My Cat Keeps Taking Off Its Collar (SOLVED)
Does your cat keep taking off its collar? Don’t fret, we’ve got you! In this article we look at the potential reasons your kitty isn’t in love with their collar, and the things you can do to ensure your cat’s collar is secure, comfortable, and most importantly, stays on!
Why Does My Cat Take Its Collar Off?
There are a variety of reasons why a cat may keep taking its collar off. It may be that the collar has been introduced too quickly, and you may want to try a more gradual introduction. Other reasons include fit, style, weight, material, and smell. We’ll go into these further on – keep reading!
Does My Cat Hate Its Collar?
Don’t worry! Your cat doesn’t hate their collar, it’s just that they may need some encouragement and positive reinforcement to love it! Consider why your cat may be feeling uncomfortable in their collar and work to remedy these. You are the best judge of your own cat’s behaviour.
Top Solutions For Keeping a Cat Collar Secure
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why your kitty keeps removing their collar and how to remedy them!
Proper Collar Fit
Improper collar fit can be really irritating for your cat, encouraging them to take matters into their own paws! Collars that are too tight can be uncomfy, but it may surprise you to discover that collars that are too loose can also cause discomfort, because they will rub against your kitty’s fur. Loose collars also present the perfect opportunity for your cat to remove the collar themselves. If the collar is not snug to your cat’s neck, the space provided allows them to use their mouths or paws to get the collar off. Loose collars also run the risk of being caught outdoors whilst your cat explores, which can trigger the breakaway safety buckle.
For a secure cat collar, make sure it is fitted correctly. For a Supakit collar, place a fingertip between the collar and your cat’s neck. If you cannot do this with ease, slacken the collar. If there is more than a fingertips gap between the neck and collar, you should tighten the collar.
Related: How Tight Should a Cat Collar Be?
Lightweight
The neck is a delicate area and cats are super sensitive to touch. Heavy or bulky materials around their neck can be uncomfortable. Lightweight safety collars are preferred by cats as they are less noticeable and more comfortable around their necks. Heavy and bulky collars are more likely to cause your cat irritation, resulting in them trying to remove their collar.
Slim Collar Profile
Cat collars are best when your cat doesn’t realise they are wearing one! Thick or wide cat collars may weigh your cat down and restrict their range of motion. The best way to remedy this is to opt for a collar with a slimline profile. A slim profile, along with a lightweight material should feel barely detectable to your cat and allow them to move with ease.
Soft Collar Material
Cats are sensitive to how things feel against their fur so it is important to give your kitty a collar which is soft and supple and can mould to their unique shape. Soft materials are much kinder to your cat’s fur and skin which should in turn make them happier with their collar.
You may also want to consider the material on the inside of the collar as well as the outside. This should be as soft and gentle on kitty fur as the outside of their collar. Not all collars use the same soft materials on the outside and the lining. Some soft leathers are backed with suede or synthetic fibres. The inside of the collar is in constant contact with your cat’s body, so it’s essential that it’s smooth and can glide across your cat’s fur with ease. This is why at Supakit, we double line all of our collars so that the inside is as soft and luxurious as the outside!
Is The ID Tag Getting Stuck?
It is important that your cat is super comfortable in their collar before you add an ID tag to their collar. Adding any new element will intrigue your cat and cause them to investigate. Add the ID tag gradually to reassure them that it is ok, and it’s nothing they need to worry about. This should stop them from becoming preoccupied with the ID tag and trying to remove it or the collar.
If you are worried that the ID tag is being caught on things which results in the collar falling off, consider its size (is it too big, heavy or bulky?), its shape (does it have edge that may snag?) and if the loop that attaches it to the collar is too wide.
Related: How to Remove a Bell From Cat Collar
Early Collar Training
Much like children, kittens are like tiny sponges! The earlier you introduce a collar to your cat, the more likely they are to accept it and view wearing one as part of their life. But if you have an older kitty, don’t worry. All cats can be trained to love wearing a collar – all it takes is patience and time.
Related post: How To Put A Collar On Your Cat
Best Collar For Cats That Often Lose Them
The best type of collar for cats that often lose them is a comfortable, lightweight collar that your cat hardly knows they’re wearing!
Supakit began with a kitty that lost her collar constantly. We studied why cats lost their collars and discovered it was almost always due to a cat actively removing an uncomfy collar or getting their poorly fitting collar snagged as they explored. So we worked to develop cat collars that are so comfy your cat never wants to take it off, and that fit so perfectly to your cat’s unique shape that there’s minimal risk of it getting snagged as they explore. Made for both indoor and outdoor cats.
Shop Supakit Breakaway Cat Collars
How Tight Should a Cat Collar Be?
Your cat’s collar should be tight enough that it fits closely and snug to the neck. The best way to check the fit is to use your fingertip. For a Supakit collar, if you can comfortably fit a fingertip between your cat’s neck and its collar, then the fit is perfect. If you cannot, it may be too tight, and you should loosen your cat’s collar.
Don’t be tempted to loosely fit your cat’s collar so it hangs from their neck. As loose collar is uncomfortable and can irritate your cat resulting in them trying to remove it or it falling off. It can also pose a potential risk for your cat, as loose collars are more likely to get caught on things as your cat explores.
Related: Cat Collar Size Guide
Are Cat Collars with Elastic Safe?
No, cat collars with elastic are not safe for your cat. If your cat is caught, the elastic in the collar allows it to extend and your cat can get their jaw, paws or legs stuck in the collar when trying to free themselves.
Quick-release or breakaway buckle collars don’t have this risk, and therefore are the safest collars for cats.
Conclusion
We hope that we have shown you that collar losses can be remedied, and you feel positive that finding your cat’s neck collarless, will soon become a thing of the past! With the right collar and the correct fit, even the most collar-combatant kitties can become collar lovers.
Related:
- Kitten Collars
- Best Kitten Collars
- Should You Put a Collar On Your Cat
- Cat Collars with Bells
- Cat Harnesses
