Collars and harnesses for cats: how to choose the right size and style

Collar and harness are not only a dog’s prerogative. Cat owners also buy similar accessories for their pets. And they do it not only for practical reasons. We will tell you why cats really need ammunition and how to choose it correctly. 

When talking about collars for cats, the first thing that comes to mind is the parasitic collar. But accessories are useful for more than just protecting against fleas and ticks. Let’s figure out what else you can do with a cat collar: 

• Teach your pet to wear a parasitic collar 

With the help of a decorative collar, you can teach a cat that an accessory on its neck is normal. After that, she will not squirm like a snake to wriggle out of other collars. By the beginning of the season, you can easily put an anti-parasitic collar on your cat and not be afraid that she will hate him. 

• Track location 

Cats that sometimes walk by themselves will need a collar with a GPS navigator. With this accessory, you will be able to follow the movements of your pet and will always know where he is. 

• Protect from loss

The probability of losing a pet is significantly reduced if you hang an address tag with your phone number on the collar. An address tag is a capsule, medallion or token on a pet’s collar that cannot be torn off. When caring people find a cat, they will see your contact in the address book and contact you. 

Even if the cat walks in a harness, in addition it is better to put on a collar with an address book. If the harness comes off, the collar with your contacts will remain on the pet.

• Detect by sound

Collars with bells will be appreciated by visually impaired people who need to know where their pet is now. There are also disadvantages – the bell does not stop even at night, and in some cases it works more actively than usual. 

• Emphasize individuality

A stylish collar emphasizes the color of the pet, sets off the eyes. This is easy to check in practice. Put on a contrasting collar on your pet – you will be surprised how it will change.

Let’s throw in a couple of ideas: a cat fashionista can be presented with an accessory with rhinestones, and a cat with an elegant butterfly. But be careful with experiments. The main thing is that the accessory does not interfere with the pet’s daily activities: eating, washing and, of course, lying on your pillow. 

• Create a family look

With beautiful and bright accessories, you can create a wonderful family look! Now it is fashionable all over the world – and for good reason. Pets are full-fledged members of the family, and similar images emphasize this unity. Combine collars with your outfits, choose similar colors and create memorable bright photos. We are sure that you will collect a lot of likes on the Internet: a four-legged family member will help you with this. 

Of the non-obvious useful models, we recommend self-unfastening collars. Such an accessory will be removed by itself if the cat catches on something: for example, on a tree branch. This greatly reduces the risk of strangulation and injury.

A harness raises fewer questions than a decorative collar. Every cat should have it in case of a visit to the veterinarian, a walk or a trip. Taking a cat out of the house wearing a collar and a leash is a bad idea. Never do that. Unlike dogs, cats are very jumpy and don’t know how to walk “next to” on command – or at least they don’t want to. If the cat in the collar jumps out of place, it can lead to injury. 

The harness has a safe, reliable design that does not cover the neck, but the cat’s chest. Even sudden movements in the harness will not harm the pet.

In the pet store you will see different models of harnesses: figure eight, n-shaped, v-shaped or vest harness. Don’t worry, they are all the same plus or minus. And which one your cat will like more, you will find out only in practice. The only thing is that it is better to buy a vest only for cats with short hair and only for cool weather.

A harness, like a collar, will definitely be needed if you plan to conquer exhibitions with your cat and participate in competitions. With pet ammunition, it is easier to control and direct. And if you put a stylish harness on your cat to match your shoes, belt or bag, all eyes will definitely be on you.

Cats need special harnesses and collars. Dog accessories will not suit them, even if the size of the pets is approximately the same. Moreover, not every cat collar and harness is perfect for your cat.

Let’s figure out what affects the quality of a collar or harness: how to distinguish a reliable accessory from a trinket that will not live with your cat for even a month.

• Material. Ideal if it is cotton, nylon or genuine leather. These collars are quite light, and cats are comfortable in them. The skin is pleasant to the touch and does not wear out for a long time. If you take care of the accessory correctly, it can serve your pet for a lifetime. 
• Accessories. In order to avoid injuries, it is important to check whether all the details on the collar and harness are well polished, whether the construction is strong and whether the fittings are securely fastened. Reliable – this is so that your cat will not be able to pick them up and swallow them. Make sure that the cat’s hair does not get stuck in the castle and other elements, otherwise wearing the accessory will become torture for her. 
• Lining. To avoid irritation, choose collars and harnesses with a soft material on the back. This part is in contact with the cat’s fur and skin, and it is important that it does not rub against your pet.
• Smell. Feel free to smell the accessory right in the store. If the manufacturer does not chemically treat their products and uses high-quality materials, there will be no sharp and unpleasant odor from the collar and harness. If you feel like this, it is safer to refuse the purchase. 
• Dimensions. Thin “weightless” collars are suitable for small and thin cats, but their large relatives can be presented with thicker collars with interesting fittings.
• Individual characteristics of a cat. For example, special lines of collars and harnesses are produced for hairless cats. Their delicate skin is not protected by wool, and it is very delicate. Ordinary ammunition can rub, so before buying it is better to check the quality of the material again.

Even the most beautiful collar or harness will be useless if you make a mistake with the size. And here the owners of cats are much more fortunate than the owners of dogs: usually collars and harnesses for cats are of a universal size, with the possibility of adjustment. And yet they can be small for large and very fluffy cats. So, ideally, it is better to take the cat to the pet store with you and try on the accessory there. If she is nervous in public places and prefers to wait for you at home, arm yourself with a measuring tape and take measurements in advance.

1. Collar. Measure the circumference of the cat’s neck at the narrowest point behind the ears. Add 2-4 cm to the value obtained so that the collar does not squeeze the neck. We do not recommend buying a collar for the size anymore, otherwise the cat will constantly take it off.
2. Harness. Measure three parameters and add 2 cm to each value:

• the circumference of the neck where the collar is usually located

• girth of the chest behind the front legs

• length between neck and chest

A diagram will help you navigate with measurements:

We do not recommend saving on ammunition for a pet: purchase products of dubious quality at the lowest price. It is profitable to buy a truly professional accessory in which the cat will be comfortable and which will last for many years. 

The ideal option is handmade collars and harnesses. In manual production, attention is paid to each stage: gluing, firing, grinding, stitching, and accessories are sewn under a soft lining so as not to injure the skin and coat. 

The risk of marriage is minimal, and you can not worry that the rhinestones or pendant will fall off after the first wear. But the main thing is the ability to choose an individual product according to the size of your pet, so that it immediately feels comfortable and you do not have to additionally adjust the accessory. 

We wish you a successful purchase – so that your beloved cat will quickly get used to a useful and beautiful accessory!