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 are unsure about how to choose one?

There are many types of collars available, including fashionable ones with lace or ruffles, flea-repellent versions, and those with bells. If you visit a pet shop, you will see collars made from a variety of materials, such as crepe, cotton, leather, and nylon.

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

Sometimes, when you finally try to put a collar on your cat, they may hate it, struggle, and it ends up sitting in a drawer unused.

In this article, I would like to explain in detail how to choose a safe and comfortable collar for your cat and how to put it on without causing them stress.

How to Choose a Cat Collar

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

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

Instead of being taken to a public health center as a stray, people will know they are a lost cat, which helps in finding the owner. If a lost-pet tag is attached to the collar, the chances of a reunion are even higher.

On the other hand, there are risks of accidents caused by cat collars.

Accidents can occur where the lower jaw gets stuck in the collar, creating a "gag" state, or the collar gets caught on something, leading to strangulation. In the worst case, this can be fatal.

For your cat's safety, let's learn how to choose the right cat collar.

Choose the Right Size

To prevent accidents such as the collar becoming a gag or causing strangulation, choosing the correct size is the most important factor.

Collars that are too big or too small are dangerous. Before purchasing a cat collar, always measure your cat's neck size and carefully check the collar's size specifications.

For kittens and short-haired cats, the neck size plus 2–4 cm is appropriate. For long-haired cats, the neck size plus about 5 cm is the ideal size.

●Check Your Cat's Collar Size Regularly

Neck size changes as your cat grows. Kittens, in particular, grow very quickly.

Furthermore, neck size can fluctuate based on physical condition. When a cat is healthy and eating well, their neck may become thicker. Conversely, when they are unwell, the neck may become thinner.

Even after purchasing a collar, be sure to periodically check whether the size is still appropriate.

●Preventing Hair Loss with Proper Sizing

For short-haired cats, if the size is too tight, the fur under the collar may fall out. This can cause inflammation or itching, making proper sizing crucial.

For long-haired cats, the fur can become matted. To prevent hair loss, the key is to choose a cat collar with a narrow width and to brush your cat frequently.

Choose Materials That Are Kind to Skin and Fur

Just like humans, cats can have allergies. Additionally, some materials may be heavy, abrasive, or cause overheating.

Since this can lead to hair loss, choosing the right material for the collar is very important.

I recommend fabric cat collars made of skin-friendly materials like cotton or linen. They are light and soft, which minimizes the burden on the cat's skin and fur.

●Start with a Simple Collar

Cat collars with lots of lace or ruffles are lovely, but they can sometimes cause stress for your cat.

Also, cats that are sensitive to sound may find the sound of a bell stressful. While watching them walk around with a jingling sound is cute, the noise can cause panic in some cats.

If it is your cat's first time wearing a collar, please choose one that is simple and free of decorations.

●Keep Checking Collar Cleanliness and Skin Condition

Since a collar is worn every day, it will get dirty. Bacteria can multiply and cause unpleasant odors, so be mindful of cleanliness for your cat's health.

Additionally, if a collar is too heavy or stiff, it may scratch the skin. Always check to see if your cat's neck has any hair loss or inflammation.

Choose a Safe Collar

I recommend a safety-type collar that features a buckle designed to come undone if strong force is applied.

If a collar becomes a "gag" or gets caught on something, the buckle releasing can prevent suffocation.

To avoid unexpected accidents, make sure to choose cat collars marked with "safety buckle" or "safety adjuster".

Tips for Putting on and Getting Your Cat Used to a Collar

It is very common for a cat to strongly resist a new collar after you buy it.

Ideally, you should get your cat used to wearing a collar while they are still a kitten, but many cats may wear one for the first time as adults. To ensure wearing a collar doesn't become a source of stress, take your time letting them get used to it.

Start by setting a time limit. Begin with about 10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration and frequency. Some cats may get used to it in as little as 2 or 3 days, but taking about two weeks to acclimate is generally the least stressful approach.

And, please make sure to keep an eye on your cat to ensure they remain safe.

●Tips for Attaching the Collar

If you try to put the collar on from the front of the cat's face, they will become alert and likely won't let you do it.

When putting on the collar, try to do it quietly from behind your cat. If your cat enjoys massages or brushing, you can try putting it on while giving them some affection.

The key is to leave the right amount of slack—not too tight, and not too loose.

• For kittens and short-haired cats: +2–4 cm (enough to fit 1 to 2 human fingers)
• For long-haired cats: +5 cm (enough to fit 2 to 3 human fingers)

●Training with Hair Ties or Velcro

Some animal shelters reportedly use hair scrunchies to train cats for collar-wearing while they wait for adoption.

At a shelter I visited, they were using Velcro ties (the thin kind used to bundle power cords) for training. Because they are lightweight and come off easily, they are said to be perfect for cats wearing a collar for the first time.

How to Get Your Cat Used to a Bell

Many people find that their cat is fine with the collar itself but dislikes it when a bell is attached.

Adding a bell to a cat collar helps you keep track of your cat's location. Since it has the benefit of preventing your cat from being locked in or getting stuck in places, I highly recommend getting them used to the bell as well.

Cats often dislike the bell because the sound is frightening or the sound is too loud.

Therefore, start by attaching a bell to a toy your cat plays with regularly. This helps them learn that the sound of the bell is not scary. They should get used to it within a few days, so when the time feels right, try attaching the bell to their collar.

If your cat truly dislikes the sound, you could try switching to a different type of bell. It can be fun to look for a bell with a sound—high-pitched, low-pitched, or short-ringing—that your cat doesn't mind.

▲ Example of bells sold at Poponeko

Summary

For a cat with their heightened senses, a collar or bell might be an unpleasant experience.

However, in the event of an escape, these items become essential tools for keeping your cat safe. If you are going to live with your cat for a long time, I highly recommend using a collar in addition to a microchip.

To achieve this, be sure to choose a collar with careful attention to size, material, and safety features. Once you have chosen a cat-friendly collar, be sure to gradually get them used to it so that it doesn't cause them stress.

I hope you find this information on how to choose and attach a cat collar helpful!

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