Christmas Collar Warning

WCP would like to remind all responsible cat owners that we do not recommend the use of 'fashion' collars for your cat despite the obvious appeal to pet owners over the festive season. They seem like a great gift to give to your cat or to a cat-loving friend or relative, but please remember that many of these collars are designed on looks alone and without safety in mind. They offer no safeguards or easy escape for your cat if the collar gets snagged – a cat's leg or jaw may become caught in an elasticated or ill-fitting collar and this can result in serious injury or worse.

Whilst we recommend that all owned cats should be identified in order to trace their owner if they are lost or injured, the preferred method of identification is an implanted microchip as this is permanent and safe. If you also choose to fit a collar with your contact details attached, we advise the use of a 'quick release' or snap opening collar in preference to an elasticated one. This means that the cat is less likely to be trapped should the collar become caught or tangled. Remember that the collar should be fitted correctly - i.e. two fingers should fit snugly underneath is when the cat is wearing it. 

Cat safety collars are freely available in all leading pet stores, just look out for the words 'quick release', 'breakaway clasp' or 'snap opening' on the packaging. We also recommend the website www.kittycollars.co.uk as ALL of the collars they sell offer this feature so you can't go wrong!