How To Wash A Cat Collar [A Complete Guide]

As a fur parent, one of the most important things to consider in maintaining your cat's health is their hygiene. Aside from regular grooming, making sure their collars are well-washed is also vital in maintaining their overall health. But do you know how to do it? We have done some research to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to properly wash a cat collar.

The steps to wash a cat collar include:

1. Wet the cat collar with warm water.
2. Gently wash the collar using your hands or any scrubbing tool that won't damage the material. Use any mild and unscented dishwashing soaps to wash the collar. You may also use gentle laundry detergents.
3. If there are any stains, use an old toothbrush to directly scrub off the dirt.
4. Rinse the collar properly and hang it to dry.

The steps may look simple, but there is a lot that should be considered during the process. Continue reading as we thoroughly discuss the steps. We'll also cover how often collars should be washed, the pros and cons of keeping a collar on a cat, and whether or not you can place cat collars in washers.

Should You Wash Cat Collars?

As a pet parent, yes it is important to wash your cat collar. Pet or cat collars are usually made of cotton, nylon, or leather. They usually stink over time due to your pet's skin oil and, hair, dirt, and bacteria. Hence, they need to be washed regularly almost like you do your own clothes.

Collars, if left for a long time on your cat's neck, might also cause skin irritation. That's why you should make sure to wash your cat's collar to maintain the health of your pet's fur and skin.

Washing A Cat Collar

Before proceeding with the steps stated above, do not forget to wear a pair of laundry gloves to protect your hands. Make sure that your cat has an extra collar to use while the other is being washed.

Once everything is ready, follow these four easy steps to ensure the cat collar will be properly washed:

1. Wet The Collar

Put the cat collar in a basin. Gently pour in warm water just enough to soak the entire collar. Make sure that the water is warm and not hot. Hot water can cause color shrinking and color fading in some types of material. It can damage nylon fabric.

2. Wash The Collar With Dishwashing Liquid Or Detergent

Pour in the desired amount of dishwashing liquid soap or gentle laundry detergent into the basin. You may also rub the dishwashing soap or detergent directly on the collar.

It is always good to use dishwashing liquid soaps since they are effective at removing oil and dirt. Gentle laundry detergents should be used for more delicate collars.

If your cat collar is made of leather, it is always best to wash it by hand using warm water and dishwashing liquid. A laundry brush or toothbrush can be used to scrub the dirt and stains off the collar. Make sure that the brush bristles are soft and flexible to avoid damaging the leather.

3. Scrub Off Dirt And Stains

If there are any stains on the collar, it is best to use an old toothbrush to get rid of them. Never use a brush that has sharp bristles. Sharp and hard bristles will ruin the fabric on your pet's collar.

4. Rinse And Hang

Rinse your pet's collar thoroughly using warm water. Collars that are not well rinsed and dried may continue to smell bad after washing.

If you choose to dry your pet's collar outside in direct sunlight, make sure that you don't leave it there for too long because the heat might damage the fabric and cause it to fade.

You may also prefer air-drying your cat's collar (away from direct sunlight) to keep the fabric from fading.

Is It Bad To Keep A Collar On A Cat?

There are pros and cons to keeping a collar on a cat. The ASPCA suggests that cats should wear safety collars and an ID tag to ensure that your well-loved pet can return home in case he or she accidentally escapes or wanders off. This is the biggest advantage of keeping a collar on your cat.

Click here to see these customizable pet tags on Amazon.

However, there are also disadvantages to using a cat collar. First and foremost, it may harm your cat. For instance, your cat's collar might get accidentally caught on a branch or any other material while your cat is roaming around.

The collar might strangle your cat if it tries to get loose. That's why it is highly recommended that you use a quick-release collar with an elastic panel for your cat's safety.

Another disadvantage is that your cat's paw or mouth might get stuck on the collar itself if it is too loose. Always make sure that your cat's collar fits snugly around their neck. To get a better idea of the ideal collar size for your cat, read through this post: How Big Should A Cat Collar Be?

Some pet collars may also cause skin irritation on cats that will eventually result in hair loss in the neck area. This will only happen if your cat collar is so tight. Knowing the proper collar size is important to prevent fur matting that causes skin irritation.

To give you a better idea of whether you should put a collar on your indoor cat, check out this post: Should Your Indoor Cat Wear A Collar?

How Often Should I Wash My Cat's Collar?

Some vets suggest that cat collars should be washed weekly. But another vet says that once a month is a good practice.

Whichever you think is best as a fur parent, washing will prevent skin irritation caused by bacteria trapped in your pet's dirty collar. This will also prevent the collar from smelling.

Washing your pet's collar will not only be beneficial for their skin health, but it will also benefit their overall appearance.

Can You Wash A Cat Collar In The Washer?

Cat collars can be washed in washing machines or dishwashers depending on their fabric. For example, a collar made of leather should never be put in a washer.

On the other hand, collars made of nylon and cotton can be washed in a washing machine. Just make sure to set the machine to a delicate wash setting and use cold water. Also, don't forget to put the collar inside a mesh laundry bag before putting it inside the washing machine just to be safe.

In Closing

A cat collar should be washed regularly to maintain and improve your pet's overall health. The steps are quite simple. First, you just need to pour in warm water over the collar. Second, wash the collar using dishwashing soap or delicate fabric laundry detergent.

You may use your hands or a brush to thoroughly wash the collar. Lastly, rinse it properly and hang it in direct sunlight. You may also prefer air-drying your cat's collar to protect the fabric.

Your furry friend is sure to appreciate a nice clean collar!