How can I stop my cat losing his collar? What collar will stay on best?

Question

He must have got through 5 or six in the last year. He comes back after a 'night out' and it's gone missing. Not sure if it's during the odd fight he gets into, or from squeezing through small gaps. Obviously, for safety, cat collars need to have some 'give' or a catch that releases if put under strain - but this seems to mean we need to buy a new collar every couple of months...

The cat is already micro-chipped, but we'd like to have a collar so he looks more 'owned' if found, after an accident, say. We did hve a tag with our mobile numbers on too, but with the rate he's losing collars, it certainly isn't worth getting new tags engraved all the time. He doesn't seem irritated by the collars themselves (even if they have a bell on, which does stop him bringing mice in!), apart from first having one after a gap not wearing collar.

Answer 1

I have the same problem - my cat needs a reflective collar or he wouldn't be seen at night. But he often comes home without it. I'm afraid you just need to buy cheap and in bulk! I haven't yet found a collar that stays on - and if they do they could be dangerous, however I've never heard of a cat being hung by its collar. You also cant keep it inside - after being an outside cat it would go crazy!

Additional: OK I completely disagree that you should keep cats inside - they are outside animals! My cat loves it outside and it is cruel to keep them locked up in a house - they are extremely independent animals and need space and freedom.

Answer 2

As other people have said it might be cheaper in the long run to have your cat micro-chipped.

Some cats take the collar off themselves because they just don't like it. We've had various cats over the years some never loose a collar then others it's off every 5 mins (I actually saw one of them take it off a few times).

If you've been using a flea collar, try a treatment you can get from the vet.

Answer 3

I think the ones with the elasticated bit are probably best, but as you say this give is going to let it come off if it gets snaged.
I suppose its better than your cat being stuck in a hedge though.

The only thing I can think of is buy the cheapest collars you can find.

Also while some cats dont like wearing collars If yours dont mind I agree its better so people can see belong to someone.
My two sit patiently while I put their collars on, I dont even have to hold them still.

Answer 4

I'm going to point out what's already been stated; you should keep him inside. Cats adjust just fine to becoming indoor only kitties. And it's much safer than letting them run around outside.

But I know a lot of people are stubborn and just won't bother doing what's best (or think their way IS best), so I'll give you the only advice I can think of for your particular problem; either abandon the collars altogether or get used to having to buy new ones. I think if your cat's microchipped, you shouldn't really worry about him going without a collar. Since he keeps on losing it, anyway, there's really no point in continuing to try and make him look "more owned".

And I don't give a flying crap what some morons say, keeping a previously roaming cat indoors WON'T make them go crazy. Our male is a former stray....spent LOTS of time outside before we got him. But he's been an indoor cat for 15 months now without any sign of "craziness". There ARE ways to give your cat outdoor time without letting them roam. There are outside kennels made specifically for cats, and you could try and get your cat used to a harness and leash (which takes a lot of patience).

Answer 5

You can get a puppy collar without any elastic strip. You can even get one without eyelets, where the fastening pin can penetrate the fabric in any position. Outdoor cats should wear collars, and if you want them to stop killing birds and field mice then they should wear a CatBib which gently interferes with your cat's hunting skills. Cats kill 55,000,000 birds per year http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/cats-birds.html#cr so to be responsible your cat should wear a bib. These cost money and are polluting to manufacture so you don't want to be replacing it every few weeks. In the end wild creatures are in general more precious then domestic cats which are mollycoddled and then go outdoors to kill anything that moves.

Answer 6

I was always taught that outside cats should NOT wear collars as they climb fences and could easily hang themselves. If you want your cat tagged with an ID then have him micro chipped by your vet or the other alternative is keep him inside.

Answer 7

Had the same trouble, and went back to a normal collar only to find her hanging from the collar in a tree at the back of the garden. Anyway the Vet recomended "SNAPZ" collars and we use them, she is down to losing about 2 a year, but at least I am fairly happy about it!

Answer 8

If you can keep your cat indoors, that's the best answer; indoor cats live longer and have fewer health problems than outdoor cats. If that's not a solution you can deal with, then perhaps you might consider having the inside of his ear tattooed with a driver's license number, phone number, or similar identifying mark. Your cat can't lose that (short of losing an ear!) and he will be more likely to be returned to you if found.

Answer 9

Just don't put a collar on its not safe, why do you want a collar on a cat in the first place?

Answer 10

Forget it! A cat may, or may not deign to leave a collar on. But, when Ms. Kittie is tired of Mr. Collar, it's gone.

A dead cat, however will wear her collar indefinitely.