Cat Collar Sizes

cat112233

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I want to get my cat a collar, but I had no idea there were so many sizes. I tried measuring his neck but I keep getting different measurements. He is a 3 1/2 year old american short hair. He is about 15 lbs, but he is not fat. Even the vet says he is a "good weight for such a solid cat."  I have posted a recent photo. Any suggestions on what size he takes? I know its not an exact science, and I also dont mind getting 2 sizes. Thanks.

 

eb24

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In the US (I'm not sure where you are globally), cat collars generally only come in two sizes: Kitten Collars and Adult Collars. The kitten collars are generally for those less than 6 pounds while the adult collars are for any weight over that. There are three main types of collars: those with a buckle (that you slide to adjust to size), those with an elastic band on half of it, and those with a rubber ring (the latter two usually have buckles). All are perfectly safe to use it's just a matter of personal preference and cost (those with a buckle are most common and most affordable). 

The only thing is make sure the collars you are looking at are actually made for cats (do NOT use a small dog collar). Each of the above mentioned types are specifically designed to come off should fluffy get caught on something. Also, collars are only meant to be used for identification purposes. Never attach a lead to one. If you are wanting to walk him then you need to add a harness too (my guess is he is a large). 

Getting him used to wearing it is pretty simple. Make sure you can slip two fingers between his neck and the material, distract him with a toy or a treat and hook it on. Some cats do better just wearing the collar for a couple days and then adding the ID tag on after they are used to it. Once the ID tag is on watch him closely for a day or two to make sure it doesn't scare him (for instance, by banging against his dishes). If it does, cover the tag in clear scotch tape. No more noise and still readable! 

That's the final piece: keep your ID tag simple! The more letters on it means the smaller font that is used and less likely people will be able to read it. I put my pet's name on the front and a phone number on the back. I also know people who put "I'm Lost" or "indoor only" on the front with the name and phone number on the back (if that applies to you). Also remember that, because cat collars are meant to come off they are only so effective. Spend the $30 or so that it costs to microchip as well. That way, if someone ever does turn in your baby to a shelter they can be sure he makes his way home!

Sorry, I'm kind of an ID nut so I made this general for all readers. 
 Hope some of it helps! 
 
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cat112233

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Thanks for the info.
 

ashyfulz

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I usually just guess and buy one. We only have 2 cats who take a large cat collar, the others take the normal adult collar. For Chippie and Thunder I just bought adult collars, put it on the smallest size, and kept putting it on and off until it wasn't overly large on them anymore (they grew into them and now I haven't had to adjust it much since they're growing slower now)

Just remember, not all cats like collars and some will get out of them no matter what. We only have 3 cats who will wear a collar (4 for now since Ruby seems to not mind his at the moment and he's the only one who really needs it) and Rei will kill you if you even touch her collar. Chippie ran in circles for a few hours when we first put her collar on, and Thunder just didn't care. Everybody else will sneak off and get it off somehow. They all act differently, don't be discouraged if he keeps getting it off. Try the different types of CAT collars to find which one stays on best (Ruby can't have the elastic ringed ones or the plastic easy break clips because he gets those off in seconds)
 
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