One of the ways that we show ownership, provide details about where our cats live, and save the local wildlife population is by giving them a collar.
As cat parents, it’s normal to draw comparisons between us and cats, and because we have preferences, we correctly assume that our cats also have things that they prefer – or don’t.
Like people, cats also have their likes and dislikes, and some cats will like collars, while others will not like wearing collars.
With this in mind, I thought it might be a good idea to look into what some common questions are about collars for cats, and more specifically just how comfortable they are for cats.
Are Cats Bothered By Collars?
Some cats look like they don’t even know that they are wearing a collar, while others will try to bite and scratch at it.
In a nutshell, how well your cat reacts to a collar often depends on how early they start wearing one.
The younger your cat is when you introduce them to wearing a collar, the better it is for them and the quicker they adjust to wearing one.
If you have ever taken in an older cat that is not familiar with wearing a collar, then you might be familiar with the fuss that it can cause.
For most cats, it only takes a day or two to get used to the idea of wearing a collar, while others unfortunately never quite adjust to them.
How well your cat deals with a collar again will depend on their own unique preferences.
Related – Here is how long it takes for a spayed cat to calm down.
Do Cats Feel Uncomfortable With Collar?
Most cats are uncomfortable with collars that are too tight or too loose, or collars that are not flexible or have a rough or scratchy texture.
And who can blame them? We all want comfortable fitting clothes and accessories!
Cat collars should be soft and easy to put onto your cat, but they also need to be durable enough to survive the daily (and nightly) adventures that your cat embarks on.
Safety is an important aspect that needs to be thought about with your cat’s collar, especially if your cat likes to go on secret missions into the woods and bushes.
A quick-release collar is essential if you are worried about your cat getting stuck on a fence or tree branch.
Quick-release collars help by disconnecting once a certain amount of weight and force is exerted on the collar’s connector which then unclips.
The collar then stays lodged where it was caught, allowing your cat to free themselves.
As someone who has used these on my cats in the past, I can say that they do come off, as I replaced them a few times.
This is well worth the relatively low expense to know that my cat escaped unhurt though. Assuming they didn’t just scratch the collar off!
Why You Shouldn’t Put Collars On Cats?
If you are using a traditional collar that doesn’t have a quick-escape mechanism that releases when your cat is pulling on it then that could be a reason to not put a collar on.
Other considerations are that if your cat is really opposed to the idea of wearing a collar and it’s stressing them out
This is not very common though, I’ve only seen this to be the case with really old cats, or cats with some kind of underlying health issue.
Are Cat Collars With Bells Cruel?
If there is one thing about cats that you can be sure of, it is that when it comes to hunting, they are extremely crafty.
I used to have a bell on my cat’s collar, and while it seemed to work at first, after a few weeks it became apparent that the bell was no longer effective.
Trophies started appearing in the house again, which meant that my cat had learned how to move with the bell so that it no longer chimed as he went to stalk his prey.
Occasionally I would hear him coming into the house when the bell would jingle, but not always.
As far as cruelty is concerned, it can be cruel if the bells are excessively noisy and if there are too many of them attached to your cat’s collar.
If you are mindful of how your cat is behaving once you have put them on then you will quickly be able to tell how he or she is coping.
Should I Take My Cat’s Collar Off At Night?
The answer to this question is no; not unless you have a specific reason to do it.
For example, if their collar is too small and is getting too tight for your cat, or if you need to apply a flea treatment then yes you should take the collar off.
As for nightly removals of your cat’s collar then it is generally not advisable.
A cat needs to acclimate to wearing a collar, and taking the collar off at night means that you essentially throw your cat off and set them back again.
This makes wearing the collar again a little unpleasant, and if you are doing this to your cat every day then you might find that your cat no longer wants to wear it.
What Do Cats Think Of Their Collars?
It’s hard to say what a cat thinks of their collar if anything.
If a cat collar is properly fitted, is comfortable, and is not interfering too much with their daily activities, then cats probably do not even think about their collars.
I’m sure it’s like jewelry or items we wear, it just becomes the norm and they barely notice.
Not much research has gone into the thoughts of cats relating to collars, but if they knew why we put them on, then I like to think they would approve!
Related – A look at what cats think about all day, and even what language they think in!
In Summary: Are Collars Uncomfortable For Cats?
Collars may seem like an unnatural accessory to put onto your cat, but they are necessary.
Given the fact that collars are put on with the intention of showing that your kitty is loved and looked after, and for the safety of prey, they are a worthy safety measure.
Be patient and kind to your cat when introducing a collar, and I’m sure they will take to wearing one in no time.
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Image credits – Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
