Cats Protection issues warning on the dangers of ill-fitting collars

Concerns about injuries to cats caused by ill-fitting collars has prompted Cats Protection to remind cat owners about their potential dangers.

Staff and volunteers at the charity’s Branches and Shelters regularly see cats suffering from appalling injuries to their front paws and underneath their front legs – and even to their lower jaw – as a result of getting trapped by a collar. Worse still, treatment for collar injuries can involve repeated surgery which is very traumatic for a cat.

According to Derby Shelter Manager, Pauline Roper, a severe cat collar injury can be impossible to heal. “Cats can get a paw stuck through their collar and are unable to release themselves,” she explained. “I’ve seen several strays in this condition and it’s heartbreaking as, if the wound is old and infected and in the underarm position, it can take months to heal, and sometimes never does.”

Reports from Cats Protection’s Branches and Shelters suggest that most collars – including flea collars and those incorporating elastic, plastic or fabric – have the potential for injury to the pet, most commonly through the cat becoming ensnared by the collar and being unable to release itself. Even “quick release” collars don’t always break apart when they should.

Whilst Cats Protection does not support the tying of fixed devices round a cat’s neck, it nevertheless recognises that some cat owners do put collars on their pets. In order to minimise risk of injury, the charity suggests the following:

ö Choose a “quick release” collar in preference to other types. However, bear in mind that “quick release” collars do not always live up to their name.

ö Check cat’s collar regularly for fit. Ideally, you should be able to get two fingers underneath the collar.

ö If the collar is too loose, the cat is in increased danger of getting ensnared on a branch or other object – or even through grooming itself.

ö If the collar is too tight, the cat may try to get it off and also risks strangulation. Additionally, tight collars can rub away fur from around the neck, causing collar burns and a bald ring.

ö Cats can grow and put on weight. Collars fitted on kittens can quickly become too tight as the animal grows. Weight gain on an adult cat can also cause a collar to get too tight.

ö Cats can also damage themselves on collar bells and discs. If a bell is worn for wildlife protection purposes, the tinkle needs to be quite loud to be effective. Trapped claws can be avoided by using a bell which is tapered with a large groove.

ö A cat can develop an allergic reaction to collar material. Should a cat start to scratch or show any signs of skin irritation after a new collar is fitted, it should be removed immediately. Veterinary treatment may be required.

ö Remove collar when the cat is indoors to allow fur to grow and skin to air.

ö Flea collars can vary in their effectiveness to control fleas, depending on the active ingredients used. There are now a variety of flea treatments available including spot on liquids, injections and liquids which can be added to food. Additional flea control treatments should not be given when a flea collar is worn as this can result in illness.

Owners should also re-consider their reasons for fitting their cat with a collar to see if it is really necessary. For example, a trendy collar is a pointless fashion accessory that serves a cat no purpose.

“If a cat owner wants to provide their pet with identification, they are better off going for a microchip as this is the only safe and permanent method of identifying a cat. Fears about the cat’s visibility particularly around traffic, can be partially allayed by keeping felines in during hours of darkness,” explained Pauline.

“If, however, the plan is to protect wildlife, then keeping the cat in at night and in the early morning can help reduce cat predation, as can following some of the suggestions in Cats Protection’s Cats and Gardens leaflet,” she added.

Anyone concerned about cat collar injuries, should consult their local vet.