Cats & Collars

By: Kris Field

Executive Director, Barnwater Cats Rescue Organization
Behavioral and Nutritional Feline Consultant

What would you say if I told you that you could buy something for under five dollars that could ensure your cat’s return to you should she ever get lost? What if it could save her life should she end up in an animal shelter where they euthanize strays? I am, of course, talking about a safety collar.

Cat owners often believe that collars and identification tags are not necessary if the cat is an "indoor" cat. This, however, is not true. Many situations occur that enable a cat to get out. This could include visits from children or unwary friends, or even service people such as carpenters and plumbers. Also, if you live in an apartment you never know when the landlord or manager will show up.

Over thirty thousand dogs and cats were euthanized in the City of Denver last year. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the shelters and pounds had been able to locate their owners.

When purchasing a collar, be sure that it is a "safety" or break-away type. These kinds have a piece of elastic sewn in so that if the cat were to get caught on something, it could easily slip out to safety.

Don’t take chances. Isn’t your little tootsie worth the price of a movie? You’ll never be sorry if you do buy a collar, buy you may be sorry for the rest of your life if you don’t.