cat being identified if they get lost, rather than attaching a tag to the collar, the safest way is to get them microchipped.But is denying cats ‘the outside’ also cruel? The bottom line is most cats can be totally happy living indoors – but owners need to put in the effort to provide for their environmental and behavioural needs. Read more about cats and play in our guide. This should help them express their natural behaviour without harming wildlife. Other ways to protect wildlife rather than using a bell include keeping your cat indoors at dawn and dusk (prime hunting time for cats) and play with them lots in the house. If you do wish to attach a bell to your cat’s collar, make sure that it is not possible for your cat to get their claws caught in the bell and that you are using a quick release collar. These can easily get caught or trapped in small areas, for example between fence panels, causing your cat to become trapped. However, it’s important to be aware that bells, discs and other collar accessories can be hazardous. Work done by the RSPB has shown that attaching a bell to a cat’s collar can reduce the number of birds which the cat can catch. If your cat’s collar becomes damaged, you should replace it straight away. When you first put it on, they might hunch or move around so you’ll need to double check the fit before letting them venture out in it. Once you’ve fit the collar on your cat, check the fit again after a few minutes. Too tight and it will be uncomfortable for your cat, too loose and they could seriously hurt themselves. When you fit the collar on your cat, you should be able to fit two fingers under comfortably. Usually, cat collars are sold as one size you can cut down, but it’s best to check to be sure. If they’ll let you, you can measure loosely around their neck to get an idea of size before you go out to buy one. Make sure you buy the right type of collar specifically for cats. You should always make sure your cat’s collar fits them correctly for their safety and wellbeing.

#Do cats need breakaway collars vs elastic free

For more information on keeping your cat flea free, read our free guide.

Have a chat with your vet about which product they recommend as the most effective and safe option. If you’re thinking of buying a flea collar, some of the newer collars that are only available from vets are the best option.

#Do cats need breakaway collars vs elastic skin

They may cause local skin irritation and you will still need to ensure they are quick release to keep your cat safe. There are lots of flea collars available and in general, collars are not very effective at keeping fleas at bay.

Collars with reflective strips can help cats be seen at night, which can be beneficial around roads and traffic. Make sure the collar is of good quality, without any loose stitching or adornments (such as studs or gems) that could pose a choking hazard if they were to come loose. It’s far better to choose a quick release collar for your cat’s welfare and safety. If your cat gets stuck in one of these collars, they might try to use a paw to free themselves and get further tangled.

While these were once thought to be safe, they can cause more harm than good. We wouldn’t recommend an elasticated collar. This means that if your cat’s collar was to become caught, it will be more likely to pop open and release your cat so they don’t get hurt or stuck. The safest collars for cats are the ‘quick release’ or snap opening collars. If you’re considering getting a collar for your cat, you need to make sure it’s safe and they won’t get stuck or hurt if it gets caught while they’re exploring.