Avoid collars made from elastic or those that contain elastic inserts. As these are stretchable, cats have been known to push their legs through in attempt to get the collar off. This can result in cuts the upper leg and joint injury. [1] X Research source Over-the-counter flea collars sometimes contain chemicals harmful to cats. In fact, many flea repellents should not be used by kittens at all. Talk to your veterinarian about flea control rather than buying a collar yourself. [2] X Research source For a kitten, who is likely very playful, your safest choice is a breakaway or quick release collar. These collars are secured with a breakaway clasp that will come undone in response to pressure. This prevents your kitten from inadvertently choking if the collar gets snagged on anything.
If possible, choose a tag that doesn’t hang. Hanging bits, like tags and bells, are a safety concern as these can snag on tree branches and other outdoor hazards. This increases the risk of choking. A breakaway collar minimizes the risk, however. If you have a breakaway collar, a non-hanging tag might not be necessary. [4] X Research source Tags are available online or at local pet stores. Non-hanging tags clip flat on a collar. Your tag should include your name, your cat’s name, your phone number, and other contact information. [5] X Research source
Place your finger under the collar and pull. It should come undone in response to pressure. If it doesn’t, have the collar exchanged for one with a working clasp. [7] X Research source As you don’t want to put the kitten’s collar on twice, which can cause undue stress, conduct this test using a stuffed toy.
Gently coax your kitten into the room where the collar is. Never rush a cat or kitten, as this can cause stress and elevate the situation’s tension. [8] X Research source Let your kitten sniff the collar and familiarize himself with it. [9] X Research source If possible, rub your kitten’s fur on a towel and rub the towel on the collar. That way, the kitten’s scent will be on the cloth and the collar will smell familiar. You can also rub the collar on the kitten’s bedding or toys. [10] X Research source
Pet the kitten for a minute to calm him down. You do not want him to start off his relationship with his collar on stressful grounds. Once he’s calmed, gently wrap the collar around his neck. If he starts to resist and pull against the collar stop, let him relax, and try again. You do not want to cause strain to his neck. The collar should not pull against his throat while it’s being secured. If he squirms, you may need to enlist the help of another person. Fasten the breakaway clasp until you hear a soft clicking. Undo the towel restraint and release your kitten.
Ideally, the cat’s collar should be snug enough that you can slide two fingers under the collar. If you can fit more than that, tighten it. If you can fit less, loosen it. [11] X Research source
Your kitten might try to take the collar off at first. He’ll paw at it, rub his neck against surfaces, and attempted to scratch it off with his back legs. Keep on eye on him as long as these behaviors continue. [12] X Research source Once your kitten has accepted the collar, you can let him roam unsupervised. [13] X Research source
In a study conducted through Ohio State University, 538 collared cats were studied for a six-month period. At the end of the study, the majority of the cats were still wearing their collars and only a few suffered injuries. None of the injuries were serious or fatal. [14] X Research source Collars greatly increase the chance that, if lost, the cat will be returned. While microchipping is also an option, cats are not always checked for a microchip if found and oftentimes cats without collars are assumed to be stray or abandoned.
