Spot-ons from your vet are very safe to use on your cat because they have been rigorously tested.”ĭID YOU KNOW? Until recently, the only way to make a cat flap selective (so that only your cat could open it and no intruder cats could enter) was to use a magnetic or electronic key attached to its collar. It’s best to get these from a vet as some over-the-counter products aren’t as strong or are only mild repellents and will not kill or keep fleas away. If you forget to replace the collar, then your cat could be left unprotected from these troublesome parasites. All flea collars stop working after a while, which can vary from days to months depending on the product. This can lead to hair-loss around the neck and red and irritated skin. PDSA agrees, stating: “The chemicals in some flea collars, especially those purchased over-the-counter, can be too harsh for some cats. There are now many new flea products which use alternative chemicals which are safer and more effective.” Although the concentration of these chemicals is low and the collars are licensed for use on cats, in principle, International Cat Care would not recommend putting permethrin or organophosphates on a cat. International Cat Care warns: “Many flea collars available through pet shops or supermarkets contain permethrin or organophosphates. Traditional flea collars are not recommended as the best way to protect felines against parasites. Find out more about microchipping your cat here > However, many animal welfare organisations are pushing for this to be made law. Unlike dogs, microchipping pet cats is not compulsory. Once your cat’s microchip has been fitted by your vet, all you’ll need to do is keep your contact details up-to-date with the microchip database company. However, there are often better ways to tackle these issues.” So, what are the alternatives?Īccording to Cats Protection, International Cat Care and PDSA, collars are no longer needed for identification because you can now get your cat microchipped. PDSA says: “There are lots of reasons why you might think about buying a collar for your cat – from protecting against fleas to making your cat look ‘owned’ and well looked after. Our feline friends are usually very adventurous and a collar can get caught on something while they’re out exploring or scrapping with neighbours.” Sadly, collars can actually be more of a hindrance than a help. That’s why a lot of cat owners choose to buy a collar for their pet. It’s natural to want to protect your cat and make sure they can find their way back to you if they get lost. PDSA agrees: “We recommend leaving your cat collarless – it’s usually safer and much more comfortable for them. We take a look at what feline experts from charities Cats Protection, PDSA and International Cat Care have to say on the matter.Ĭats Protection does not advocate collars for cats, stating: “We have seen too many injuries caused by collars, where cats have got themselves caught up while playing, hunting or even trying to escape from danger.” However, it always helps to make an informed decision. There are all sorts of reasons why cat guardians feel that their feline companion would benefit from wearing a collar. When it comes to deciding whether or not your cat should wear a collar, it’s down to personal choice.
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