If you don't know, cat collars are useful for indoor cats as well.If your cat wanders outside or runs away, her collar will prevent her from being mistaken for a stray and will help identify you as her owner.If your cat is wearing a collar for the first time, it may be difficult to put one on.She will eventually get used to it and forget that she has it on.
Step 1: The collar should be put on at a certain time.
The collar will be a new experience and sensation for your cat, so it's important to choose a time of day when she'll be less resistant to having the collar put on.She will be distracted with another activity if you put it on during her meal time or play time.When you are spending quiet time with her, you could choose a time when she is calm.
Step 2: Let your cat look at the collar.
Put the collar on the ground near your cat so she can get used to it before you put it around her neck.You can put her own scent on the collar to make her more comfortable.You can rub the collar on the bedding.If your cat will let you, you can rub a soft cloth on her collar.If she recognizes her scent on the collar, it will not seem foreign to her.Purchase a synthetic spray at your local pet store and spray it on your cat's collar.Your cat needs time to investigate the collar.
Step 3: Put a collar on your cat.
Place the collar around your cat's neck when she is calm and content.While you are putting the collar on, talk to her in a reassuring voice and make the experience as comfortable as possible for her.If you give her a treat when you have the collar on, she will associate it with wearing it.Your cat will scratch at the collar and try to get it off the first time you put it on.Leave the collar on for a few minutes and then take it off.Leave the collar on your cat for a long time each day.Your cat may need some time to get used to wearing a collar all day.Give her a treat when she has the collar on and don't try to get it off.She will get used to being on the collar without a reward.She may think that she is being rewarded for getting the collar off if she puts it back on but doesn't give her a treat.
Step 4: The fit of the collar needs to be checked.
It is important to make sure that your cat's collar isn't too tight around her neck.If you can comfortably slide two to three fingers between the collar and your cat's neck, you will know that it fits.When your cat has the collar on for the first time, you may need to wait a few minutes until she relaxes her neck muscles, so that she can test the fit.When sliding fingers under the collar, do not put pull or tug on it.Remove the collar from your cat if it doesn't fit right the first time.
Step 5: It is a good idea to check your cat's collar on a regular basis.
As your cat gets older, she may lose or gain weight.Her collar could become loose or tight if her weight changes are significant enough.If you notice that her collar is hanging around her neck, take it off and adjust it.
Step 6: Pick a collar that is safe.
There are many types of cat collars that you can choose from when you walk into your local pet store.The most important feature of a cat collar is safety.If your cat accidentally gets her collar stuck on something, a break-away collar is considered to be the safest type of collar for cats.The collar will usually have a fastening that will unclasp with enough pressure.Bells are one of the things that come with some collars.These can be useful for an outdoor cat, but they can also get caught or stuck on things, which could be dangerous for your cat.
Step 7: Take a look at the collar.
You should run your fingers along the entire collar before buying it.It shouldn't have sharp edges that could irritate your cat's skin.You should check to see if the stitching is unraveling.If the collar has a fastening, make sure it doesn't have sharp edges.Before leaving the store, consider testing the strength of the fastening.Pull on the collar.The pressure should be moderate.Your cat could slip out of the collar easily if it releases with barely any pressure.Your cat's weight and size will affect the amount of pressure needed.A heavy cat might need a fastening that releases more pressure than a light cat would.
Step 8: It's a good idea to avoid elastic collars.
If your cat gets stuck on something, a section of elastic fabric will stretch to the point where it can get out of the collar.If your cat gets her leg stuck through the elastic collar, it can be serious.If your cat's jaw gets stuck over it, it can cause serious injury.If an elastic collar gets stuck on your cat in a way that causes injury, it's a good idea to take it to the vet.