Cat Collars, Harnesses, and Leads  

A cat collar isn’t just decorative, a tag can be attached to identify the cat should it get lost. Simple tags are engraved metal discs, or a screw-top cylinder with a roll of paper inside containing the cats name, address and telephone number.

Most cat collars have a bell, this will help garden birds and other hunting targets. Some cat collars have an anti-flea substance in them, when you first use one of these keep an eye on your cat as they can cause an allergic reaction. A flea collar should never be used with any other type of flea control.

Collars have 2 main disadvantages: if worn continuously they can damage the fur around the neck. Secondly it may become caught n the trees or shrubs while the cat is hunting. If the collar is made of soft leather or soft fabric and is elasticised, the cat will be able to free itself if it gets caught. The collar should be loose enough to slip over the cats head in an emergency but not so loose that the cat gets its limbs stuck. 

Cat leads are only necessary if you want to take your cat for walk. Some cats like this, particularly Siamese. However, most cats don’t like it and will resist.

If a lead is worn it should be no more than 1m long and have a harness attachment this allows for more control and the cat feels secure. Introduce your cat to a harness as soon as possible. Put the harness on by itself first, for a short time each day, after a few days attach the lead. When the cat seems relaxed try walking it indoors, then in the garden and then in a street.