Cats are the second most commonly kept pet in the world with a huge number of households having at least one pet cat with many households keeping more than one cat.
Due to their enormous popularity, we constantly see a wide range of different questions about keeping pet cats month in and month out.
More recently, we have been seeing people reaching out and asking questions about why their pet cat keeps taking their collar off with some cat owners being confused at how their cat even managed to get their collar off in the first place.
Due to this, we wanted to publish this article on the topic to try and help as many of our readers as possible. Many modern collars have your cats name and your address or contact phone number on them so if your cat goes missing, it is easy to return the cat to you.
Collars will bells on can also help give wild birds an early warning that your cat is moving around close to them too so it is important to try and keep your cats collar on if possible.
Is It Normal For A Cat To Keep Taking Its Collar Off?
The simple answer to this question is yes, it can be quite normal for a cat to keep taking their collar off and there can be a few reasons why your cat might be doing this.
Some cats simply do not like the feel of a collar around their neck and will try and remove it as soon as they can while others might have an allergic reaction to the materials that the collar is made out of.
If your cat has never worn a collar before, they might not be used to the sensation of having something around their neck and will try and remove it.
As your cat gets used to wearing a collar, they should start to become more comfortable with it and will be less likely to try and remove it.
If your cat has an allergic reaction to their collar, they will usually try and remove it as soon as possible as it will cause them discomfort.
The most common signs of an allergic reaction in cats include excessive scratching at the neck area, redness and swelling of the skin, hair loss and scabs.
If you think that your cat has an allergic reaction to their collar, the best course of action is to take them to see a vet as soon as possible.
How Can I Stop My Cat From Taking Its Collar Off?
There are a few things that you can do that might help to stop your cat from taking their collar off.
The first thing that you can do is to make sure that you buy a collar that is the right size for your cat.
If the collar is too loose, your cat will be able to slip it off easily so it is important to make sure that the collar is not too big.
You should also avoid buying collars with plastic buckles as these can be quite easy for cats to open.
Instead, you should look for collars with metal buckles that are more difficult for cats to open.
You might also want to try using a collar that has a breakaway clasp.
These types of clasps are designed to release if your cat gets their collar caught on something so it can help to prevent your cat from getting injured.
Another thing that you can do is to put a small amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the inside of the collar.
This will make it more difficult for your cat to slip their collar off as the Vaseline will make the collar sticky.
You should only put a small amount of Vaseline on the collar as too much can make your cat uncomfortable.
You should also check the collar regularly to make sure that it is not causing your cat any discomfort and to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on it.
If you have tried all of these things and your cat still tries to remove their collar, you might want to consider using a harness instead.
Harnesses are more comfortable for cats to wear and they will not be able to slip out of them as easily.
Is It Cruel For Cats To Wear Collars?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your own personal opinion.
Some people believe that it is cruel for cats to wear collars while others believe that it is necessary in order to keep them safe.
If you are concerned about the welfare of your cat, you should always consult with a vet before putting a collar on them.
They will be able to advise you on whether or not a collar is suitable for your cat and can also help you to find the right type of collar for your cat.
Conclusion
If your cat keeps taking their collar off, it is important to try and find a way to stop them from doing this as it can be dangerous for both your cat and for wildlife.
There are a few things that you can do to try and stop your cat from taking their collar off including buying a collar that is the right size, using a collar with a breakaway clasp or putting a small amount of Vaseline on the inside of the collar.
You should also check the collar regularly to make sure that it is not causing your cat any discomfort and to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on it.
If you have tried all of these things and your cat still tries to remove their collar, you might want to consider using a harness instead.
