Help with getting a collar on a cat

Question

I have adopted a cat. She has been living with us for about 3 months. She came in off the streets and has adjusted well to being a inside cat. Now I need advice for getting her to wear a collar I bought her. We are getting her spayed in 3 weeks and are gonna let her go out and roam if she wants. I know most dont approve, but she lived outside all her life and I think it will do her good to still be able to go hunt, and feel free. But ANYWAY..because we are gonna let her outside, i want others to know she is owned and vaccinated, so I want her to wear a collar with her name, rabies tag and everything. When I tried to put the collar on her she showed NO interest in that. I didn't force it on her and just layed it down by her favorite catnip rug so she can see it and kinda get used to it. I want to know if anyone has any tips on getting a cat used to a collar who has never worn one before. Am i fighting a loosing battle? Any advice on how to go about doing this putting the collar on bisiness and all that? I just want some advice from folks who have had to get a cat to wear something they have never worn before....thanks in advance

Answer 1

Getting her micro chipped is a great idea. But she also needs a collar if she's going to be roaming. I suggest you just put it on her. As long as it isn't too tight, she shouldn't mind.

Also, just a tip-cats hate bells. So if the collar has a bell on it, i'd take it off before putting it on your cat. Besides that, you don't want her prey to hear her coming!

Good luck, and I hope your cat lives a happy and healthy life. It's great that people are willing to take in strays.

Edit: in response the the previous poster: Check your collar. Is there a small plastic circle/square located somewhere on it?

Something like this:http://www.bedding.com/shop/standard/col...

The part toward the middle which is separated and connected by the plastic square.

That piece is meant to break if the cat gets stuck on anything, so the cat doesn't choke. No matter how cute the collar is, I wouldn't recommend using it if it doesn't have this piece in it.

Answer 2

Please, please, let your cat stay inside - cats are domesticated animals, and for a thousand years have depended on humans to care for them.  I adopted an "outside" boy, and he has never shown any interest in going outside - I think he is relieved to be loved, and safe, and always have a soft place to sleep.  He doesn't need to hunt - he is fed every day.  He loves to sit in the window and watch the birds and squirrels, and has toys to play with.  Think about it - would you like to be sent outside to hunt and forage for food, and quite possibly pick up parasites, be poisoned, or hit by a car?  Or do you like living in a home?  Your cat feels the same way . . . with a microchip.

Answer 3

the best thing is not to put a collar on her ,its more dangerous she could catch on somethingg and be stuck and hert herself,the best thing is to have her microchipped.goodluck

Answer 4

you could always get her micro chipped where all of her info will be kept safely and if someone finds her and brings her to the shelter they can scan her body and find all the info. no stress! Good Luck!

Answer 5

No need for your kitty to have to worry about a collar if you keep her home permanently.  An indoor cat is happier, healthier and a better companion.

You have done wonderful job bringing her in and it sounds like she is very happy with you.  You have planned ahead to have her spayed.  All you need to do now is keep her home.

Please don't become the unhappy person who waits and wonders where the cat is and hopes that someday she will return.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I like your thought about not forcing it on her and just laying it down where she can get used to it.  Along those lines, my suggestion is to just wait until she puts it on herself.  

Nice thing to do, by the way ... taking in a stray.

Answer 7

The best way to get a cat to accept a collar is when they are newborn. At this stage in your cat's life, it'll take only a miracle to get that collar on; otherwise, you're wasting your time. She's used to the freedom of being outdoors; coming and going as she pleases, with NO strings attached! LOL She now knows that she has a home to go to when she feels the need - YOUR home. Your heart is in the right place, for the cat's sake, by getting her spayed and giving her whatever shots are necessary to protect her. As for the collar, maybe you can bring it back to the store you bought it at and get a refund. Or, donate it to your local pound or cat shelter? I myself have adopted plenty of stray cats in my life, and have done exactly what you have done for yours. A stray cat will not accept a collar, but the TLC that you show her when she is home will definately keep her coming back to you! :)

Answer 8

You should just put it on her so she can get used to it. You have to show her you're the boss. She might try to take it off but it doesn't matter. Soon she'll realize she can't do anything about it and go on with her life.