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When we think of identification tags and collars for animals, we tend to think they are only for dogs. Oh sure, we all know,
“Cats don’t like them,” or “We don’t want to push the issue and get a bite or a scratch for our efforts.” What will you do,
however, if your cat gets lost? No collar means no ID tag! Remember, we all know that cats are sneaky and if that door is
left just slightly ajar or a window left cracked open a little that cat will squeeze right through to freedom. Escaping is
natural for these little critters who are curious and love to explore. You know the old saying, “Curiosity killed the cat?”
Well, if your cat escapes it’s possible that a dog or other natural predator will get to them. If that happens, and your cat
has no ID tag, you will never know what happened to him. Therefore, ID collars make good sense for the owner of a cat.
ID Tags
Your cat’s veterinarian will most likely have identification tags that you can easily hook onto a collar. These tags
will have the vet clinic’s office number and address. Most likely, these tags will also have the date of your cat’s
last round of vaccinations for rabies and other diseases. You can either have your own contact information engraved on
the same ID tags that came from your veterinarian or you can have your own made fairly quickly. It doesn’t matter which
tag you include your contact information on, as long as it is there. That way, if something does happen to your cat,
anyone who finds it can call you, even the animal shelters.
Special Cat Collars
By talking with your veterinarian or visiting your local pet store, you will find out that there are special collars just
for cats. These have a little piece of elastic sewn into it which makes the collar not so rigid and allows for some
flexibility in it. These collars are made to stretch a little just in case your cat gets snagged and stuck while
climbing a tree or any else for that matter. The “stretch” in the collar will allow the cat to escape. You have
to take care not to choose a collar for your cat that is too elastic. A cat has loose, limber limbs and could easily
find itself in a dilemma with a leg stuck inside the collar after a round of scratching.
Buckle Up
The newest rage in cat collars to hit the market is one that has an easy plastic snap buckle where if you apply pressure
to the button on the buckle, it will slide open. Helpful in those situations where a cat could get trapped in a tree, this
new type of collar, if snagged, can be quickly released and the cat won’t remain hanging from a tree branch forever.
Inspect Qualilty
When you are shopping around for your family feline, be sure to inspect the quality of the collars you find. The
collar will be worn around the cat’s neck, in a soft vulnerable area. That means you do not want to buy any collar that
has sharp edges. It could dig into your cat’s delicate skin. Be sure to also inspect the stitching on the
collar. You do not want any of the thread to unravel and cause a potential hazard to your cat. It is preferable
to have your cat with you when you shop for a collar. That way, your cat can try on a collar and you could tell if it
fits correctly. These collars should fit snugly while still being able to accommodate one of two of your fingers below
the collar.
Pet Laws
Another reason for your cat to have on a collar is because of government rules. In many areas, there is a
requirement that states all pets should be registered and licensed. This is usually governed by the city or
county. Statistics show that very few cat owners ever find their missing furry felines at shelters, simply because of
the lack of identification. By having a collar, you could get your cat back at no time.
Lots Of Love
Immediately after putting a collar on your cat be sure and give them lots of attention and love. And yes, treats, too, as
they will distract your cat from the weird feeling of having a collar around its throat. Many cats -- by the time they are
done with their treats -- soon forget that they are even wearing a collar.
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