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Will the cat soon only come into the house without a mouse?
by Patrick Vogt
Cats: to collar or not to collar, that’s the question
4.5.2023
Translation: Julia Graham
With dogs, collars are pretty much standard. Less so with cats. Cat collars seem to be as varied as they are controversial. Why is that? Let me try to explain.
I recently wrote about smart cat flaps that stop cats coming in with prey in their mouth. There was such a lively discussion in the comments under that article. It just goes to show that sense and nonsense is the best way to talk about an invention like this.
You also made other suggestions. For example, having a bell around a cat’s neck should stop them catching things. Another comment suggested inventing a collar that would scare prey away from felines. This got me thinking. So I dug deeper into the subject of cat collars.
One collar to rule them all, one to find them
There are a number of reasons for putting a collar on your cat. If your kitty goes outside, a collar is proof that they’ve got a home and obviously aren’t stray. Meanwhile, should your furry friend get lost or escape, a collar with an address on it can help you identify and find them quickly.
Reflective collars, on the other hand, are all about safety. They make your cat easier to spot at dusk and in the dark, which can be especially crucial on roads or at the side of them. If you want to know exactly where your cat is, you can also get a collar with a GPS tracker. Giving you full control, so to speak.
Collar + Leashes
Quantity discount
CHF5.85 per piece for 3 units
Trixie Cat collar with address tab
One size, Cat, General
Collar + Leashes
Quantity discount
CHF8.95 per piece for 3 units
Swisspet ReflectLine cat collar 10mm/20-30cm
Then, there are pest collars. These are designed to protect your moggy from fleas, ticks, lice and mites. They last between three and eight months, depending on the collar and type of pest. It’s worth mentioning that collars like this are likely to significantly reduce the risk of parasite infestation. But what they can’t promise is complete protection.
And then you’ve got supposed hunting prevention collars with bells. These are designed to prevent your cat catching prey, such as mice and birds. In theory, it sounds like a wise choice, I’ll admit. In reality, as is so often the case, things are a bit different. Despite what some studies say, there’s no clear evidence that bell collars stop cats killing as many mice and birds. Why is that? Cats are very skilled and successful hunters. It’s in their blood. Having a bell round the neck may initially be a handicap. But sooner or later, they’ll find a way to hunt even with it on.
Collar + Leashes
Quantity discount
CHF5.10 per piece for 4 units
Trixie Cat collar
One size, Cat, Walks
Collar + Leashes
Quantity discount
CHF5.05 per piece for 4 units
Karlie Cat Collar Kitty Cat
Cat, Walks
Constant noise is annoying – not just for people
When it comes to bell collars, you also need to take into consideration that your cat will hear it about three times better than you. So you can imagine how uncomfortable that would be for them, having something round their neck that jingles with almost every movement. I mean, do you fancy tinnitus? Exactly.
For the sake of completeness, I should point out that, according to a study (site in German), when combined with a bright ruff collar, bell versions actually stop cats catching as many wild animals. A side benefit is your cat will be a welcome guest at the annual Met Gala.
Source: swild.ch
The agony of choice, or vice versa
There’s a large selection of cat collars for various purposes. Are you now wondering if you should put one on your cat? Unfortunately, I can’t give you a hard and fast answer.
For one thing, it varies according to each feline’s personality. Not everyone likes to have something tied around their neck. Your home set-up can also be a deciding factor – for instance, whether your cat is allowed out. Also, keep in mind that a collar can pose a risk to your cat, even if it’s meant for their safety. If the collar is too tight, it can impair their breathing or injure them. Equally, if too loose, it can slip off or get tangled on a branch, for instance, which can also hurt them.
These potential risks and dangers are exactly why many animal welfare activists are sceptical about putting collars on cats. In general, they only recommend it when deemed absolutely necessary.
Quick closures save cat lives
Once you weigh up all the pros and cons, if you decide to buy a cat collar, please make sure it’s not too tight or too loose and check it regularly. What’s more, it’s also essential for it to be quick release. This ensures the collar comes off easily in the event of an accident. And if you’re still unsure or have concerns about a cat collar, it’s best to discuss it with your vet. They’ll definitely be able to help you.
Source: Unsplash
Our cats don’t wear a collar. A few years ago, we actually tried two different types several times, but to no avail. Each time, it wasn’t long before both cats managed to slip the band off their neck. And what’s more, we never found most of the collars again. That’s why we abandoned our attempts and decided not to put a collar on our newer cats. Instead, we had all four of them microchipped at the vet. If they do run away, get locked inside somewhere or end up in an accident, they can be identified using a scanner, without there being any uncertainty.
What have you decided to do with your cats? Do they have a collar? And if so, how have you and your cat found it? Or are you thinking about getting your furry friend one? Let me know in the comments.
Header image: Shutterstock
I'm a full-blooded dad and husband, part-time nerd and chicken farmer, cat tamer and animal lover. I would like to know everything and yet I know nothing. I know even less, but I learn something new every day. What I am good at is dealing with words, spoken and written. And I get to prove that here.
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