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

Hello, this is YOKO from Poponeko!

When I take a leisurely stroll in the park, I sometimes encounter cats being walked on a leash. They chase fallen leaves with sparkling eyes or bask in the sun. Their joy is almost palpable.

However, taking a cat who's an escape artist outside can be nerve-wracking.

First of all, cat collars are not designed for walks. Even if you attach a leash like you would for a dog, you can't let your guard down. Walking a cat with a cat collar is dangerous.

This time, I'd like to explain clearly why you shouldn't walk a cat with a cat collar.

Cat collars are not for walks

Cat collars are not meant to be worn when going outside, but rather as a measure against escape. They are meant to be worn continuously, even when the cat is indoors or sleeping.

What's essential for a cat collar is that it's "light and comfortable to wear." That's why cat collars are not made to be sturdy.

Also, cat collars are designed to "come off easily."

This is also true for Poponeko's cat collars; buckles that release when strong force is applied are often used.

▲ "Safety adjuster" that releases when force is applied

Cats have small heads, so their collars can sometimes slip off. If their chin gets caught and they end up in a "gagged" state, it's dangerous.

Also, there's a possibility that they could get caught on something when climbing up or down from a high place and end up in a "hanging" state. This is a safety design to prevent such accidental mishaps for cats.

Cat collars are designed to come off when force is applied. For this reason, walking a cat with a leash attached to its cat collar is not recommended.

A cat collar is like an ID for your cat

Cats have a high risk of escape and can get outside through the slightest gap. My heart tightens at the thought of them getting lost and not knowing their way back.

Because it's not immediately apparent that they are a pet cat, they might be taken to a shelter or animal welfare center as a stray. They could even end up being adopted by another family.

If they're wearing a cat collar, it's clear they are a pet cat. Moreover, if they have an ID tag, the person who finds them might contact you. The cat collar also serves as a distinguishing mark, making it easier to gather sighting information.

I believe a cat collar is like an ID for your cat, a vital lifeline connecting the cat and its owner.

Do cats need walks?

For cats that have lived indoors their entire lives, going outside can actually be stressful. It's probably best to avoid taking them for walks.

However, if a cat is very curious about the outdoors or has lived outdoors before, they might want to go for walks.

If a cat repeatedly escapes because it wants to go outside, or if it's experiencing health issues due to stress, walks can sometimes provide good stimulation.There seem to be benefits to taking walks.

If you're going for a walk, a cat harness is recommended

Cats are cherished family members. If they want to go outside, you'd want to take them for a walk, right? If you're going to walk your cat, use a harness, not a cat collar.

Simply attaching a leash to a cat collar poses a risk of escape. However, a harness can securely hold your cat's body, so you can rest assured even if something startles them and they jump.

Cats might resist if you suddenly put on a harness, so it's a good idea to practice indoors before going out for a walk. Of course, also ensure proper flea and tick prevention and infectious disease prevention.

I hope you can enjoy life with your cat by skillfully using a cat harness!

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