Be Careful With Your Cat's Collar
Collars for outdoor cats can serve many purposes (identifying your cat, increasing visibility or even indicating a medical condition) but they can also cause serious injury.
I use collars on Mia, but not every collar is the same…
What makes collars safe for outdoor cats, and what turns them into a feline fashion fail (or worse, a hazard)?
When should you put a collar on a cat?
Cats that explore the great outdoors should always sport a collar with ID just in case they get lost. Indoor cats are often believed not to need a collar, but they can also benefit from wearing one if you live in a house. Cats often stage daring escapes and forget their way back home or get kidnapped (by mistake) by a friendly neighbor.
I don't usually have Mia wearing a collar except:
- When traveling. If she's not wearing a Houdini Harness she wears a Collar + AirTag
- When people come over (they tend to leave doors open and Mia loves to escape)
- If I'm outside, sometimes she wears a collar instead of a harness and I just walk beside her.
I never let Mia explore on her own, that's what the Houdini Cat Harness is for.
Introducing the gear when they’re still kittens is much easier. This is because when young, cats are a lot more daring and tolerate new experiences better. They will be more likely to accept a collar than older cats, although any cat can learn to wear a collar or a cat harness regardless of age.
Are Cat Collars Safe?
Yes, the right collar is safe when used correctly! We know collars can sometimes cause trouble– like getting snagged or turning a cat’s limbs into a game of Twister.
The chances of cats having serious collar-related mishaps are surprisingly low according to this study, only 0.34%, when the cat is wearing a breakaway collar, but increase drastically when they are non-breakaway. For unsupervised use, a collar that opens/releases easily is recommended to reduce the risk of entrapment.
If you are worried about your cat's safety when wearing a collar, select a breakaway collar and make sure the collar is snug but not too tight. You should be able to put one finger between the collar and the cat but not more than two.
I found my Lost Cat thanks to a Collar + AirTag.
I had my fair share of panic when I lost Mia once while on vacation. Thankfully, her Airtag-equipped collar saved me from putting up “Lost Cat” posters all over town.
After 30 minutes of agonizing search, the AirTag sent me a notification that my cat was tracked nearby, and a little after I reunited with her. She was chilling, exploring the streets of Mexico at night.
Watch: I found my cat thanks to a Cat Collar + AirTag
Outdoor cats can roam up to 1,600 meters away from home, which is why a cat collar is a must-have:
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Shows that your cat is a beloved family member, not a freelance adventurer.
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Ensure finders can contact us directly instead of adopting them on the spot.
Including your contact information on a tag can help a lost cat return home quickly. And when it comes to tracing, AirTags can be helpful in close-range sleuthing, while GPS trackers (yes, they come with a monthly fee) pinpoint the escapades of your little explorer.
Get here: Cat Collar with AirTag Holder.
The numbers don’t lie: Nine out of 16 cats find their way home with the help of tracking devices. Although the help of name tags is considerably lower, stacking them up together puts the odds in your favor!
Will Your Cat Get Used to the Collar?
We all know the dramatic flops that come with introducing a collar to a cat. Don’t worry, science says they’ll get over it!
Two out of three cats will adjust and tolerate them with proper introduction. The secret ingredient is your patience and rewards. Between the frantic backward walking and revenge plotting, Cats typically take two days to two weeks to get used to a collar. Stay strong.
Scratching where the collar is
About a quarter of cats struggle with collars, often scratching and causing minor wounds that can get infected. But this usually subsides once they've adjusted, saving their neck and your sanity.
How tight should a collar be?
The Golden Rule: not too loose nor too tight
You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the cat's collar and neck. Make a habit of checking the fit, just in case your cat decides to level up the chonk (or slim down). And don’t forget to replace worn-out collars, because if they fall apart, they’re as helpful as a leaky life raft.
What Type of Collar is Best?
Four significant takeaways from my experience of choosing the best collars, have to be:
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Thin–cats are likelier to accept a lightweight collar than neck pillows.
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Durable – it needs to withstand daily adventures without fraying; think wind, rain, and occasional squirrel chase.
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Breakaway collars – A breakaway cat collar is considered vital. A quick-release cat collar prioritizes escape from strangulation risks, unlike a dog’s collar, which is meant to stay secure for leash attachment.
A cat’s collar should let go when needed! Fair warning, just be prepared to replace it.
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Collar Color – Bright colors increase your cat’s visibility. Whether it’s for traffic safety, giving wildlife a heads-up (as advocates of the environment), or making sure well-meaning people don’t mistake them as homeless and whisk them off to a shelter.
Learn more in this cat collar color guide.
How to Stop Your Cat from Losing the Collar
Not all breakaway collars are the same. Some open at 1Lb of weight, and some do at 3Lb or 4. Look at the manufacturer's information to determine if the collar that your cat is wearing is right for their weight.
A collar with a very low breakaway point might free itself too easily, causing your cat to lose the collar all the time. A collar with a very high breakaway point, might stay too long on your cat and cause an accident or injury.
Our cat collars for kittens (less than 4 lbs) are not suitable for adult cats and vice versa.
When to Remove a Collar?
There are moments when taking off their collars is a good idea too, such as:
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Vet visits – Your vet needs full access to examine your cat, collars might be on the way.
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Grooming time – Water and collars don’t mix, and a soggy, frayed mess isn’t a good look.
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If it’s too tight or too loose – A good fit is key. We want a well-fitted collar, not a fashion gone wrong!
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If it’s causing irritation or excessive scratching – no one likes an itchy accessory, especially one they can’t take off!
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And when your cat rejects the idea of collars – a little break might help them adjust.
Can a Cat Sleep With the Collar On?
Yes, so long as it’s well-fitted and comfortable! However, I don't recommend it. At night, we tend to have our doors and windows closed and the likelihood of your cat wandering outside your home is low. However, if you believe your cat might end up leaving the home at night, it's best to leave the collar on (particularly a reflective one).
Break-away collars are designed for 24/7 wear, including sleep (fun fact: cats sleep 12-16 hours per day). Just remember the golden rule (it's a couple of paragraphs up if you don't remember)!
Can I use a cat collar to walk a cat on a leash?
Collars are great for IDs, but when it comes to leash walking, they’re a no-go. Cats have delicate necks and pulling on a collar can cause injury. If it’s breakaway, they’ll just tug at it easily like the great escape artists they are. Instead, opt for a Houdini Cat Harness as they’re snug, escape-proof, and comfortable.
Stay wild, stay safe and I'll see you outdoors!
Albert & Mia
Arhant, C., Heizmann, V., Schauberger, G., & Windschnurer, I. (2022). Risks and benefits of collar use in cats (Felis catus); a literature review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 55, 35-47.
Arhant, C., Lesch, R., Heizmann, V., Schauberger, G., & Windschnurer, I. (2022). Risks associated with free-roaming and collar use in cats—An online survey. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 58, 23-36.
Lord, L. K., Griffin, B., Slater, M. R., & Levy, J. K. (2010). Evaluation of collars and microchips for visual and permanent identification of pet cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237(4), 387-394.
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