Cat collar
A cat collar is a piece of material put around the neck of a cat. Cat collars are used for identification, fashion, protection (as from fleas), restraint, or to warn off prey, and may be worn by cats that are indoor-only as well as cats with outdoor access.[1]
Collar safety[edit]
As of 2021, there is ongoing debate about whether standard or breakaway collars (collars that unclasp with the application) are safer, or if cat collars are safe at all.[2][3]
A 2010 study reported on in the New York Times showed that simple buckle collars are actually the safest for cats.[4][5][6] Another study from 2013 showed that the dangers to a cat that is lost outside without a collar (or having lost its collar) were substantially greater than the danger of a cat hurting itself on its collar.[7]
However, vets and animal welfare organizations continue to primarily recommend breakaway collars, as they present the least risk of a cat injuring itself on a collar.[8]
Types of collars[edit]
Typical cat collars may be secured on the neck of the cat via a simple buckle, an elastic strap, or a breakaway buckle.[1] Harnesses may also be used.[citation needed] Elizabeth collars are cones which prevent cats from licking themselves, often used to help cats recover from injury.
Anti-predation collars[edit]
Domesticated cats are among the most significant predators of wild birds—being responsible for over a billion bird deaths every year, as well as the extinction of 22 species of bird as of 2015. Anti-predation collars may be used to reduce bird deaths from domesticated cats.[9] These collars may include conspicuous fabrics, colors, and/or bells. A 2013 study reported on in The Atlantic showed that cats wearing anti-predation collars killed 19 times fewer birds than cats without anti-predation collars.[9]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Johnson-Bennett, Pam (2011-09-27). Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-101-55267-4.
- ^ Ihli, Noelle (19 June 2020). "The best cat collar". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ Daugherty, Phyllis M. (23 December 2019). "Lifesaving Gift for Dogs, Cats Keeps Them Safe - Don't Risk a Fatal 'Collar Accident'". CityWatch Los Angeles. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ Carolina, University of South. "Should Your Cat Be Wearing an Orange Collar?". Treehugger. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ Bhanoo, Sindya N. (2010-09-13). "Helping Cats to Make Their Way Back Home". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ Wirth, Jenna (2020-12-04). "According to Vets, Your Cat Probably Should Wear a Collar (Even If They Stay Indoors)". POPSUGAR Pets. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ "Assessing the safety of collars used to attach predation deterrent devices and ID tags to pet cats". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ "La Plata Humane Society Offers Advice To Help Pets Live Their Best Life". 8 April 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
- ^ a b Gearin, Conor (2015-12-09). "How to Stop a Bird-Murdering Cat". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2021-04-01.