| Most cat owners find themselves in a quandary | | | | strangled when their collar has gotten caught |
| over whether or not to use a cat collar on | | | | and cut off the animal's air supply. |
| their outdoor cats. The debate still reigns | | | | |
| over the pros and cons of outfitting an | | | | • Your cat may not be comfortable |
| outside cat with a collar, but many | | | | wearing a collar or the collar may be too |
| veterinarians and cat experts agree that | | | | heavy for the animal. |
| collars are the best way to go. However, | | | | |
| before you decide, take a look at these pros | | | | Given these pros and cons, consider choosing |
| and cons: | | | | a collar that will maximize the positives and |
| | | | minimize the negatives. For example, there |
| Pros: | | | | are many collars on the market that are |
| | | | specially designed to break away or unclasp |
| • Cat collars can hold identification | | | | when the cat is hung. These collars are |
| and registration tags. This is critical in | | | | considered strangle-proof and release when |
| case your outdoor cat becomes lost or is | | | | approximately seven pounds of pressure is |
| picked up by a concerned individual. Also, | | | | applied. This way, the cat can break him-or |
| collars can hold bells or other noise | | | | her-self free from any snare. |
| generating items to scare away potential | | | | |
| prey. | | | | Furthermore, there are many different types |
| | | | of collars on the market. Bring your feline |
| • Many cat collars are equipped with | | | | friend with you to the local pet-friendly pet |
| reflective material. Whether the collar is | | | | store and try on several different types of |
| made completely out of reflective material or | | | | collars until you find one that best fits. |
| only contains a small strip, this will help | | | | Avoid choosing a harness for outdoor cats |
| your cat to become more visible in the dark. | | | | unless you plan on walking the cat on a |
| Cats, especially those of dark color, can | | | | leash. If this is the case, only allow your |
| become invisible at night, which is a | | | | cat to wear a harness while supervised, as |
| potentially dangerous situation. | | | | most are not snare-proof. |
| | | | |
| Cons: | | | | On a whole, collars are encouraged on cats |
| | | | that spend their time outside and inside. In |
| • Cat collars can easily snag and cause | | | | addition to providing visibility to your |
| your cat to become hung or stuck on branches, | | | | animal, the collar will hold valuable |
| fences, or anything else in the great | | | | identification information that will protect |
| outdoors. Some cats have actually been | | | | your cat and assist you in finding your pet. |