Will my cat be okay wearing a bell collar to stop bird hunting?

Unfortunately there is no clear cut answer either way. On the plus side, bells can be used to locate your cat indoors or to warn wildlife if your cat cat goes outdoors. On the negative side, it can give away your cat's location to predators or may get snagged on something which could lead to neck injury or strangulation. This last issue can be avoided with a breakaway safety collar, but that leaves your pet without identification. As you can see, it is a difficult question to answer! If your cat tolerates a collar with a bell and you have no issues with her wearing one, then it is your prerogative to use one.

Unfortunately, getting cats used to collars just requires time. Make sure it is a break-away collar for her safely. I usually recommend starting with a collar without a bell, so they get used to the collar without any noise. Then when they are used to the collar and no longer scratching, you can change to a collar with a bell. Don't worry, she will get used to it, but it just takes time. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

You can buy them collars, if you do buy the safe release collars, these collars will automatically open if your cat get stuck with the collars somewhere. many cats will lose their collars almost immediately but you cannot predict that in advance, you have to try it.

If your cat is not used to wearing a collar, he may be a little annoyed or upset by having a collar placed on him. However there are several things you can do to help him feel a little more comfortable wearing it. The first is to make sure the collar fits appropriately- you should be able to slip a finger between the collar and your cat's neck to ensure the fit is good but not too tight. Most cat collars have some stretch to them as well, or a clasp that will easily break away to prevent choking if caught on something. The second step is to gradually get your cat used to the collar and to associate it with something positive. If your cat has a favorite snack or treat, give him the treat when you place the collar on, and continue distracting him with treats for a few minutes as he wears it. If it gets uncomfortable, or he bothers with it, take it off for a bit, then try again with treats and wearing it. He will quickly learn that the collar means good stuff! Your cat may still sometimes attempt to lick or scratch at the collar, but he should begin to get used to it over time.

How lovely of you to look after Puds! Cats can be real funny about collars, but it's good that you putting one on him to keep him from killing birds. It will take time for him to get used to it, so I would leave it on for five minutes at first, and then daily increase the amount of time he wears it until he is comfortable wearing it al the time. Definitely give him treats when he wears it to show it's a good thing. I hope this helps :-)

Never ever put a collar on a kitten. Unless you have to put a collar on by law for identification purposes (and then this must be a break-away collar). Many cats get strangled or hung by collars. Kittens are even more prone to injury as they may scratch and get their leg caught in the collar, and since they are not very good at coordianation yet, it is even more dangerous. I am very happy she did not get hurt. No more collars, not even a flea collar, please. Make sure you have your finger seen to. Disinfect it well and if it starts to hurt and/or swell, go to a doctor as cat bites will usually get infected.

Poor Nala! I'm sorry she's upset! First of all, if there is any noise making part of the collar (a bell, a jingle, or even a tag hitting against a buckle, etc) that may be freaking her out. Secondly, if she is a strictly indoor cat, its reasonable to not worry about keeping a collar on her at all, though I would recommend that she be [microchipped](https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-importance-of-microchipping-your-pet/) in case she ever does get out. The feel of this color, or maybe the smell, could also be the issue. If its the smell, you can set the collar out in your house for a few days, put it in her bed, or under your pillow, and try again in a few days.[ Feliway spray](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/feliway-spray) may also help--this is a pheromone product that you can spray on the collar, which should help it have a more soothing effect. If it is the feel of the collar you can either decide to give her time to see if she gets used to it, or just punt the idea of a new collar. Again, for what its worth, its not wrong to NOT have a collar on an indoor only cat. I hope that is helpful for you! Thanks for asking PetCoach!