Is It Safe to Put Collars & Bells on Cats?

The topic of whether to use a collar with a bell on cats has been a longstanding debate among cat owners. It's undeniable that there are indeed risks associated with cats wearing collars. For instance, attaching a bell to a cat's collar can potentially affect their hearing, and accidents involving collars are not uncommon.

So, many people are left wondering: should cats be wearing collarbells? During play or scratching, a collar might tighten around the cat's neck; or, if the cat is not accustomed to the collar and tries to remove the "foreign object" from around its neck with its paws, it could accidentally trap a claw in the collar. Moreover, an improperly fitted collar might lead to negative effects such as hair loss, redness, dermatitis, inflammation, eczema, or lesions on the neck.

Flea Collars

A flea collar is a standard plastic collar coated with insecticide and then molded at low temperatures. Cats might accidentally scratch and then lick the collar, which can be particularly concerning in households with children. It's important to keep pets away from young children to minimize contact.

The Benefits of Collars

Of course, there are benefits to cats wearing collars. One is that it can enhance their appearance. Another significant advantage is that it increases the chances of a lost cat being found. Accidents happen every day; for example, family members might forget to close doors and windows, or a cat might run away when startled during an outing. Some cats might even manage to open windows or doors by themselves. All these factors can lead to a cat becoming lost.

If you put a safe collar on your beloved pet, attach a pet ID tag with your name, address, and contact information, along with a locator, you significantly increase the chances of your pet being returned if it gets lost.

Choosing the Right Collar

Here are three points to consider when selecting a collar to help mitigate risks:

1. Ensure the collar fits properly.

2. Purchase a petsafe collar.

3. Regularly check the tightness of the collar.

The Bell Debate

The question of whether to use a bell on a collar is also widely discussed. It's wellknown that cats have a keen sense of hearing, and many pet parents worry that the sound of a bell might harm their cat's hearing.

This claim is controversial, and there is currently no strong scientific evidence to support the notion that bell sounds can damage a cat's hearing. I also believe that prolonged wearing of bells can be harmful to cats. If you prefer to use bells as decorative items for your cat, you can remove the small beads inside or stuff cotton into the bell to keep it silent while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.