Collaring cats can help us identify them if they get lost, know where they are and keep them safe. Choosing a safe collar is very important

Whether your cat lives indoors or outdoors, it's a good idea to make sure that if he goes missing, he can be found and identified. An ID and a GPS tracker are very important for her safety, but in order to use them, your cat needs to get used to wearing a collar. The collar also shows that the cat has a home and people to care for it, and reduces the chances of someone else "adopting" your cat by mistake. In this article we will look at everything you need to know about training your cat, so you don't have to worry about its safety and well-being.

Do cats have to wear collars?

Many question whether cats should wear collars, and others believe that a cat is not going to accept a collar, at least not without a fight . But with proper training and collar selection, and of course with proper care, the majority of cats can get used to wearing a collar. In the long run, your cat will be safer with a collar.

A study from the Ohio State University ( 1 ), studied 538 cats and their collars and came to the following conclusions:

• The majority of cats (72.3%) wore their collars successfully.
• Cat owners expected their cats to accept less ro calor than they actually did – cats don't have as much of a problem with the collar
• Only 7.1% of cats lost their collars – which is why microchipping and GPS trackers are recommended.

Less than 2% of cats that get lost are returned to their guardian ( 2 ). This may change if our cats start wearing ID collars and GPS trackers .

Benefits of the collar in cats

As we mentioned above, having your cat wear a collar has many benefits, such as:

• Your cat will be able to wear an ID with your details so that if someone finds it they can alert you.
• Your cat will be able to wear mCubed GPS tracker , with which you can see where it is at all times. You can also see all the places he visited and how many kilometers he traveled.
• It will be almost impossible for someone to mistakenly think your cat is a stray.

With a little effort, patience and reward, you will be able to convince your cat to wear a collar regardless of its temperament and age.

Do house cats need a collar?

Yes! Even indoor cats can benefit from a collar. If your cat manages to slip out of the house, an ID tag on her collar can guarantee that anyone who encounters her will know where her home is. And if your cat wears a GPS tracker even better! Then you can follow her and bring her home.

When should my cat start wearing a collar?

It is easier for a young cat to get used to wearing a collar than it is for an adult or older cat. Once the cat reaches its final size, it is now safe to wear a breakaway collar.

How to train your cat to wear a collar .

1: choose the appropriate and safe collar

The first step in training is choosing the right collar. There are some things to consider.

Only one type of collar is safe for cats, the breakaway collar. It is the type of collar that opens if pulled with force, for example caught on a branch. This way your cat will be safe if it gets tangled up somewhere. In short, a safety collar will stay in place 99% of the time, but will release in an emergency to prevent your cat from being injured or trapped.

Never use a collar without a release mechanism on your cat.

Apart from that, it would be good to take into account the following when choosing the right collar for your cat:

• colour
• material
• size
• Fluorescent or reflective
• the force required to open*

*when using a safety collar, make sure your cat is the correct weight as indicated by the manufacturer. This way, you will make sure that your cat's weight is enough to open the collar if necessary. If your cat is very small or not yet an adult, it is possible that he cannot wear a collar safely.

2: Show the collar to your cat

After finding the right collar, the next step is to show it to your cat.

Choose a time when your cat is calm and happy and in a place that is familiar to him. Leave the collar on the floor and let her study and play with it.

You can also transfer your cat's scent to the collar by touching it to where it sleeps. It might help her accept it more easily. If she rubs against the collar, reward her with a treat.

Don't rush to put the collar on her right away because she can:

• to be afraid
• To try to get it out immediately
• to associate it with negative feelings
• to avoid it

3: Put the collar on your cat and let her get used to it

After getting to know her new accessory, it's time to wear it.

1. Put the collar on your cat
2. Make sure it fits properly. It should be tight enough that it doesn't go over her head too easily, but loose enough that two fingers can fit between her collar and neck.
3. Let her get used to it for a few minutes.
4. Reward her all the time, talk to her calmly, pet her and give her treats.
5. Never yell at or punish your cat if it takes off its collar.
6. If as soon as you put the collar on her she seems disoriented, know that this is normal. Give her time to get used to it and distract her with food or a toy so she forgets she's wearing it.
7. She repeated the process every day for longer and longer periods of time until she was completely comfortable wearing the collar.

Once your cat gets used to the collar, you can add an ID and an mCubed GPS tracker .

You should check your cat's collar and behavior often. If you notice that she is scratching more than usual, if she pulls or is uncomfortable, you may need to change her collar. If you notice any health problem (such as an allergic reaction), consult your veterinarian.

Should my cat wear a harness?

In general, it is best to only use the harness when walking your cat on a leash, and in all other cases to wear a safety collar. The litter box can be dangerous for a cat that has gone out to explore its territory because they can become entangled or trapped.

Conclusions

Most cats, regardless of age, can be trained to wear a collar by following the steps above. The collar can help others understand that your cat is not a stray and identify it, in addition, it allows you to wear an mCubed GPS tracker so you always know where it is . But it is very important that he wears a safety collar, which opens when pulled, and that you make sure he has the necessary weight to function. Reward her during training and give her plenty of time to get used to it. Before long, your cat won't even notice that he's wearing a collar.

For more information and tips, watch the video below from Berkeley Humane: