Ann Hohenhaus, senior veterinarian with Schwarzman Animal Medical Center-NYC. "Cats are Olympic-level athletes," says Dr. As the pets are known for getting themselves stuck in precarious situations, it's a good idea to purchase a breakaway collar with a buckle that snaps open when it becomes caught on something, like a tree or fence. There's more to choosing a collar than simply making sure it fits your feline, though. If you have any questions about selecting the right collar, or any other health concerns about your feline companion, please give your McLean, VA veterinarian a call today at 70.Whether you have an indoor cat that regularly likes to dash out of the house or one that you allow to roam free outdoors, investing in a cat collar and tag is an easy way to keep your furry friend safe should it stray too far from home. You provide them a loving home, healthy food, annual wellness exams, and vaccinations, take the time to select the safest collar as well. They are an inexpensive tool to ensure a safe return in the event they are lost. Selecting the right collar is important to protect them. As your cat grows, you will want to routinely check the fit to make sure it is not too tight around their neck.Īs a responsible cat owner, they rely on you to keep them safe. Check the fit by slipping one to two fingers between the collar and your cats’ neck to make sure it is not too tight. If their foot, or lower jaw, becomes stuck in their collar these can pose other situations dangerous to your pet. If they are not used to wearing a collar, they may try to scratch and remove it. A collar that is too big can also be a cause for danger or injury for them. When selecting the right collar, whether traditional or breakaway, for your cat, size is also an important thing to consider. Traditional collars can cause severe damage to your cat including: In the event they get caught on something, like fence posts or other hazards, the quick release collar will unlatch, allowing your cat to safely get away. Cats that are allowed to wander outside, or live outdoors should only have a breakaway collar, preferably with reflective material for additional protection at night. Traditional collars should never be used on a pet if they are allowed to wander freely, or are not being supervised. Breakaway collars, designed for cats, have a clasp that opens easily when a sudden force is pulled on it. These require being removed by unclasping the buckle by hand. Traditional collars are the ones you usually think of, they have a clasp or buckle that snaps together and have teeth which do not easily open. There are really only two types of collars, traditional and breakaway (also called quick release). Your cat’s life can literally be affected by the type of collar you purchase, so let’s cover the safest option currently available for your cat. One thing that is most important about a collar, particularly in cats, is the clasp. Showing off their personality, your favorite sports team, sparkly to spikes, big or small, there are almost as many options as there are dogs and cats. They hold their license and ID tag plus, they can serve as a fashion statement.