Guides and tips
Cat Bells and Collars
The whole truth about cat collars: Should they wear them, which are the safest, and what dangers lie behind the fancy bells some choose to adorn their necks with?
Guides and tips
Are there safe collars for cats?
Collars
Many cat collars can pose a risk to your pet's safety, especially if they are not the right fit for your cat.
The wrong choice can lead to accidents, such as injuries from getting caught or tangled with their paws, which may cause serious issues.
It is extremely dangerous to hang accessories on your cat's collar, as they can get tangled anywhere and potentially cause serious injury.
Simple collars, like the one in the photo, do not open in case of emergency and pose a significant risk to cats.
Elastic collars are also available on the market and were once considered among the safest options. However, even these can pose certain risks. If a cat’s collar gets caught, there is a serious risk of injury as it struggles to free itself. For this reason, we do not recommend them.
If your cat gets stuck in such a collar, it may try to remove it using its paws, which can lead to further entanglement. A quick-release collar is a much safer choice for your cat’s comfort and security. A quick-release collar is a safer option for your cat's comfort and safety.
It’s also important to ensure that the collar is made from high-quality materials, without loose stitching or decorative elements (such as studs or gemstones) that could pose a choking hazard if detached. Additionally, reflective collars are available, which can help make cats more visible both indoors and outdoors provided they are allowed outside.
Guides and tips
Is it allowed for cats to wear a bell?
Bells
1. Constant and loud noise in their ears
A cat hears about twice as well as a human (frequency wise), with the ability to detect sounds at frequencies that exceed the limits of human hearing. This exceptional sensitivity to sound, which is even more developed than that of dogs (by 10 times), allows them to hear noises we can't even imagine.
When a cat wears a bell, the constant noise at frequencies that are far more disturbing to them can disorient them and cause intense discomfort or even pain. At first, you might notice your cat standing still or running around frantically as if something is chasing them. And indeed, the "chaser" is the sound of the bell.
Signs of irritation include excessive scratching at the neck or ears, areas where the collar affects the sensitive structures of their body. Bells are not just a minor nuisance; they can cause serious health problems for your cat due to the frequencies that are not only annoying but also harmful to their hearing.
The cat is one of the best and stealthiest hunters in nature, and by doing this, we sabotage its instincts.
2. It contradicts its hunting nature.
Cats are natural hunters with highly developed hunting instincts. The presence of a bell around their neck limits their ability to move silently and engage in natural behaviors such as hunting and hiding, as every movement is revealed by the sound of the bell. This can lead to both mental and physical frustration.
Additionally, the constant friction of the bell can cause skin irritation or injuries to the cat’s neck or ears. In cases where the bell gets caught on objects, the cat may struggle to free itself, putting its safety at risk.
According to the Association Felina Greece, attaching a bell to a cat’s collar is prohibited, as the constant sound can cause stress and discomfort to the animal.
To protect your cat’s well-being, it is best to avoid placing a bell on its collar. If you wish to limit its ability to catch prey, consider using specialized collars with built-in safety mechanisms or reflective elements without causing unnecessary discomfort.
Guides and tips
PetServices.gr recommends.
We do not recommend the use of a collar for your cat, especially if it stays in a safe space, such as your home or a well-secured balcony with safety netting. However, if you are concerned about your cat getting lost, make sure to choose a safe collar without decorations or bells that could harm its health.
Additionally, microchipping is essential and now mandatory, as it provides a permanent and reliable way to identify your cat. While a collar may come off or get lost, the microchip remains in place, ensuring your pet's identification at all times.
