Cat Collars - Reflective? Personalised?

[Cathryn87]

Thanks Millys Mum - I hadn't thought of updating the details on the microchips so will definately get that done pronto. Glad you agreed with me about the bell, as my partner was trying to convince me to keep it on to preserve the local wildlife and I was using the argument that I'm sure they manage to hunt well anyway.

So do you reckon I should opt for a non-reflective collar in the hope they are never out at night and get into a routine? I like the idea of the personalised collars as I think the tags would annoy them immensely until they simply got used to it, but at the same time you can get more info on a tag.. hmm...

[Millys Mum]

Once you have moved keep them in for 4 weeks before letting them out and make sure the microchips are up to date with your new details, its easy to forget this with all that moving entails.
If you create a routine with them, using tea as a bribe, they get in the habit of being in at night, shut the door/flap and ignore their faces pleading with, you! Human knows best and thats that!

I agree about bells, any decent hunter will stalk without ringing it anyway so i dont see the point, they are easily removed 

My cats dont wear collars so cant say much about introducing them other than fit the collar correctly and then play around and try to distract them

[Cathryn87]

Dear all,

Last time I popped in here my furbabes were tiny little bundles of fluff. I adopted them from a rescue centre, with the aim of keeping them indoors until my partner and I moved as we live next to very busy roads. Well, over the months I have become extremely attached to them and the thought of letting them out became less and less likely. Molly and Marble are now almost a year old, and I feel so guilty that they are missing out on the 'big outdoors'. We are finally moving this friday to a much quieter area although we will still of course be next to numerous roads (no main roads).

I have decided I'm going to let them out once we have settled in and take the risk in the interest of their lifestyle. Marble has become overweight and I'm sure keeping him indoors (granted we currently live in a small flat) has added to it. They are both microchipped but neither of them have ever worn a collar, and I really don't want to let them out without one. I wanted to ask you guys what type of collar I should get for them? Obviously it will be a safety collar but I'm not sure which type is best. I've been looking at Kittycollars and I like the idea of their personalised one, but I also think a reflective one could be vital should they ever be out at night (although I hope they wont be). Should I have a tag on it as well? I've seen ones where you can have "Microchipped" as well as a phone number written on them. I'm also not keen on keeping a bell on well. It probably sounds really silly, but I keep thinking the dingling must drive them mad, I know it would me! Also, as they are almost a year and have never worn one I'm sure they are going to find it quite distressing getting used to it, something which I'm not looking forward to. Any tips on make it easier for them?

Sorry for the essay guys, it sounds like something so simple but I want them to be as safe as they can possibly be considering they'll be outside. I have to say though, I can't wait to open the door for the for the first time they'll ever be allowed out

Cathryn x x x