Cats like to do things their way, and they also can get a little spooked when something new enters their territory. Therefore, it’s easy to see why trying to put a collar on your cat’s neck could make them flail and fuss. But collar-training your cat is a worthy endeavor that can keep your feline friend safe and sound.
Why Collar Train a Cat in the First Place?
If your kitty lives indoors, you may not see a need for a collar. However, wearing a collar comes with plenty of benefits, primarily safety. If your cat slips outside, a collar signals to others that they have a home.
Of course, it’s best to microchip your pet to improve your chances of a reunion, but when people see a cat with no collar, they don’t always think about a chip. Instead, they might assume the cat’s a stray or is simply an outdoor cat.
However, a collar is a sure sign that this cat has a home and might be lost. It also gives you a place to attach an ID tag or a tracker to help locate your cat if they get lost.
Brightly-colored, reflective collars provide visibility. Plus, a small bell on your cat’s collar alerts wildlife that they’re near, which can keep birds and other critters safe. But the catch is—for a collar to work, your cat needs to keep it on.
Who Should Collar Train Their Cat?
Still not sure if your cat needs a collar? Check out this list and see if anything applies to you and your furry friend.
- Your cat is an outdoor cat.
- Your cat spends their time indoors and outdoors.
- You’ve leash-trained your cat using a harness to take them on walks.
- You live in a multi-cat household.
- There’s a chance you need to evacuate for some type of emergency.
- Your cat is strictly an indoor cat.
Have you noticed that this list pretty much covers every single cat situation? That’s because every cat can benefit from wearing a collar.
Indoor cats can get outside, and cats wearing a harness and leash can get loose. A collar provides a backup if and when these things happen to help your cat get back to you.
If you have multiple cats at home, different color collars can help distinguish similar-looking pets quickly. Even if you don’t plan to use a collar daily, it’s worth training your cat to wear one. Then, you won’t have to worry about trying to introduce your cat to a collar during an urgent situation.
Use These Steps to Collar-Train Your Cat
Step 1: Choose the Right Collar
The first step to success is picking a collar that’s safe and comfortable. Here’s what to look for:
- Breakaway or safety collar: This is non-negotiable. These collars are designed to snap open if your cat gets caught on something.
- Adjustable fit: The collar should be snug enough that it won’t slip off, but loose enough to fit two fingers between it and your cat’s neck.
- Lightweight material: Look for a soft nylon or fabric collar that won’t irritate your cat’s skin or weigh them down.
- Minimal extras: Skip the bells, tags, or trackers in the beginning. Let your cat get used to the collar itself before adding accessories.
Step 2: Embrace Your Cat’s Curiosity
It’s well-known that cats are curious creatures, so use this quality to introduce your cat to their collar slowly. Don’t try to spring it on them out of the blue. Instead, place the collar near your cat’s favorite perch or their food dish.
Let them discover the collar, sniff it, paw it, or even ignore it. Continue this for a few days, don’t rush it. In other words, let the collar become part of your cat’s familiar landscape.
For a little extra assistance, rub the collar on your cat’s bed or something similar to get some of their scent onto it. Ultimately, you want your cat to see the collar as something positive, not suspicious.
Step 3: Put the Collar on Your Cat for a Short Amount of Time
Once your cat seems comfortable with the sight and smell of the collar, it’s time to try it on. However, don’t leave it on. This first test run should be brief.
Gently place the collar around your cat’s neck. Praise them softly, give them their favorite treat, then remove the collar after a few seconds. Your cat will likely freeze, try to get out of the collar, shake their head, etc. This is normal, so keep things short and don’t scold or fuss.
Repeat this step a few times a day for several days, gradually increasing the amount of time the collar stays on your cat. Always use plenty of treats and praise.
Step 4: Ramp Up Distractions and Celebrations
As you increase the time your cat wears the collar, introduce distractions to keep your kitty’s focus off what’s around their neck. Play with your cat, scatter some treats, and play hide-and-seek.
In addition to distracting your cat, you’re also creating positive associations with wearing the collar. If your pet tries to take the collar off, don’t get frustrated. Remain calm, redirect their attention, and see what happens. If they continue to be distressed, remove the collar and go back to step three.
Step 5: Consistency Is Key
Once your cat wears the collar comfortably for a few hours at a time, start leaving it on for longer stretches. Eventually, your fur baby will wear their collar full-time and fuss-free.
Continue to check the fit of the collar, and make adjustments as necessary, especially if your cat is still growing. A collar that doesn’t fit well can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Also, keep an eye on the collar's condition, replacing it if it’s fraying or showing signs of wear.
Collar-Training Troubleshooting Tips
If your cat isn’t adjusting to their collar as well as you’d hoped, try these tricks:
- Use calming aids: Calming sprays or diffusers can help reduce stress during collar training.
- Try a softer collar: Some cats are super sensitive to certain textures. Changing to a softer collar may help make things easier.
- Take a break: If your cat’s just not having it, remove the collar and try again in a few days with shorter sessions.
- Try a harness first: Train your cat to wear a harness first, especially if your goal is to take them outside.
Collar-Training Don’ts
- Don’t leave your cat unsupervised when they’re wearing the collar during the training process.
- Don’t add ID tags, bells, or other accessories right away. Get your cat used to full-time collar wearing first, then you can introduce items separately.
- Don’t scold or punish your cat if they aren’t accepting the collar.
Cats and Collars Do Mix
It’s absolutely possible to train your cat to wear a collar, but it takes time. It’s kind of like trying to keep an itchy sweater on your toddler for family photos. Stay patient, consistent, and celebrate the small wins, and never underestimate the power of treats.
If you’re training multiple cats, keep in mind that all cats are different, so some may take to the collar more quickly than others. That’s okay. Don’t expect them all to respond the same to training, and be prepared to adjust your technique a bit as needed.
Once your cat is ready to keep their collar on 24/7, don’t forget to attach the ID tag. Then, give yourself a pat on the back, because you deserve it.
Check out the Neater Pets blog for more helpful tips on taking care of your pets and making them happy, healthy, and safe.