I am often asked, "Should I wear a collar?" The answer is "case by case".
Some people may think, "I'm listening because I don't understand." I'm not saying mean. In fact, we don't even know. Each cat is (should) have the best understanding of the characteristics of his or her own cat, because it is the owner himself. There is more than one answer.
First of all, let's listen to the claims of each group, those who don't wear collars and those who wear them, and think together.
Claims of the non-attached faction
"I have a microchip in it."
"Do cats like collars (bitter smile)?"
"The collar is dangerous"
Claims of the sect
"I'm worried about only microchips"
"It's cute when you put it on"
"Safety buckle so you can rest assured"
I understand ... I understand ... I understand all of them well. Here is a disappointing news from the collar shop "Nekosodate".
Cats are originally animals that don't like to wear anything!
You all already know. However, this is an important point.
Is it okay because it contains a microchip?
Ten years ago, when I was still a kid, the concept of putting a microchip in a cat didn't exist (* editorial note). It's a high-tech world. However, as you know, microchips cannot retrieve information without a device (scanner) that reads the microchips, such as in animal hospitals and health centers. It is not apparent that it is included.
What would they do if they found a domestic cat that had escaped if they had never owned a cat? Originally, Lost and lost law According to this, I have to report to the police, but unfortunately, it is more common to think, "Oh, a cat is taking a walk," "Is it a stray cat," or "If you don't have a house, will you be my child?" .. If you bring the cat to your home and the cat is in good health, you may not want to take it to a veterinary clinic even if you protect it. In that case, the chances of having the microchip read will not come.
Considering such things, " micro It's okay because it contains chips! Can you say that?
"Does the cat like a collar (bitter smile)?" VS "It's cute if you put it on."
If a cat is happy to wear a collar, it won't be particularly happy. As mentioned above, cats are animals that hate wearing something on their bodies. In that sense, it is not advisable to wear a cosplay or an over-decorated collar just because it is cute. Cats are cute enough as they are.
If you thought, "Then, the collar doesn't mean anything," wait a minute!
The collar can be used as a marker to indicate that you are a domestic cat when you get lost or get lost in the event of a disaster (* Editor's note). If you wear a collar, you can tell that it looks like a domestic cat. If it has a lost child tag with contact information, the protected person can contact the owner immediately. In addition, by adding information on the characteristics of the cat, such as "I wear such a collar" on the villa during the search, it will be easier to identify the individual and it will lead to faster protection.
"Collar is dangerous" VS "Safety buckle collar so you can rest assured"
Did you read this far and really want to wear a collar? But think twice.
There is no 100% safe collar. It's like there is no 100% safe car. "Isn't a collar with a safety buckle safe?" This is half correct and half wrong. To put it simply, the safety buckle is a part that prevents the collar from hanging when it gets caught in something, under the load of the weight of a cat. To put it the other way around, it is a part that "cannot be removed unless it is loaded with the weight of a cat". In other words, a cat that has become gagged and panicked can't come off just by trying hard to remove it.
In addition, a cat that has escaped and is not protected and has passed a long time may grow up and have a tight neck, or on the contrary, it may become thin and become a sash and get injured. Safety cannot be guaranteed with a collar alone. A collar can only be used as a collar if it is properly worn, maintained, and quickly protected during escape.
What is proper wearing and maintenance?
Proper wearing means wearing the right size, not too loose and not too tight. Put two or three fingers between your neck and collar so that your forefoot does not fit. Cats that try hard to remove may be slightly tightened with one or two fingers. It is also important to choose a soft and light collar to prevent you from hating and trying to remove it.
When you wear a collar for the first time, it is illegal to force it on with a nelson hold. The timing of giving it gently when you are relaxing is also important. However, some cats can't really wear a collar. There is also the option of not overdoing it. On the other hand, there is also the option of training while watching the situation little by little without being impatient.
For maintenance, check regularly to see if the size is in the proper condition and if there are any abnormalities on the skin. Also, you should always be aware that there are no points in your home where the collar might get caught.
There is no correct answer, but ...
I'm a group of cats who wear collars. Again, there is no right answer with or without a collar. Is it easier to understand if you think about "a collar is a necessary evil"? However, don't force yourself, absolutely! While looking at the characteristics of each cat, think carefully about whether to wear it or not, and what kind of collar is best for you.
(Written by Nekosodate, the owner of the shop, Mitsuko Manma, a re-edited article contributed to the Web magazine "Nyanko Magazine")