Collars on Shelter Cats

I have been an active volunteer for the last 5 years at our local animal shelter. Our shelter has an open cat room where the cats have a collar (those also in cages in a seperate area)that are made out of a type of paper/fiber material. The collars have the animals names written on them as well as their ID #. My concern comes in when the cats are in the open cat room. There have been 2 seperate incidents that I witnessed where 1 cat was choking as it had gotten the collar wrapped around his head and neck and last week-end where the collar was stuck in the cats mouth. What type of breakaway collars are used at other shelters? Also, where can I locate a distributor where I can purchase a number of these at a reasonable price? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I plan to buy these myself and donate them to the shelter. Leslie Raynes

where 1 cat was choking as it had gotten the collar wrapped around his head and neck and last week-end where the collar was stuck in the cats mouth

Click to expand...

Whoever is banding these cats is NOT doing it properly. The collars are not tight enough. I am really concerned about that. It's disturbing. Have you talked to the kennel manager?

We use these types of collars you speak of at our shelter and have never had a problem with them. ( with the exception of the occasional puppy chewing it off it's littermate! )

I agree...the collars don't seem to fit. And even if they do, accidents and tragedies can still occur involving choking, and strangulation. Personally, I find that taking photos of the cats and labeling the photos with a name, their ID number, and other information, and posting them in the cat room is a much better option. If two kitties are remarkably similar, then paint a toenail or something to that nature.

I diassagree here, i had the same problem. we have switched to the bands vets use. they breakk if the cat has them caught in the mouth. the problem i had was tat the cats take them off each other

I agree with wookie.... pictures work great on files, adoption apps, and adoption sites. i keep a back up copy of pictures of everyone online.... one side view, one front, and one of any distinguishing markings

I have talked to the administratative director however they are currently under 60 day period with the City to get it together or the contract with the City for animal enforcement will not be renewed. I wrote a letter to the City stating my many concerns and I am hopefuly they will take some of this under advisement. The only way I am going to get the shelter to rethink it's thoughts it to purchase the collars myself. Any suggestions where I can buy them? Les