How to Put a Collar on Your Cat

Collars for cats are especially useful for those that roam freely outdoors or are kept entirely outside. However, you might not realize that collars are also beneficial for indoor cats. If your cat steps outside or gets lost, a collar helps prevent them from being mistaken as a stray and allows others to identify you as the owner. While putting a collar on your cat can be tricky, especially if it's their first time wearing one, with patience, your cat will get used to it and may even forget they are wearing it.

Choose the right moment to put on the collar. Putting a collar on your cat will be a new experience, so it's important to select a time when your cat is least likely to resist. Try putting the collar on when your cat is distracted, such as while playing or eating. Alternatively, you could choose a calm moment, like when you're quietly sitting together with your cat.

Let the cat explore the collar. Place the collar on the ground near your cat so they can familiarize themselves with it before it’s put on their neck. To make the collar more comfortable for your cat, you can transfer their scent onto it. Rub the collar on their bedding, or, if your cat permits, gently rub a soft cloth around their mouth and then on the collar. The collar will feel less strange to the cat if it detects its own scent on it.

• You can also purchase synthetic pheromone spray from pet stores and apply it to the collar.
• Don’t rush your cat into exploring the collar.

Put the collar on the cat's neck. When your cat is calm and in a good mood, gently and slowly place the collar around their neck. Speak softly to reassure them, making the experience as comfortable as possible. Reward your cat with a treat once the collar is on, so they associate wearing it with positive reinforcement.

• Your cat may initially resist or try to scratch off the collar after it’s put on.
• When putting the collar on for the first time, leave it on for a few minutes and then remove it.
• Gradually increase the time your cat wears the collar each day. They may need some time to get used to wearing it for extended periods.
• Consider rewarding your cat each time they wear the collar without trying to take it off. Eventually, your cat will get used to the collar without needing treats.
• If your cat removes the collar, put it back on without offering treats—otherwise, they may think removing it is rewarded.

Check if the collar fits properly. Ensure that the collar isn’t too tight or too loose for your cat. A properly fitted collar allows you to slide two to three fingers comfortably between the collar and your cat’s neck. If your cat pulls their neck in when wearing the collar for the first time, wait a few minutes until they relax before checking the fit.

• Don’t pull or tug on the collar when checking the fit.
• If the collar isn’t the right fit, remove it and adjust it accordingly.

Regularly check your cat’s collar. As cats grow, they may gain or lose weight, which can cause the collar to become either too tight or too loose. If you notice that the collar has become too tight or too loose around your cat’s neck, remove it and make the necessary adjustments.

Choose a safe collar. When you enter a pet store, you’ll find a variety of cat collars to choose from. However, safety should always be your top priority when selecting a collar. Breakaway collars are the safest choice for cats as they automatically detach if the collar gets caught on something like curtains or furniture.

• Breakaway collars have a clasp that opens under pressure.
• Some collars come with attachments like bells, which are useful for outdoor cats (alerting prey to the cat’s presence), but these attachments can also get caught on objects, posing a danger to the cat.

Examine the collar. Before purchasing a collar, run your fingers along it to check for any rough spots or sharp edges that could irritate your cat’s skin. Also, inspect the stitching to ensure it is secure. If the collar has a clasp, verify that the edges aren’t too sharp when fastening it.

• Consider testing the clasp’s strength before leaving the store. Pull on the collar with varying force. The clasp should release under moderate pressure. If it detaches too easily, the cat might be able to remove it.
• The force needed for the collar to release will depend on the size and weight of your cat. For example, a heavier cat may need a collar with a clasp that can withstand more force than one for a lighter cat.

Avoid buying elastic collars. Some cat collars feature a stretchable woven fabric that expands enough to allow the cat to slip out if it gets caught. However, this type of collar can cause serious injury if the cat’s leg becomes trapped. Elastic collars can also get stuck in the cat’s jaw, leading to severe injuries.

• If you choose an elastic collar and it causes injury, take your cat to the vet immediately for treatment.