How to choose a flea collar for a cat

When planning to have a pet at home, you need to think about where it will live, what it will eat and how it will spend its free time. Those who have cats in an apartment usually do not let them go outside in order to protect them from street animals, dirt and diseases. But there are owners who prefer to walk with their pets or let them frolic to their heart's content on their own. To make such walks safe for your cat, it is best to put a collar on him. The comfort of the pet and its owner largely depends on its choice.

How to put a collar on a cat and train it to use it

It is unlikely that a cat will be happy with an incomprehensible new object that they are trying to attach to its neck. The owner's good intentions can result in conflict, stress for the animal, and even fear of collars. Therefore, you need to put on an accessory for the first time and accustom it to it wisely and gradually:

1. After unpacking the new collar, the first thing you need to do is let your cat sniff it. It wouldn’t hurt to interest your pet and involve it in the game by rubbing the edge of the accessory.
2. When the cat is already familiar with the item, you can try putting it on. When putting on the collar, the pet must be fixed in one place, and the strap should be tightened so that 2 fingers of the owner pass between the pet’s neck and the collar itself. If there is a negative reaction and attempts to remove the object from the neck, a few minutes will be enough for the first time, after which it is better to remove the strap.
3. The next day, the procedure is repeated, increasing the length of time the cat is in the collar. It is better to carry out all manipulations on an empty stomach - hunger will distract the cat from minor inconvenience, and the food offered will become a reward for wearing the collar and will form positive associations in the animal.
4. When the cat can walk in the collar for 2-3 hours without trying to get rid of it, you can leave the accessory on it.

A cat that is familiar with collars will be much easier and more happy to relate to such accessories in the future, but only if the strap is not put on forcibly and immediately the first time.

Video: how to put a flea collar on a cat

Beauty collars

The range of exclusively decorative collars for pets is now wider than ever, and they are made from a variety of materials: from various synthetic rubbers and synthetic fabrics to natural premium leather. Their prices rise accordingly, while the functionality practically does not depend on them.

With the exception of the function of decorating the animal (for example, this is an obligatory part of the exhibition of purebred cats), such collars can have two more purposes:

• Collars with address tags - special tokens that indicate the pet's name and information about the owner - will help return it if it gets lost. They are especially relevant for owners who let the animal roam freely on the street or for residents of the first floors, where there is a chance that the cat will accidentally fall out of the window.
• With bells - a light ringing will save garden or domestic birds from the clutches of a hunter.
• With reflective stripes - will help you spot the animal at dusk.

Let's summarize: a cat can wear a decorative collar, the main thing is that it is not too tight - two fingers should fit freely between it and the neck. In addition, if the animal has free access to the street, it is better to give preference to self-release models - they will not allow him to suffocate, even if his collar gets caught on a branch.

The Best Glowing Collars for Cats

Hunter Smart Neon

Rating: 4.9

First in the category is a collar made of nylon and decorated with a small bell. It has a safety clasp, which, when caught on an object, spontaneously unfastens, protecting the cat from damage (suffocation, fractures, etc.). The runner is made of plastic. It allows you to adjust and fix the length.

Advantages

• width – 1 cm, length – 24 cm;
• bright colors;
• comfortable to wear;
• affordable price - 260 rub.

Flaws

• a little harsh.

Trixie

Rating: 4.8

The second position goes to a reflective collar with a bell-shaped decoration. The model is suitable for cats of any age, as the size is adjusted individually. Made from stretchy yet durable nylon with faux leather on top. Provides safety for your pet in the dark.

Advantages

• reliable clasp;
• beautiful reflective insert;
• presence of a bell;
• affordable price - 200 rub.

Flaws

• not found.

How to choose a collar for a cat

A cat collar should be chosen based on your goals. The product must be of good quality, a comfortable clasp and elastic inserts that prevent suffocation if the accessory gets caught on something.

What to consider when choosing a collar for a cat:

1. Product quality. Material. It should be safe for the cat and not cause allergies or discomfort.
2. Right size. You can first measure the circumference of the cat’s neck and add another 3-4 cm to the result. The accessory should not tightly compress the animal’s neck, causing discomfort or pain. Severe drooping of the collar is also unacceptable. In this case, there is a greater chance that the pet will get caught by the strap on some object or will independently remove the collar during a walk.
3. Castle design. This element should be safe, reliable, easy to use and not disturb the cat.

Choose a cat collar from trusted manufacturers. Do not buy cheap fakes of dubious quality, which may be unsafe for the animal.

How to put on a cat collar

The collars are easy to put on and are secured on the cat's neck using a special lock. When tightening the strap, make sure that it does not put pressure on the neck or cause discomfort for the animal.

The design and principle of operation of collars

Operating principles:

1. Electronic. Such collars work by generating electrical impulses that affect pets.
2. Sound. They respond to vibrations of the dog's vocal cords with sound signals.
3. Chemical. The action is based on chemical elements that repel or kill parasites.
4. Biological. Influencing the animal with aromatic oils and the smell of herbs.
5. Luminous. It has a built-in LED module that glows in the dark, which will keep the pet in the owner’s field of vision.

For walking on a leash

Some owners decide that since decorative miniature dogs are walked on a leash attached to a collar, it means that large cats can be taken outside in the same way. This is fundamentally wrong. The structure of a cat's neck is much more “delicate” and just one, even slight tug on the leash attached to the collar, can lead to serious injury.

For walks with a cat, instead of a collar, a harness is used - a special “design” of straps and metal or plastic rings, which evenly distributes the load from the leash over the animal’s upper body. Harnesses, like other equipment for cats, are available in a variety of designs and from various materials, so if you wish, you can always choose the most beautiful or practical model.

Kinds

Since the functionality of the collar can vary, it is worth learning as much as possible about it in order to choose the right collar for your pet.

• Antiparasitic is a cat strap that allows you to effectively counteract fleas and ticks, which are often found in animals that spend a lot of time outside. With daily wear, you can not only get rid of, but also protect your animal from parasites. This strap can only be worn by adults; kittens and pregnant cats should not wear it. This variety has a specific smell that repels fleas, which may not be to the liking of the cat or even its owners. The cat is at risk of developing allergies, as are people susceptible to the components of the collar. It is better not to buy such a collar for your pet if you have small children at home. An alternative may be ultrasonic options, which consist of a small device that emits special impulses that negatively affect the parasites and force them to leave the animal.

• Decorative – needed for those occasions when you need to dress up and decorate your pet. A beautiful collar is worn at exhibitions or photo shoots. It is better to use this accessory only on occasion, and then remove it, as it will cause discomfort to the pet. Its appearance differs due to the material used, the width of the product and decorations. A decorative collar can be with rhinestones, engraving, or a bell.

The choice of product depends on the gender of the animal and the taste of its owner.

• Self-unclosing is the most suitable option for walking with a cat and if the pet likes to take long walks on its own. The design of the product involves a flexible base that will stretch if necessary and will prevent the animal from suffocating if it gets caught on something. There are options with a clasp or a notch that will allow you to free the cat from the object that is restricting him.

• An electronic device is a collar with a tracking sensor that allows you to know exactly where the cat is at a particular moment. A strap with a navigator costs a lot, but it gives complete confidence to the owner and the cat that they will not lose each other. The design of such an accessory can be with a beacon or with a chip. With a GPS tracker, the cat will be protected not only anywhere, but also in any weather, since the manufacturers have designed it in such a way that moisture and extreme heat are not a problem for it.

• Personal is a cheaper variation of the collar, where instead of tracking sensors there are other auxiliary means. Often these are straps with an address card, a medallion, a phone number, or a personalized accessory with the pet’s name. Such products indicate the name of the animal and the address where it lives. The owner's telephone number for emergency communication may also be written down.

• Luminous - a collar that is partially or completely covered with reflective paint, which allows you to clearly see the cat in the dark. This option is very convenient for those owners who walk with their cat late at night and do not want to lose it. More modern products have a sensor that turns on the collar when it gets dark.

• Sound – makes it possible not to see, but to hear an animal walking on the street. A simpler modification is equipped with a bell, while the modern one has an electronic warning system. This option is perfect for visually impaired or blind owners who value their pet.

• Calming is a product that is impregnated with special pheromones that have a calming effect; with it, even the most obstinate cat becomes calm and adequate.

• Magnetic - can have two types of magnets - with and without healing properties. An ordinary magnet can be useful if a special door is made for the cat, which can be opened by the collar. The medicinal product helps improve the pet’s well-being, helping with diseases of the kidneys, stomach, intestines and joints.

After analyzing all the options, you can choose the right type of collar for your cat and gradually accustom the animal to wearing it.

WHY DOES A CAT NEED A COLLAR?

A cat's neck strap can be of some benefit, especially when it comes to animals that need to be walked, as well as those cute "fluffies" that are more susceptible to various dangers than others.

The decision to give your cat a collar may arise for the following reasons:

• The collar itself makes the animal more obedient and calm
• The collar can protect its owner from parasites
• The collar can be made in the form of a kind of “search beacon”, a reflector (including a tag, as well as the owner’s contact number)
• A collar is an effective solution if the animal is aggressive, and situations often arise when it needs to be pulled away from another cat.

And finally, it is also a beautiful accessory that can be decorated with stones or any other decor.

What to look for when choosing a collar for cats

1. View.
   Decorative ones are a common decoration. They can be inlaid with stones, various beads, embroidery, and so on. Antiparasitic agents are used during the period when ticks and fleas are active. Allows you to protect your pet from insects and diseases carried by them. The effect of such collars is temporary, so they should be changed after the expiration date. GPS collars are the most expensive. With their help, it is easy to trace the movements of the animal and quickly find it in case of loss. Some models can also monitor the cat’s health by sending a report to the owner’s smartphone using a special application. Reflective or luminous ones provide safety, especially at night. By wearing such a collar, you won’t have to worry about your pet getting hit on the road. Collars with bells are designed for active animals that love to hunt. With each movement, they make a sound that warns, for example, a bird or rodent that a cat is nearby.
2. Size
   . Most models have a standard size, as well as a length adjuster, making it easy to adjust the collar to your pet. Despite this, before you go shopping, measure the circumference of the cat's neck using a meter tape. Add two centimeters to the resulting figure to get the optimal value. There should be a gap of at least one and a half centimeters between the pet's neck and the collar. Check this by inserting one or two fingers, which should go through easily.
3. Comfort.
   Choose products made from pleasant materials with rounded side edges. Only then will it be possible to avoid chafing and damaging the cat’s fur. A narrow collar should be preferred to a wide collar, as it can almost be felt on the animal’s neck. The inside of the collar should be smooth.

Collars for cats with GPS

Such models are rare, due to their significant cost. However, the market offers good models with a GPS tracker, which in terms of safety cannot be compared with collars with light or a bell. With this function, you can easily track your pet's movement, even if it is far from home. The principle of operation of the beacon is similar to that of a conventional navigator. It sends signals to a satellite through which tracking is carried out through a mobile application. The device is small in size and weight, so it does not interfere with the pet’s actions. But it should be remembered that successful operation depends on the charge level of the device and the absence of interference.

Tractive IKATI – GPS tracker for cats (white/blue)

A modern device that allows you to track your pet in real time. Used only for medium breed cats weighing up to 4 kg. Monitoring is carried out through a free application on a smartphone or computer. There you can view your movement history and, using a map, see all the places your favorite tramp visits. When an animal does not return home for a long time, a function is activated that shows its current location. Update frequency – 2-3 seconds. The tracker fits comfortably around your neck. The rubber clip fits almost any collar length.

Advantages:

• equipped with GPS and LEDs;
• accessible application;
• optimal device size;
• daily activity recording;
• high accuracy of determination;
• notifications about violation of the safe zone;
• flexible rubber clamp.

Flaws:

• high price;
• may run out.

Petsy RF-V30

Miniature device with GPS for monitoring and searching for dogs and cats. The detection accuracy is up to 10 m. The model will give a signal if the safe zone is violated. Control interval 1 min, 10 min and 1 hour. All control is carried out through a special mobile application, in which you need to enter the ID number of the beacon. The device operates on battery power. One battery charge is designed for five days of operation. The waterproof case is not afraid of rain, snow, or any bad weather. The weight of the model is 40 grams.

Advantages:

• protection from moisture;
• small size;
• free application;
• detection by GPS and LBS cell towers;
• restriction of walks by Geofence;
• movement history.

Flaws:

• error due to poor satellite quality;
• not intended for second-by-second tracking.

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Hadog -GPS tracker for dogs and cats

Multifunctional model for dogs up to 36 kg and cats from 3 kg. The kit includes a leather collar, adjustable in length from 20 to 45 cm. Control is carried out via a smartphone. The detection accuracy is from 1 to 10 m. A special feature of the model is that you can call the tracker and hear your pet, as well as receive SMS tracking when there is no Internet connection. In the application itself, you can track your movement history, build a route and set a safety zone. Operation without recharging is 2-5 days. Also equipped with an indication for searching for animals in the dark.

Advantages:

• suitable for different animals;
• natural material;
• simple application;
• remote switching on and off;
• definition without internet;
• zone violation notifications;
• indication for searching in the dark;
• protection from moisture.

Flaws:

• SMS notification fees apply;
• price.