Should I Put a Collar On My Indoor Cat? The Pros and Cons
You may be thinking that your indoor cat doesn’t need a collar, but there are many things to consider before making your decision. Lets have a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of putting a collar on your indoor cat.
Indoor Cats Should Have Collars – Here’s Why:
Although your indoor cat lives indoors, they should still have collar because it is possible that they may escape your home.
Accidents happen and if your cutie does get outside, you want to ensure that they are safe and returned home. To many, collars identify that your cat has a loving home and a collar can hold an ID tag which holds your contact information.
Having ‘indoor cat’ on the ID tag can help alert others that your cat should not be outside.
The Pros and Cons of Putting a Collar on Your Indoor Cat
Pros:
- Identifies your cat with a loving home.
- Holds identification if your indoor cat escapes.
- Helps them to accept wearing a collar.
- Provides flea treatment e.g. flea collar.
Cons:
- Collars without quick-release breakaway buckles can be a potential hazard if your cat gets caught.
What Type of Collar Is Best for an Indoor Cat?
The best type of collar for an indoor cat is one which is lightweight and comfortable for your cat. At Supakit, we have designed dreamy cat collars that your cat loves to wear!
Our natural materials smell ‘right’ to your cat and our slimline, super light design makes them virtually undetectable of your cats neck!
Want to know our top collar recommendations? Read: https://supakit.co/blogs/cat-guides/best-cat-collars
Should Indoor Cats Have Breakaway Collars?
Yes, your indoor cat should have a breakaway collar.
Breakaway safety collars are considered the safest due to their release mechanism.
Even at home, your curious cat may get their collar snagged or caught whilst playing and the breakaway buckle will ensure that your cat can become unstuck if it catches.
This is true for both adult cats and kittens.
How to Put a Collar on Your Indoor Cat
The best way to put a collar on your indoor cat is to first get relaxed (and maybe have some treats handy!).
Your cat will probably be curious about their new collar so start by showing them it and allow them to investigate it, giving it a good sniff. If your cat reacts positively, you can reward them. If they are ensure, that’s ok, just give them a little more time before trying to put it around their neck. Patience is key.
When your cat is comfortable around the collar, you can practice putting it around their neck without clipping it in. At this stage, your cat might be absolutely fine and you can go right ahead to putting it on, praising your clever kitty for their cooperation! Again, if your cat is a little more cautious, allow them to become fully comfortable with the process of putting the collar on before fastening it completely.
Once your cat is happy to have you put something around their neck, put the collar on fully, ensuring that the fit is snug and secure. Your cat may take to it like a duck to water, or they might act a little ‘odd’. That’s ok, you can let them have a bit of time to settle and figure out that the collar won’t hurt them. When they are calm and relaxed, praise them!
Putting a collar on seems simple to us, but for your kitty, it may require us to be a more patient. Start by letting your cat wear the collar for a few minutes each day and gradually build it up over time, keeping it fun and rewarding for them until they forget that it’s even around their neck.
Related: Cat Collar Sizing
How To Keep Indoor Cats Safe
You can keep your indoor cat safe by keeping windows and doors shut or open no wider than a couple inches, or the width of your cat’s head (if they can get their head through, their whole body will follow!).
There are products such as screens which allow you to keep windows open, without allowing access outdoors to your cat.
If you have a cat that likes to run for the door every time you open it, they can be trained not to ‘door dodge’ but for a quick fix, when your cat heads for the door, have a treat or toy handy, that can be thrown in the opposite direction to get your cat away from the door, allowing you to exit without them following you.
Related: How To Remove a Bell From a Cat Collar
What to Do If Your Indoor Cat Escapes
If your indoor cat escapes, you may want to check the surrounding area including garages, under sheds or neighbours garden’s for your cat in case they have gone into hiding.
Call their name in a calm manner to see if you can lure them out. If this doesn’t work, you can leave something with your home’s scent outside to help your cat find its way home.
If you have a local community social page you can post a picture of your missing cat and provide your contact information or put up a poster in the area they have gone missing. This is why it is also important that your indoor cat wears a collar which can hold an ID tag.
It may also be worth calling your local vet or shelter in case your cat has been handed in by a good Samaritan.
Related: Escape Proof Cat Harnesses
When Shouldn’t You Put a Collar on a Cat?
You shouldn’t put a collar on your cat if you are advised not too by a medical professional or if they are receiving back of the neck treatment, such as flea treatment, which may damage the collar.
Is It Ok to Leave a Collar on a Cat All the Time?
Yes, it is ok to leave a collar on your cat all of the time. A close-fitting, comfy collar should feel like part of your cat! There may be times when the collar needs to be removes such as during/following flea treatment or if it is advised by a vet.
Are Cats Bothered by Collars?
No, cats are not bothered by collars. Initially, they may find wearing a collar a little strange, but with time, they will become comfortable wearing a collar.
Should Indoor Cats Wear Flea Collars?
Indoor cats can wear flea collars because fleas can enter the home via humans or other pets that have access to the outdoors.
Should My Microchipped Cat Have a Collar?
Yes, microchipped cats should wear a collar.
Collars are the first visual representation people look for when identifying if a cat has a home. Collars are also great for holding identification if you cat wanders too far from home. Microchipping is a essential layer of safety but a microchip can usually only be checked if your cat is taken to the vets or a shelter.
Conclusion
Whether or not you choose to put a collar on your indoor cat, we hope that our run-through of pros and cons, helps you make an informed decision that best suits you and your cat.
Related: Best Kitten Collars
