Make sure your kitten's collar fits correctly

With different colours, patterns and designs available, choosing a collar for your kitten can be tricky. This is especially true because how the collar looks isn’t the most important thing - keeping your kitten safe is. Learn more about the reasons why you might choose to use a collar and 3 easy ways you can make sure your kitten stays safe while wearing their collar.

Why use a collar

If you’re wondering if a collar is right for your kitten, here are the benefits of using a cat collar.

• • • It helps if they get lost. If your kitten goes wandering, a collar and an ID tag which has their name and your contact details on is a great way to be reunited. A more permanent solution, and in case your kitten loses their collar and tag, is to get them microchipped. This is when a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, with a unique ID number on it is put under their skin. This chip can then be scanned at vet clinics and animal shelters to identify your cat.
    • It protects local wildlife. A small bell attached to your kitten’s collar can alert birds to their presence, helping to keep them safe.
    • It helps them be seen at night. Collars with reflective strips help your kitten be spotted when they’re out at night, especially when they’re crossing the road.

Risks with using a collar

It’s good to be aware of the risks associated with putting a collar on your kitten. The most common risks are:

• Minor hair loss where the collar rubs.
• Injuries caused by the cat getting the collar stuck around their jaw or by getting one front leg stuck through the collar as they try to escape it.
• Being strangled if the collar gets hooked on something and the collar doesn’t break open.
• Choking or getting their claws caught on things like bells, dangling bits or poor stitching.

These risks are rare and can be avoided by fitting your kitten’s collar correctly (more on that below) and choosing a quality collar with strong stitching.

Keeping your kitten safe

There are 3 steps to ensuring your kitten stays safe while wearing their collar.

1. Choose the collar carefully: The safest type of kitten collar is one that has a snap open mechanism, like a plastic buckle. These collars quickly and easily come apart and release your kitten if they get stuck. Other names for these collars are quick release and breakaway collars. The collar should also be adjustable so it grows with your kitten.

Although collars with elastic that expands used to be thought of as the safest collars, in fact these elasticated collars usually have enough give for your cat to get one leg through the collar before getting stuck. They can also get caught around your cat’s jaws. Both of these can lead to serious injuries.

2. Fit the collar properly: A collar that doesn’t fit properly can be dangerous for your kitten. If it’s too loose, your kitten might get their leg or jaw stuck in it. If it’s too tight, it can restrict their breathing and swallowing. A collar does need to be snug though. You'll know you've got the fit right if you can fit 1 or 2 fingers underneath the collar.

When you first put a collar on your kitten, it’s normal for them to tense their neck muscles as they get used to it. Re-check the fit after a few minutes and adjust as needed. As your kitten grows, be sure to adjust their collar accordingly.

3. Use a collar when they're kitten: Putting a collar on a kitten is much easier than putting a collar on an adult cat! Get them used to wearing a collar when they’re still a kitten and they’re more likely to accept it throughout their life. This is also applicable for lead and harness training too, read more about lead training your cat.

Hopefully this guide helps your kitten safely and happily wear a collar. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.

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