Are you walking your cat?

Not many people “walk” their cats, though some do, and many cats actually enjoy it. In case you are one of these cat owners, please make sure that your cat has all the appropriate vaccinations! There is much more danger outside than indoors. (See >> Vaccination Recommendations). Collars for cats come as fancy as they can be, with all kinds of decorations to pink/blue/white with rhinestones, embroidery, and more. Before you choose one for your cat, please keep a few things in mind.

Harnesses do not put pressure on the larynx when the animal decides to “pull” (and since many cats are not really “trainable” this might happen more often than you expect). This constant pressure can result in deforming and damaging the larynx. First signs are coughing and spitting.

Harnesses are less fancy in design, but safer for these animals. Our suggestion if you are still in love with one of these cute looking collars – use it, but add a harness and clip the leash on the harness when walking the animal.

When your cat is allowed in your yard we strongly advice to put a collar with contact information on the animal. In case it gets lost, the finder has then the opportunity to locate the owner immediately. Even if your animal has a microchip or a tattoo, an additional collar is always recommended. (See our article about >> Microchips and Tattoos ). Make sure to also put a collar on the animal if you take it for a ride in your car (and keep it in a pet carrier). Some cats get very disoriented and distraught and will try to escape as soon as you open the car doors. That also applies for location change, such as a move to a different apartment, house, etc.

When you buy a collar make sure it fits properly. It should sit high on the neck and neither be too tight nor too loose. A proper fit allows you to put two to three fingers between collar and neck. When too tight, the collar will cause problems breathing and the animal might start coughing. When too loose, it will slip off the animal’s neck, especially during dangerous situations in case the animal pulls away from you. Another danger is that the collar gets caught on something and the animal is trapped or even suffocates.

Please check the fit occasionally, especially if your animal is still growing.