How to Get Cat Used to Collar? Complete Guide

how to get a cat used to a collar with a bell
How to Get Cat Used to Collar

It’s a frequently asked question on How to Get Cat Used to Collar. As far as I know, some people advise against training your cat unless you want it to be a lap dog. I can’t entirely agree with this recommendation. 

Whatever you can do, there’s no limit. Collars are not necessary for these dogs. Collar training for cats is a contentious subject for a variety of reasons.

Cats, like dogs, don’t want to be tamed or disciplined like they do with dogs. Cats are the same in this regard as dogs. Punishing a cat for misbehavior will not result in it learning its lesson. 

Instead, it discovers that this is how you teach a cat to wear a collar by doing it like this. Choosing a suitable collar for your cat is the first step in the process. A variety of options are available, and I recommend selecting the most comfortable one for your neck. 

A martingale collar is a wise investment if you own a large cat. Little cats may benefit from slip collars. Cats can be trained to wear collars, so remember how and pick the right one.

Are Cats Unhappy With Their Collars?

With time and care, your cat will become used to the collar, which the kitty may scratch at first.

Use a tasty treat, a catnip toy, or a climbing post to divert your cat’s attention from the new collar. There’s a chance she won’t remember the collar after she eats the prize.

A few repetitions may be necessary, but the benefits are well worth the effort.

The advantages of using a cat collar

Wearing a collar on your cat can offer numerous advantages, such as:

How to Get Cat Used to Collar
  • If someone discovers your cat, they can contact you using the contact information on the ID tag.
  • A Tractive GPS cat tracker can let you maintain tabs on your pet’s whereabouts. Watch how much your cat sleeps each night and how active they are with the included activity monitor.
  • People who see your cat will be less likely to mistake it for a stray because they know it already has someone.
  • To keep yourself and other animals safe, your cat can wear a bell.

When it comes to persuading your cat to wear a collar, patience, positive reinforcement, and a little trial and error are all you need.

How to choose and wear a collar properly

If your cat gets caught in something, make sure you get a collar with an elastic insert or a quick-release mechanism (pop-away collars).

With two fingers pressed together, you should be able to slip the collar over the cat’s head without it falling off. The collar should be trimmed when a proper fit has been made.

How to Get Cat Used to Collar

You may train your cat to accept a collar with patience and consistency. Getting the cat acclimated to the collar When introducing the collar to your cat for the first time, pick a moment when you will relax your cat. Your cat is likely to resist if you try to put the collar on it when it is already tense. 

  • Put the collar on the ground first so that the cat can inspect and play with it, then pick it up.
  • Use Feliway to freshen the air.
  • To make the cat’s collar smell like the cat, you can use a facecloth and gently rub it around the mouth and cheeks of the cat. The cat’s bedding may also be a good place to rub the collar.
  • As soon as you have the collar on, reward the cat with soothing words and plenty of treats so that they may get acclimated to the new sensation.
  • Do this every day for progressively more extended periods until the cat appears to be more comfortable wearing the collar.

Is It Necessary To Use A Collar On My House Cat?

I agree that an indoor cat that escapes from the house is significantly more likely to get afraid, confused, and lost; hence she must always be accompanied by identification at all times.

If your indoor-only cat escapes, a kind soul may mistake her for a stray and take her to an animal shelter without your knowledge. Cats wearing ID collars are more likely to be found and returned safely and quickly.

What Are The Consequences Of Using A Collar On A Cat?

Your cat will be happier and more comfortable if you don’t put a collar on them. The use of a collar may compromise your cat’s safety.

#1: Asphyxiation and abrasions

Even if your cat’s collar is fitted correctly, it could still pose a risk to its health. A cat collar can be snagged on anything when they’re out exploring or fighting with their neighbors because our feline companions are often fearless creatures.

Cats’ necks can be damaged or suffocated as they struggle to release themselves. Cats do die in these kinds of circumstances, unfortunately.

#2: Treatment for Fleas That Doesn’t Work

An insect repellent collar’s effectiveness can diminish with time, depending on the type of flea collar used. It’s possible that your cat could become infected if the collar isn’t changed regularly.

Some over-the-counter flea collar chemicals may be too intense for some cats. One possible side effect is hair loss and itchy, inflamed skin around the neck.

#3: The identification process is not always accurate.

If your cat gets lost, the ID tags on its collars may fall off, or they may slip out of a loose collar.


FAQs – How to Get Cat Used to Collar

How long does it take for a cat to get used to a collar?

Getting a cat used to wearing a collar can take several days or even a week. A few cats can complete the process within 24 hours, although extremely rare. After a week, if your cat isn’t used to it, you might want to try a different collar.

Is it cruel for cats to wear collars?

Even indoor-only cats should wear collars to prevent them from being taken to an animal shelter by well-meaning individuals who mistakenly believe your cat is a stray. Because the collar is new to her, your cat may scratch at it first; given time and tolerance, she will adapt.

Why does my cat freak out when I put a collar on him?

You may find that if your cat is unfamiliar with the concept of a collar, having one put on him may cause him some distress. If you want to prevent choking, most cat collars contain some stretch or a clasp that may be easily dislodged in the event of a snag.

Do cats hate collars?

It’s not uncommon for cats to object to being restrained by a collar. They spit them out. Others can do them, and there have even been tales of cats working together to pull them off (we’re blown away by this!). Many people, though, are unpleasant while wearing one.

Why is my cat scared of her collar?

Because of the tingling sounds make every time he moves, and a sensitive cat can find it irritating to wear a bell on his collar. Additionally, it could terrify a shy cat, causing him to freeze and avoid moving around more than necessary.


Conclusion

If you follow the procedures outlined above on How to Get Cat Used to Collar, most cats can be trained to wear a collar, regardless of their age. In addition to allowing others to identify your cat quickly, a collar like the Tractive GPS Cat Tracker will enable you to keep tabs on them at all times.

However, it is essential to use a breakaway collar and ensure that your cat is at least the required weight to release it. While your cat adjusts to its new toy, be patient and use positive reinforcement. The collar won’t even be noticeable to your cat in a short period. Do not miss our advice for keeping your outside kitties safe while you’re here.

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