No walks with a cat collar! Here's why.

Hello, this is YOKO from Poponeko!

When taking a leisurely walk in the park, you might encounter a cat being walked on a leash. Seeing them chase fallen leaves with bright eyes or sunbathe, you can really tell how much they’re enjoying themselves.

However, going outside with an "escape artist" cat can be nerve-wracking.

For starters, cat collars aren't made for walking. Even if you attach a leash like you would for a dog, you must stay vigilant. Walking a cat with a standard collar is dangerous.

In this article, I’d like to explain in simple terms why you shouldn't walk a cat using a cat collar.

Cat collars are not for walking

Cat collars are not meant to be worn when going outside, but rather as a measure to prevent escapes. They are designed to be worn all the time, even while your cat is at home or sleeping.

What is essential for a cat collar is that it be "lightweight and comfortable." Because of this, cat collars are not built to be sturdy.

Furthermore, cat collars are designed to "break away easily."

Poponeko’s cat collars are the same; they often usebuckles that release when a strong force is applied.

▲ "Safety Adjuster" that releases when force is applied

Since a cat’s head is small, a collar can sometimes slip off. It would be dangerous if their jaw got caught, creating a "bridle" situation.

Additionally, if they jump onto or off of high places, the collar could get snagged, leading to a "hanging" situation. This is a safety design meant toprevent such accidents for your cat.

Cat collars are built to break away under pressure. For this reason, walking a cat with a leash attached to a cat collar is a no-go.

A cat collar is like an ID card for your cat

Cats have a high risk of escaping and can slip out at any moment. The thought of them getting lost because they don't know the way home is heart-wrenching.

Because it is not immediately obvious that they are a pet cat, they might be protected as a stray by a public health center or animal welfare center. There is even a possibility they might be taken in by another family.

Wearing a collar indicates that they are a pet. Furthermore,if they wear an ID tag, someone who finds your cat may contact you. The collar also acts as a landmark, making it easier to gather information on sightings.

I believe a cat collar is like an ID card and a vital lifeline that connects your cat to you, the owner.

Do cats really need walks?

For cats that have lived indoors since birth, going outside is actually stressful. It is better to avoid taking them for walks.

However, a cat with high curiosity or one that has lived outdoors before might want to go for a walk.

If your cat keeps trying to escape to go outside or is feeling unwell due to stress, a walk might provide good stimulation. In such cases, there may be benefits to trying it.

Using a cat harness is recommended for walks

Your cat is a beloved family member. If they want to go outside, you naturally want to take them.If you are going to take your cat for a walk, use a harness instead of a collar.

There is a risk of escape if you only attach a leash to a cat collar. However, with a harness, you can securely hold your cat's body, providing peace of mind even if they get startled and jump.

Cats might resist if you put the harness on them abruptly, so it is a good idea to practice indoors before going out. Of course, make sure to properly manage flea and tick prevention as well as vaccinations.

I hope you will use a cat harness safely and enjoy life with your cat!♪

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