Collar or Not?

nekomimi · Nov 30, 2005

I've got my kitten's rabies tag (no name tag yet), but I'm wondering whether I should collar her yet. I tried putting it on her earlier (and got clawed up a bit). Once I got it on the noise has been driving her nuts and she's been scratching at her neck.

We live in an apartment complex that is locked off from the outside, so I was wondering if it would possibly be okay for her to go without tags?

I was also curious as to how effective microchipping is? And is it expensive?

jane_vernon · Nov 30, 2005

The only problem with this is should she escape (which is always possible) she won't have identifiers on her.

Does she have a microchip?

All cats don't like the collar initially but they will get used to it. Just put it on for a few hours at a time and then just leave it on.

xdx · Nov 30, 2005

Our cats are indoor cats and both collared and Microchipped. As far as we're concerned the more ways to identify the better. I know some people dont collar. We use safely collars with break away clips and have never had problems. Sometimes a cat will mysteriously not have its collar on, which proves they work. The collars when we put them on they normally get used to them after a short while. If your not going to collar I would recomend you at least microchip. Its amazing how cats can get outside all it takes is one door left open.

Dx

nekomimi · Nov 30, 2005

I was thinking about microchipping, but I'm not sure of the prices. Does anyone know?

nekomimi · Nov 30, 2005

Okies, I had to take the collar off to tighten it just a smidgen (was very loose and I was afraid she would get caught on something). I can fit 2-3 fingers under it just fine.

And I learned a trick for getting it on without her fighting me. I shook her food bag and she came running. I poured a little into her bowl and petted her head. I slowly slid the collar around her and clipped it while she was eating! Not a problem! yay!

I'm too much of a worrywort to let her go without a rabies/shelter tag! Now I just need to find a good ID/name tag for her!

Sorry for the triple post ^^;

solaritybengals · Nov 30, 2005

I'm all for microchipping. There is a fee from the vet for inserting the chip, then another fee for registering the chip with the registry. I think my total came to about $40 for each cat. I've decided to do my own microchipping when I have kittens too so it will be a lot cheaper. I think its very worth it. I'm also not for the collared look though, so its partly preference.

As far as rabies tags go, they are not required to wear them. You are required to be able to present proof of vaccination though if someone is bitten.

lionessrampant · Nov 30, 2005

Originally Posted by Nekomimi

I was thinking about microchipping, but I'm not sure of the prices. Does anyone know?

I would guess the whole process would cost around $40-50 at a vet, but a lot of shelters and pet supply stores hold "microchip days" where the price might be less. My babies came to me microchipped, so I have no idea, other than the $15 per cat it costs to register them.

nekomimi · Nov 30, 2005

Well that's not as bad as I thought. Anything below $100 seems fine

I may just do that just in case. I will be switching her rabies/shelter tag out when i get her id tag, but for now that's the only identification i can give her (it has the shelter phone number, and her adoption number, where they keep us on file).

laureen227 · Nov 30, 2005

Originally Posted by Nekomimi

Well that's not as bad as I thought. Anything below $100 seems fine

I may just do that just in case. I will be switching her rabies/shelter tag out when i get her id tag, but for now that's the only identification i can give her (it has the shelter phone number, and her adoption number, where they keep us on file).

i just ordered tags for my 3, but i'm planning to leave the rabies tags on there, too - makes the tag easy to find if for some reason i need it. my new id tags have their name, my phone numbers, & the 'if you see me outside i am lost - reward" message on the back. altho i think microchipping is great, it's still not as well known as it should be. a non-pet lover might not even think to check for it, but a tag is there & visible. i think even with the microchipping they need tags, just in case.

xocats · Nov 30, 2005

I agree. Redundant IDs are the best way to protect your kitties...even if they are indoor only. Better safe than sorry.

Originally Posted by xDx

Our cats are indoor cats and both collared and Microchipped. As far as we're concerned the more ways to identify the better.

babyharley · Nov 30, 2005

I have a collar on Harley, which has all of his info on it, he didn't like it at first but now he doesn't even know its on there....

I've always wondered about microchipping, how do they do it?

mom2salemisis · Nov 30, 2005

they take a needle and stick this litte grain of rice looking thing(the microchip) and stick the needle in just at their shoulders(i think) and insert it just like they would a regular shot

nekomimi · Nov 30, 2005

seems sorta creepy ~_~;

i'll stick to tags for now--until i know more about it

dawnofsierra · Nov 30, 2005

My girls both wear collars embroidered with their name as well as a tag listing their name, our address, and telephone #. I agree that you would also be wise to consider microchipping. There is always the possibility your kitty could become lost, and the more identification, the better!

Mackenzie, the microchip is inserted with a long needle as a brief, outpatient procedure.

mom2salemisis · Nov 30, 2005

after i sell the house (and have money) i am going to have them all fixed and microchiped (can't wait to sell my house)

nekomimi · Nov 30, 2005

The embroidered name tag sounds neat! Did you order them online or elsewhere?

And good luck on selling your house, Mom2SalemIsis! I just wish I could afford a house right now. I'm tired of renting!

tuxedokitties · Nov 30, 2005

Just make sure the collar has a safety release

Microchipping is definitely a good idea too. Vets in my area usually charge $25 to $40 for it.

nekomimi · Nov 30, 2005

It's one of the collars with the black snap on it.. you just press on the prongs and it comes undone..

nekomimi · Dec 1, 2005

Just one more question (can't promise it's the last though

)
Is it normal for Seth-chan to be scratching at her neck/collar like crazy? She sits for up to two minutes just scratching at her collar. She also likes me to rub/scratch under it. Will she always do this with a collar? I hate seeing her uncomfortable

beckiboo · Dec 1, 2005

I have had cats for years, and never used collars. But my ferals look so much alike that i put collars on to tell them apart!

I am just wondering if they are really safe. Yes, they are kitty collars, with a stretchy area so they should pull off. But has anyone had trouble with injuries due to a collar?

I know it is just me being overprotective, because my dogs have always worn a collar. But hearing it will help!

These are just foster kitties, but I plan to push for microchips before they are adopted out, so if they ever get out they have a chance of being returned to us!

Collar or Not?

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