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Tags: Cats, Felines, cat information, cat health 

Reply Owning a Feline: The Essentials
Collars and Harnesses

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Punkin Avis
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 1:49 pm


The Importance of Collars


Collars are a great deal of importance for a cat, especially if allowed outdoors. If he isn't micro chipped, it could be one of the only ways to get your kitty back if lost. If purchasing a collar make sure that:

It is a breakaway model, as cats can get stuck and strangled by a non breakaway collor. Elastic stretch is another option, but make sure it is safe for the kitty before purchasing.

It is big enough for your cat, at least 2 fingers should fit between the collar and the cat.

That it is functional.
PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:08 pm


Choosing a Collar


There is a big selection to choose from. From shiney, to decoritive, to gemmed and overall fancy. Remeber that this is your cats mode of identification in the outside world. Sometimes its nice to put somthing fancy on the cat to show off his prestige.

Bell or no Bell?

Most cat collars come with a wide variety of bells of all shapes and sizes. They jingle as the cat walks elegantly through the house and is supposed to alert prey animals to the oncoming cat and to alert the humans to the cats presence. Most bells are removable and is a personal choice of the owner as to whether that cat should have a bell or not.

ID Tags

This is vital to a cat collar. It lists important information so that if the kitty does escape, theyre is a higher chance that kitty will be returned. ID tags should list:

Cats Name*
Humans Name and Phone Number*
Rabies ID Tag
Vetrinarian Contact Information
(* a must*)


Be sure to update the tag when you change phone numbers or move. If your kitty is outdoor and not microchipped, please make sure the collar is fastened and the information is up to date.

Tags are available at any petstore, though at major Petstore chains they have an engraving machine that you could choose the design for the simple price of the tag itself.

Punkin Avis
Captain

Chatty Cat

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Punkin Avis
Captain

Chatty Cat

12,000 Points
  • Cats vs Dogs 100
  • Sausage Fest 200
  • Team Edward 100
PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:23 pm


Harnesses and Leashes


You want to give your kitty outdoor time, but dont want to let the kitty go out alone. Thats where harnesses come in. smile A harness for a cat is very similar to that of the style used for dogs. Just remember that a cat has alot more movement than dogs and can easily escape certian types of harnesses.

Choosing a harness

A harness should fit around your cats front area, behind her front legs and around her neck. Basic Harness Cat harnesses dont need the chest straps that a dog harness usually has.

They carry a soft type walking jacket: Mesh Walking Jacket which allows optimal comfort the kitty during walks.

Remember that the harness should not restrict the movement of the cat and that she can walk with little to no troubles.

Choosing a Leash

There are generally two types of leads. Standard leashes that range in size and length and retractable leashes.

Standard leashes are ideal for walking a cat. It allows more structured walks and less of a hassle trying to lead the cat.

Retractable leashes are nice if you want to give the kitty more roaming ground. Be wary of the thin nylon that makes the leash. This could easily become tangled in brush, sticks, or around the kitty.

Questions about learning how to walk the kitty? Refer to the outdoors section of the forum. smile
PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:27 pm


Overall


Remember to keep your kitty safe when choosing a collar. A strictly indoor cat doesnt nessesarily need a collar 24/7 but keep in mind that is the mode of identification for the kitty if she were to sneak outdoors. An outdoor kitty it is recomended that is a collar is used, as to alert to strangers that the kitty does in fact belong to someone. Also consider micro chipping if you have an outdoor feline.

Punkin Avis
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Chatty Cat

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Owning a Feline: The Essentials

 
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