No more struggling! How to choose and put on a cat collar [How to ensure a smooth first time with a collar]

Do you want to put a collar on your cat but aren't sure which one to choose?

There are many types of collars, such as fashionable ones with lace and ruffles, flea collars, and those with bells. If you go to a pet shop, you'll find collars made from various materials, including chirimen fabric, cotton, leather, and nylon.

It can be really hard to decide which one to choose.

Sometimes, even if you try to put a collar on your cat, they'll hate it and struggle, and the collar will end up in a drawer.

This time, we'd like to discuss in detail how to choose a safe and comfortable collar for your cat, and how to put it on without them disliking it.

How to Choose a Cat Collar Effectively

First and foremost, a cat collar is meant to protect your cat's safety.

One major concern when living with a cat is "escaping." If they get outside and become lost, or separated during a disaster, a cat collar serves as proof that they are a "pet cat."

This ensures they won't be taken to a shelter as a stray cat, but rather be sought out as a lost cat by their owner. If the collar has an ID tag, the chances of reunification increase even more.

On the other hand, there's also the possibility of accidents caused by cat collars.

Accidents can happen where their lower jaw gets caught in the collar, creating a muzzle-like situation, or where the collar gets snagged on something, leading to a strangulation-like state. In the worst case, it can even be fatal.

To ensure your cat's safety, it's important to know how to choose the right cat collar.

Choose the Right Size

To prevent accidents like muzzling or strangulation, choosing the right size is the most important factor.

Both collars that are too large and collars that are too small can be dangerous. Before purchasing a cat collar, always measure your cat's neck circumference and carefully check the collar's suitable size.

For kittens and short-haired cats, a size of neck circumference + 2-4 cm is appropriate. For long-haired cats, a size of neck circumference + 5 cm is just right.

● Periodically check the cat collar size

Neck size changes with growth. Kittens, especially, grow very quickly.

Also, neck size can change depending on their health. When they're healthy, they eat more, so their neck circumference gets larger. Conversely, when they're not feeling well, their neck circumference becomes smaller.

Even after purchasing a collar, please check regularly to ensure the size is still appropriate.

● Prevent collar-induced hair loss with proper sizing

For short-haired cats, if the collar is too tight, the fur underneath can become patchy. Inflammation or itching can also occur, so proper collar sizing is very important.

Long-haired cats can also experience tangled fur. To prevent collar-induced hair loss, the key is to choose a cat collar that is as narrow as possible and to brush frequently.

Choose materials that are gentle on skin and fur

Cats, just like humans, can have allergies. Also, depending on the material, it can be heavy, rub, or become stuffy.

Choosing the collar material is very important, as it can also cause collar-induced hair loss.

Recommended are fabric cat collars made of cotton or linen, which are soft against the skin. They are light and gentle, putting less strain on the skin and fur.

● For a first cat collar, choose something simple.

Cat collars with lots of lace and frills are lovely, but they can cause stress for your cat.

Also, cats sensitive to sound can be stressed by the sound of a bell. The "chime, chime" of a bell while they walk is cute, but it can sometimes cause them to panic.

If it's your cat's first collar, please choose one that is as simple as possible, without any embellishments.

● Always check the collar for dirt and the condition of the skin.

Since cat collars are worn daily, dirt can become a concern. Bacteria can multiply and cause unpleasant odors, so it's important to maintain cleanliness for your cat's health.

Also, if the collar is heavy or stiff, it can injure the skin. Always check for hair loss around the neck or any inflammation.

Choose a safe collar

We recommend choosing a safety-type collar where the clasp releases if strong force is applied.

When a cat collar causes a "muzzling" or "strangulation" situation, the release of the clasp can prevent suffocation accidents.

To prevent unforeseen accidents, choose a cat collar that states it has a safety buckle or safety adjuster.

Tips for putting on and getting your cat used to a collar

It's common for cats to intensely dislike wearing a collar even after you've bought one.

It's best to get them used to a collar from when they're a kitten, but some cats might be adults when they wear one for the first time. To ensure wearing a collar isn't stressful for them, let them gradually get used to it.

Initially, put it on for a set amount of time. Start with about 10 minutes, and gradually increase the time and frequency of wearing the collar. Some cats may get used to it in as little as 2-3 days, but a pace of getting used to it over about two weeks will likely cause less stress.

And, to ensure their safety, please don't take your eyes off your cat.

● Tips for putting on a cat collar

If you try to put a cat collar on from the front of your cat's face, they'll be wary and might not let you.

When putting on a cat collar, try to do it quietly from behind your cat. If your cat likes massages or brushing, it's also okay to put it on while interacting with them.

The key is to have the right amount of slack in the collar – not too tight, not too loose.

• For kittens and short-haired cats, +2-4 cm (about 1-2 human fingers fit underneath)
• For long-haired cats, +5 cm (about 2-3 human fingers fit underneath)

● Training with hair ties or Velcro

Apparently, some cat rescue facilities use scrunchies to train cats up for adoption to wear collars.

At a cat rescue facility I visited, they were training cats with Velcro (the thin kind used to bundle power cords). They said it's light and comes off easily, making it perfect for cats wearing a collar for the first time.

How to accustom your cat to a bell on their collar

Many people have concerns about their cat disliking the bell, even after getting used to the collar.

Attaching a bell to the cat collar helps you know your cat's whereabouts. There's a benefit in preventing them from getting trapped or involved in accidents, so it's good to get them used to the bell too.

Cats dislike bells because the sound of the bell is scary, or because it's too loud.

So, first, try attaching a bell to their usual toys. They'll learn that the sound of the bell isn't scary. They should get used to it in a few days, so when the time is right, try attaching a bell to their cat collar.

If they absolutely hate the sound of the bell, it's an option to try a bell with a different sound. It can be interesting to find a bell with a high pitch, low pitch, or short ringing sound that your cat doesn't dislike.

▲ An example of bells sold at Poponeko

Summary

For cats with heightened senses, collars and bells might be unpleasant.

However, in the event of an escape, they become a vital item to protect your cat. If you plan to live together for a long time, I strongly encourage you to use a collar in conjunction with a microchip.

Therefore, please pay attention to the size, material, and safety features when choosing a cat collar. Once you've chosen a cat-friendly collar, gradually accustom your cat to it so it doesn't cause them stress.

I hope these tips for choosing and putting on a cat collar are helpful!

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