What is the best collar for a cat that constantly tries to remove it?

Question

I've tried the stretchy neoprene, the buckle, and the SafeCat safety collars. My little monkey (cat) manages to get them all off or get his lower jaw stuck in them, which is very dangerous. If I tighten the SafeCat one enough, he can't get his mouth on it (I think), but he ends up straining the safety clasp, with his foot I guess, till it comes off. Maybe it comes off when he's wrestling with the other cat. Well, now the clasp is worn out and won't stay on more than a day. He's not the most coordinated and has fallen off the deck (one story, he's fine), so I do have to keep an ID tag on him.

Both cats are microchipped, but some people assume a collar-less cat is a stray. We have a big feral problem in our area and I don't trust the neighbors to return him without a collar. I would prefer to leave the collars off, but I am genuinely concerned about them not being returned without a tag. Not everyone knows about the chip and some people will "rescue" lost pets.

Has anyone had a bad experience leaving the collars off, and just having them chipped?

They're indoor only, and even after we get a yard, we'll install an enclosure for them. I guess the chances of them actually getting out is minimal, so just a chip might be okay. Right now, though, the dummy might fall of the deck again, so I'm still worried about that....

For those that have suggested a harness....I seriously doubt my cat would consider it an improvement and would only try harder to get out of it. Besides, it seems like there would be more places for their mouths and limbs to stuck in a harness?

I'm unable to modify the deck since I rent, and anything I could put up they'd be able to get around. So, until I move I won't be able to set-up an enclosure. :-(

Answer 1

Whatever you do, stay away from the stretchy ones. I've seen at least 2 cats get their front legs stuck through those (probably in an attempt to get it off) and one of those cats actually died as the result of injuries sustained while trying to get free.
My cat wears the breakaway SafeCat one, but he doesn't care too much about it and leaves it alone.
If he is that determined to NOT wear a collar, leave it off. He might only end up hurting himself. Have you considered getting him microchipped? Most vets will do it...it is easy and a great way to have permanent ID on (well, in!) your cat should he ever get lost.

As an addition after reading your later comments...this is just a thought and I don't know if it is even available for cats...but perhaps tattooing of the ear/abdomen? I know that it is done in dogs...this would be a more visual clue that the cat is not a stray...

Here is a website with some info: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=2850

As another aside...I always scan strays that people bring in to see me...but I can't speak for other vets/shelters

Answer 2

FYI, if your pet is microchipped, not a bad idea but if someone takes your cat to a Vet unless they say it's a stray and want them to check, they won't routinely scan them. Even if they do, you're not their client, so they won't call you. If your kitty ends up at a shelter, they'll scan him/her and hopefully you'll be reunited.
It sounds like you've done just about everything possible to protect him...why endanger him by putting a collar on especially since "Houdini" seems so intend on escaping?
Btw, I once had my cat on a leash with a collar on and he walked off our deck. TG I was right there as he was about a foot from the ground and his collar didn't break away, like it should have! Some cats, especially certain purebreds have no fear. A few years ago I heard of a purebred cat that walked off a 16th floor balcony...needless to say he's not so fine. Why not provide him with an enclosure on your deck or in your yard? That way he can go outside but protected from all the dangers that being outside can bring? There are commercially made ones available but if your handy, check them out and "reproduce" one of your own? I built one for our yard for under $100, less if you recycle materials! You can put tree branches etc. in them for scratching and climbing, even a lock to deter anybody from taking him. Don't forget a shelter of some sorts in case it rains! Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Try a lil chippy collar that disapears under their fur.Make sure it isn't very tight and then the cat will have to keep it on.

Answer 4

I apologize ahead of time if I offend, but...

I put my cat in a small dog's halter-bridle type device. She got used to it just fine, put on a bell and an id, and she's fine.

Just a suggestion...

012607 12:40

Answer 5

Yes,if he can get his foot in it,or mouth on it,it's not tight enough. You might try taking him to a pet store (PetsMart? Petco?) and asking an associate to help you with a collar fitting.

Answer 6

You microchip your cats and let them roam around outdoors with all the dangers? Who on earth opens the door and lets their pet just run off?

Answer 7

I use a harness when he goes on walks with us(he is leash trained). Other than that he wears no collar.

Answer 8

My cat was the same way...she got her way, no more collar, she has a chip in her ear,,,,,it was the only thing i could do...plus she goes in the wood alot and hunts and collars aren't safe for that.
nauty kitty!!!

Answer 9

Get him implanted with an ID chip.

I never put collars on my cats, they always hate them.

Answer 10

try not using a collar - we have 7 cats and none of them have collars

peace out :)