When it comes to choosing a collar for your cat, there are a lot of different styles to choose from. Pet stores offer all kinds of collars ranging from colorful, glitzy, and fun to some made from leather, elastic, or other types of materials. One of the key things to look for in a cat collar is the mechanism that latches the collar together, usually referred to the buckle or clasp. Not paying attention to this could cause harm to your cat. So, let us help you understand the differences and the safest options available for your cat.
TRADITIONAL COLLARS VS. BREAKAWAY COLLARS
Traditional collars have buckles with teeth that do not snap open easily. Usually a human is needed to remove a traditional cat collar. Quick release, breakaway cat collars have a different type of clasp without teeth that pops open easily when force is applied. One side of the clasp fits securely inside the other end of the clasp and is designed to release once sudden force is applied. Traditional colars should be used for walking a pet, not for them to wander freely. A breakaway collar is extremely important for all cats to use, but most importantly for outdoor cats to use. For example, if your cat gets caught up on a fence post with a quick release collar, the collar will un-latch and your cat will be set free. If your cat is wearing a traditional collar and gets stuck on a fence post, the buckle would not release, and your cat could stay stuck and could end up being harmed. A quick release breakaway collar will protect them from potential dangers like neck strain, strangulation, or even death. Petmate's line of cat collars features a patented breakaway clasp that is specifically designed to release is your cat gets caught up on something. Not only that, but Petmate cat collars also are made with reflective materials so that your cat is seen by passing motorist at night.
SIZE MATTERS
Another thing to pay attention to when getting your cat a collar is the size. This is especially important if your introducing a collar to your cat for the first time, as your cat will almost certainly try to escape from the collar. There have been numberous incidents when a collar is too big for a cat and their paw gets stuck in the collar and puts them in a dangerous situation. Not only that, but cats have also been known to get their bottom jaw stuck in colars due to the collar being too big. While you want to make sure the collar is secure and won't slip off easily, always make sure that you can fit at least one to two fingers in between your cats' neck and the collar to ensure it is not choking them. Also, if you have a kitten, remember to check their collar fit at least once every three weeks to ensure your growing kitty isn't being choked by their collar.
IS YOUR CAT CURIOUS?
Cats are curious creatures who love to climb fences and trees to explore the world around them. If your cat happens to get stuck in a bush or on a tree branch, a breakaway collar will release to ensure your cats safety. Since outdoor cats are not under 24/7 supervision, if they do not have a breakaway collar and they get stuck on something, you may not be there to come to the rescue. As a cat-parent, it's important to make sure they're equipped with safe collars so that they are safe during their daytime adventures. By doing so, you will have many more years ahead of kitty lovin' to look forward to.
There is also a chance that your cat might come home without their breakaway collar. You must remind yourself that this is okay. Your cat losing his collar is way better than him not walking home at all. If your cat comes home without his collar, take pride in knowing that you potentially saved your cats life by making sure they had on a safe, quick release collar. You just paid $10 for your cats' safe return home.
SAFEST CAT COLLARS TO BUY
Petmate and Aspen Pet cat collars are some of the safest cat collars on the market. Each collar is made with a patented breakaway clasp and can be adjusted in size as your cat grows. Not only that, but they have different styles and bells for both boy and girl cats. If your cat spends time outdoors, a reflective collar would be a smart investment. That way oncoming traffic can see your cat and their collar and know where to steer clear. When picking out a collar size, be sure to pick a collar that will allow for one to two fingers to slip in comfortably while your cat is wearing the collar. This will protect your cat's neck and keep them comfortable throughout the day. Also, make sure that you have a name tag on your cats collar with your cats name, address, and phone number just in case he gets lost. It's always good practice to keep an extra tag or two on hand. Pet retail stores like Petsmart, Petco, or even Wal-Mart have machines inside their stores where you can make your cats ID tags.
As a cat owner, it's your responsibilitgy to make sure your cat is equipped with a collar and ID tag in case he gets lost. Take pride in knowing that you're providing the safest collar to your cat and keeping your cat safe for years to come
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