Whilst cats don’t legally need to wear a collar like dogs, if you have an outdoor cat, you might feel more comfortable with them wearing a collar with an ID tag or a GPS tracker on it. But what kind of collar should your cat wear?
You might not know this, but there is more than one type of collar for cats and dogs, and that vets recommend cats wear a specific type for their safety.
What is a quick release cat safety collar?
Veterinarians recommend cats wear a quick release safety collar instead of a traditional buckle collar. Also known as breakaway collars, these collars are designed to come apart easily using a small amount of force. This means that if your cat is exploring in a bush or tree and their collar gets stuck, they can easily break free of it and escape, rather than ending up in a potentially fatal situation.
Tips for making sure your cat is wearing their collar safely.
Make sure any accessories are light
If you are adding any accessories such as an ID tag or a tracker, make sure they are lightweight and don’t interfere with the collar’s release mechanism or your cat’s natural movements. The Pawfit Lite cat tracker is the smallest and lightest GPS tracker in the world, weighing less than 18g.
Does your cat’s collar need a bell?
Bells can be a good addition to your cat’s collar if you are worried about them hunting wildlife as it will alert them to your cat’s presence. However, if you live in an area where your cat could be the preyed upon by animals such as coyotes, a collar without a bell would be a much safer option.
Regularly check their collar
Make sure you are checking your cat’s collar for any signs of wear and tear and that the safety release mechanism is working as it should. Any signs of damage and you should replace the collar immediately.
