What Age Can Kittens Wear Collars – Here’s The Answer

Most pet owners agree that the best way to identify domesticated animals is by putting a collar on them, and your new kitten may be no exception to that rule. When you get a new kitten, you will, of course, be worried about keeping him safe. While you’re browsing the aisle of the pet store for the perfect new collar, consider this: what age can kittens wear collars?

Kittens can wear collars starting at six months old. Earlier use of collars can harm kittens. Kittens should only wear a well-fitting collar with an easy breakaway closure for increased safety. 

Not all young kittens can wear collars, so you will want to make sure that your cat is old enough to wear a collar. Nothing terrible will happen to your cat if you put a collar on your cat a few days too early, though. To learn more, keep on reading! 

Are Collars Safe For Kittens

Once your kitten is old enough, collars are safe for kittens.

Generally speaking, collars are safe for kittens. There are a few reasons that collars may not be safe for kittens, though.

• Collars may not seem heavy, but for a cat that is either still growing or strengthening its bones, the added weight of a collar may strain its neck.
• Kittens grow fast! A collar that may have fit a week ago will quickly become too tight on your kitten.
• Your kitten may be too small for a snugly fitting collar. If the collar is too big, it will simply slip over your kitten’s head. 

Kittens are still learning about the world, so you will need to work with your kitten when you first put the collar on them. 

Never fear, however! We’re going to talk more later about ways to introduce a collar to your cat. 

What Is The Safest Cat Collar

For a cat of any age, the safest collar is one with an easy breakaway. 

It may seem counterproductive to buy a collar that can easily break apart, but it is essential to have it on your cats.

Cats, unlike dogs, are more prone to exploring in small, tight areas. If your cat’s collar gets hooked, he will not be able to get away. A collar with a breakaway closure will snap apart if needed.

This can also be helpful for a cat that is constantly sticking its paws through the collar.

Again, this will mean that you will find yourself putting the collar back on your cat, but it keeps your cat safe!

In addition to the type of collar, you will also want to pay attention to the collar’s fit.

The collar should be relatively snug but not tight. After all, you still want your cat to be able to breathe!

A collar that is too loose, though, will easily come off. As it pulls over your cat’s head, it could hurt his ears. 

Worse yet, a cat without a collar outside is in more danger of never being returned home! 

What Size Collar Do Kittens Need

Since you will need a collar that fits close to your cat’s neck, you will need a very small collar.

One good thing about most collars is that they are adjustable in some way. Some will have notches to loosen or tighten. Others have a clasp that can give slack or tighten up.

Regardless of the collar, you will want to start with the smallest cat collar you can find. 

This collar won’t be able to follow your cat into adulthood, but it will be a good start for a kitten that is still small. Being able to loosen the collar will give you an extra few months of wear out of the collar. 

Should Indoor Kittens Wear Collars

Yes, even indoor kittens should wear collars.

Many people have indoor cats and believe that cats should not have collars. 

While the choice is ultimately up to you, you do need to keep in mind that some indoor cats will run away at some point. Even without a tag, a collar will alert people to the fact that the cat has an owner. 

The only time you may be able to safely forego a collar for your indoor kitten is when you live in an apartment building. Think about it: If you live on the third floor of an apartment building, your cat probably won’t be able to figure out how to call the elevator to go down!

When It comes to your furry friend, it is always better to ere on the side of caution, right?

Do Kittens Like Collars With Bells

Kittens do not mind collars with bells, and a bell on a collar can also be helpful!

While you might think that kittens are inclined to play with the bell on their collar, your cat probably won’t even notice the bell anymore when he is used to wearing his collar. 

Since it is not a nuisance to your cat, we can also think about some of the advantages of having a bell on your cat’s collar:

• You will always be able to hear your cat coming.
• A bell is another identifying feature if your cat gets lost outside. 
• If your cat gets outside, the bell on your cat’s collar could scare predators away from your cat.

Don’t worry if you’re someone who thinks that bells are a little silly on a cat collar. No one will blame you if you decide to skip the bell! 

How Do I Get My Kitten Used To A Collar

It can be difficult to introduce your cat to a new collar, but here are some tips you can try as you get your kitten used to a collar:

• Show your cat the collar before you put it on. Let him smell it and even put it in his bed, so he smells himself on it.
• Start by putting it on for short amounts of time. He will not struggle against it forever.
• As your cat gets more comfortable with it, leave it on for more extended amounts of time. He will stop making a big deal about it eventually. 

It may be a process to introduce a collar to your cat, but if you do it slowly, your cat will learn not to mind having the collar around his neck when you start to leave it on him. 

The process may become long and frustrating, so it will be essential to remember why you are putting a collar on your cat in the first place. The collar will help keep your cat safe, especially if he happens to go outside and wander off.