Why collars for cats?
Only 18% of cat owners use a collar, but we believe that number is WAY too low.
A collar on a cat is important for all the same reasons they are crucial for dogs. Even indoor-only cats should wear collars, because if a cat does get out, a well-meaning person may think it is a stray and take it to an animal shelter. With an ID and collar, a cat has a better chance of safely and quickly getting back home.
Additionally, cats who do roam outside should consider collars with reflective elements to make them visible to potential hazards like motorists.
Kitten Collars
Just like children, good habits for cats are instilled young!
Adjusting an adult cat to a collar can be challenging, so encourage customers with new kittens to invest in a collar from the start. Kitten collars are specially designed for their small anatomy and should be recommended over simply sizing down a collar designed for a full-grown cat. They will stretch or breakaway when worn by kittens 6-8lbs.
Elastic and Breakaway Cat Collars
Unlike a dog collar, cat collars are uniquely designed to stretch or breakaway, preventing dangerous entanglement as cats climb, explore and even squeeze into the smallest of spaces.
Safe Cat
- For cats 8-12lbs
- Fully adjustable
- Breakaway buckle has a consistent breakaway point for maximum safety.
- Magnetic buckles self-align (on select collars)
ElastaCat
- For cats 8-12lbs
- Fully adjustable
- Best for indoor/outdoor cats who slip their collars
Harnesses
The use of harnesses with cats is a growing trend. While regular use and early introduction is key to kittens and cats becoming comfortable with harness use, be sure to inform customers that cats should never be left unattended in a harness. While collars are designed to stretch or breakaway, harnesses are not and could lead to dangerous entanglement if unsupervised.
Coastal Pet offers 4 styles of cat harness, Figure "H", Figure 8, Over-the-Head Mesh and Wrap.
Cat Wrap Style Harness
A wrap style harness is ideal for cats who tend to slip other harness styles.
Wrap Harnesses are:
- Soft and lightweight
- Shorter hook and loop for secure, quiet and quick on and off
- Machine washable
Sizing
Cat collars from Coastal Pet come in 2 fully adjustable sizes, 1 for cats and 1 for kittens. The cat collars are designed to breakaway when worn by cats over 8lbs. Cats under 8lbs and kittens should wear kitten collars, which breakaway at 8lbs or less.
Collars should sit higher on a cat’s neck. Be sure to measure here when determining how to size the collar.
A collar, as well as harness straps, should allow for no more than two fingers to slide between the collar or harness and the cat’s body.
Harnesses also typically come in one size for either cats or kittens, except for the wrap style harness that comes in small or medium.
Term to know:
Girth – this is the area directly behind the cat’s front legs that should be measured to help determine the appropriate harness fit.
Grooming
✔ Long- and medium-haired cats generally require daily brushing.
✔ Short-haired cats should usually be brushed once or twice per week.
Since cats groom themselves, they generally do not need to be bathed, unless they have fleas or a medical condition that warrants it. Before bathing your cat, always consult your veterinarian.
Cats also may require regular nail trims. Long nails can become painful and interfere with their ability to walk. Keeping nails short also helps you protect your floors and furniture from being scratched and your clothes from being snagged.
Tools to use:
- Detangle: Tipped pin brush or metal comb
- Shine: Bristle Brush
- Shedding: Shed Magic, Slicker
- Bathing: Massage brush or Complete cat brush
- Nail Care: Trimmers, Styptic Powder
Play
Mental and physical stimulation is vital to a cat’s health. Owners should consider a variety of toys to promote continuous engagement
