How to choose a collar for a cat

Collars are different: for protection against parasites, for the owner’s peace of mind or just for beauty. Examine the features of all types and decide if any of them is necessary for your pet.

Flea collar for cats

A flea collar will help protect the health of lovers of walks and team games. For cats that are constantly at home and not in contact with other animals, such an accessory is not necessary, provided that it is regularly treated, for example, with flea drops, which must be applied from the withers to the shoulder blades.  

According to the mechanism of how a flea collar for cats works, several types can be distinguished:

Biological

They are considered the most environmentally friendly and safe – natural essential oils (needles, mint, wormwood, celandine) are used as an impregnation for rubber. These collars are approved for kittens and pregnant cats.

Even when using a bio-collar, a cat may develop individual intolerance to the composition of the impregnation. If there are any signs of allergy, the accessory should be removed and consulted with a veterinarian.

Insecticidal

These are rubber or PVC collars that are impregnated with an antiparasitic compound: sevin, promethrin or phenothrin. This increases the effectiveness of the flea collar; If an allergic reaction is suspected, the collar should be removed.

Ultrasonic

Soft fabric collars of this type have a tiny device that emits ultrasound and repels parasites. They are absolutely safe for the cat, but can hit the owner’s wallet – so instead of a full-fledged collar, you can purchase a small ultrasonic keychain.

These methods are equally suitable for combating several types of parasites. If you already have a flea control accessory, you do not need to purchase a separate tick collar for cats.

GPS collar for cats

A collar with a built-in GPS tracker will help you not to lose your cat while walking. You can receive information about the location of the pet in a mobile application or in SMS with coordinates. Depending on the model, the collar may have the following characteristics:

Water resistance. If the GPS tracker is surrounded by a waterproof housing, you can keep track of your pet even in bad weather.

Built-in microphone and speaker. Allow you to hear the sounds around the cat – or remotely give her commands.

Speed ​​sensor.A sharp increase in the pace of movement should alert: someone is probably chasing the cat or taking it away in a car.

Soothing Collar for Cats

For the manufacture of such a collar, elastic rubber, synthetic analogues of pheromones of the facial glands of a cat, and lavender or chamomile flavors are used. It can be useful in stressful situations:

• Weaning kittens from mother.
• Relocation and/or renovation.
• The arrival of another pet.
• A trip to the veterinarian.
• Visiting the exhibition and other noisy events.

Do not use the soothing collar on an ongoing basis unless directed by a veterinarian. If a cat often shows aggression or is depressed, you need to understand the cause, and not just relieve the symptoms.

How to choose a collar

If you have already decided on the purpose of the collar, you can proceed to its technical characteristics:

Материал. It should be not just safe, but safe for a particular cat. You can find out for sure only in practice – negative symptoms can appear during the first day of wearing. 

Removal mechanism. Locks and straps should be strong, but not create a quest for the owner of the cat to open them. And for those who walk by themselves, it is better to purchase a self-release or elastic collar that will allow the animal to slip out of it in an emergency (for example, if it gets caught on a tree).

Suitable size. Make sure that the collar is neither too loose nor too tight: one or two fingers should fit between it and the pet’s neck. Before buying an accessory, you can take measurements – but it’s easier to buy a model with the ability to adjust.

Collars with rhinestones, beads and bows will come in handy at a cat show or photo shoot. And to maintain the health and safety of your pet, choose useful accessories!