Although the dog is still “Man’s Best Friend,” there has been a recent increase in popularity in cats these last years.
Part of the reason is because cats need much less time and attention than dogs. They are more independent and they often leave the house for hours and come back only at night or at meal times. In fact, some people have been known to adopt cats who came by themselves looking for food.
Another reason is that cats are better behaved, and they are definitely cleaner than dogs. You don’t have to worry about your cat destroying the living room while you’re gone (oh well, one of your chairs might become a scratching pole, I guess). And you don’t have to walk a cat and then pick up its feces as long as you have trained your cat to use its sandbox.
Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to get a collar for your cat that will help you control it. It also allows the cat to be identified easily, in case it gets lost or you leave it with your veterinarian for a night.
Cat collars come in several types and designs. There are many factors you should take into consideration when you buy one, for example, your cat’s size, age, breed, and any special characteristics or features that you’d like the collar to have.
Dog collars are NOT acceptable substitutions for cat collars, and if a pet shop clerk tries to sell you that idea, you should at least go buy elsewhere.
Break away cat collars are recommended if you have a cat that leaves the house for long periods of time. This type of cat collars has a safety mechanism that allows them to break free if they apply enough force. Cats are small and like to explore tunnels and climb fences and rooftops that are sometimes out of human sight or difficult to reach. Normal cat collars sometimes get stuck on a wire or similar object, and your pet would be trapped or hurt without human help. Break away cat collars give them the option to escape these situations.
Also, make sure you get a collar that allows you to write important information about your cat, as well as your contact information. Cat collars are the equivalent of human IDS for cats, and they are extremely useful when there is need for identification control. For example, they’ll reduce the chances of your veterinarian giving your cat medicine that was meant for another cat. Contact information will allow people to return your cat to you much more easily in case it gets lost.
Finally, some cats can be trained to accept a leash, just like a dog, for example, the Maine Coon cat. Of course, it’s better if you know whether your cat’s breed can accept it before you buy a couple of cat collars that have straps of buckles for leashes.
