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