Selecting the best cat collar

  Posted on November 30, 2009  by Joy of Living  No comments

Jessie:  Okay, I want to spread my knowledge about cat chokers…er, collars, here.  I want to make sure you understand how to properly select and adorn your beloved feline with a collar.  Just because I am a dog does not mean I don’t know a thing or two about putting a cat in a choke…er, collar…hold.  There are just a few freatures to bear in mind when choosing the right collar for your cat.  You will want to know the size, overall comfort, style, ability to clean, durability, and safety.  When choosing a cat collar, make sure it can pinch or prong or….

Bo:  WAIT A MINUTE!  I don’t think these folks will trust your communication here with respect to appropriate collars for us cats.  I believe I am in a much better position to pontificate about such delicate matters.  After all, I have been a cat for years.

(Jessie slinks off to find a rope and begins to form what looks like a noose.  We can’t be too sure, however!)

Bo:  As I was saying, I know cat collars, and I am here to educate you as to the appropriate way to select one for the love of your life, your cat!  The collars with either buckled or snap-together closures are perfect choices.  Test the snap-together ones to make sure the hold is strong.  Also make sure it has a quick-release feature in case your cat gets stuck on something.  You will also need to find one that adjusts as your cat grows, if you are starting with a kitten.  If your cat goes outdoors frequently, you might look into a collar with reflective features.

The ideal fit for a cat collar should allow you to slip one to two fingers between your cat’s neck and the collar.  This all depends on the size of the cat.  Those “slip,” “choke,” or “prong” type collars are for dogs.  Please keep those away from us precious kitties.  Some cat collars come adorned with bells that cats enjoy.  Just make sure that the bell is secure and does not come off and pose a choking hazard.

Jessie jumps in here:  Be advised, however, that the constant ringing of the bell may annoy you if your cat plays a lot at night.  I need my beauty sleep, you know!

Bo:  Do not rely on your cat’s collar for identification.  If your cat becomes lost or loses his collar, he cannot be postively ID’d.  The best thing to do is to have a microchip placed under your cat’s skin to increase the chances of your cat being returned home.  Your veterinarian can perform this microchip service for you.

Jessie:  Bo needs a microchip in the brain just to stimulate it.

Bo:  Well, I am out of here.  I need to go see what collar I have that will look good with what I am wearing today.  (Treks off to the closet)

Jessie, shouting out to Bo:  Better find a collar that goes well with your inner dork!

For more information about your cat and its collars, be sure to inquire of the pet sitting experts at Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City.  Owner Karen Harrison will be happy to help you out.

(Information for this article obtained from www.petproductadvisor.com)