Cats and dangerous collars

[Tiggy's Mum]

Good point, well presented 

[sheilarose]

As for losing quick release collars, I've had success with ID medallions - these are engraved with my postcode and house number on one side, and my phone number on the reverse and attached to the collar (ebay this, they are really cheap in quantity). I've had several lost collars placed neatly on my gatepost (OK, I have fabulous neighbours, I know some of you absolutely do not!) so this has been a worthwhile investment for me.

This type of identification has also helped with my latest rescue, Tufty, who is currently wearing a "Do Not Feed" quick release collar (due to his struvine restricted diet) in that his other Mummys feeders have come forward to be in on the rehab project (yes he IS very cute now I've done all the difficult, smelly and dangerous bit).

At least this way I can monitor who is tempted to "look after" my gorgeous boy, and it works out cheaper than constantly replacing lost collars.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

I hate collars with a passion but having siad that I want Lupin to wear a harness and a lead but I would be with him all the time cos my garden not safe for young cats.

At present havent got close to getting any part of it on him.......sigh

This subject is a problem at Auction time cos sometimes we get donated the non-safety type of collars and where as we dont want to upset kind doners, we really have a problem getting bids on them and if collars are donated plaese make the safety ones with quick release clasp

[Guest]

I sway about collars. I would like them to wear them when out as it shows they have a home. Ella managed to lose hers within a week of getting it!

[sheilarose]

Now I know the dangers of collars. So, if and, when I collar a cat it is always the quick release snap fastener type (yes the one they tend to lose in ten minutes). 

This is on the back of previous (long ago) experience when I was unaware of the dangers, one cat get her paw caught in her collar and was in danger of cutting her own leg off and another that caught his lower jaw which could have been devastating had I not been there to free him. 

I know we all folks to the site who are new and inexperienced cat owners, good grief I've learned tons myself, but I think it is worth bringing this to the top of discussion threads now and again to remind everyone of the dangers of collars, and point them towards the Health and Behaviour guides on this site that relate to collars and what is safe/unsafe to use.