Should I Take My Cat’s Collar Off At Night?

Are you bothered that your cat is always wearing a collar? Are you having thoughts about taking off her collar at night to offer her some reprieve? We've consulted the pet experts to see if this is a good idea and here's what they say.

You shouldn't take off your cat's collar at night or any time in the day. A cat collar with a tag is essential in providing your pet with proper identification wherever she goes. Put a bell on her collar and you already have an anti-hunting device that will help keep other animals safe from your cat.

Continue reading so that you'll understand better why you should have your feline pet wear her collar all the time. We'll also answer your concerns if your pet is bothered at all about wearing this neckpiece or if there are implications to her health and well-being when you put a collar around her neck.

How long should a cat wear a collar?

Cats, whether they are indoor or outdoor pets, should wear their collar all the time. That means you shouldn't take off their collars at any time of the day or night. Once you put this neckpiece around their necks, you don't have to remove it anymore unless you're upgrading the size.

Collars aren't just fashionable accessories. There are two very important reasons why your cats should wear collars.

First, a collar with a tag provides your contact information in case your very curious cat gets lost. The person who finds your cat can easily reach out to you and you can get your pet back. We can't imagine the agony of being separated from your pet for a long time. So this is really a good idea.

Second, a collar with a bell will help deter your cat from killing smaller animals. Cats are skilled predators and they can effortlessly prey on other animals within their surroundings. The sound of the bell will alert them of your cat's presence so they can flee to a safe place.

There's no telling when your cat will be out of your sight. They have a natural disposition to explore the world around them. They are also more active during dusk until dawn which means you're probably asleep when they go wandering.

It is for the reasons mentioned above why it's important for your cat to wear her collar all the time.

Can cats sleep with their collars on?

This question is related to the level of comfort that cats feel when you put a collar on them. When cats feel comfortable with their collars, they can wear them all the time and won't be the least bit bothered by this neck accessory.

The good news is that researchers found out that almost 73 percent of cats, or 3 out of 4 felines, didn't mind wearing collars and kept them on without any fuss. This means that most cats can go about their daily activities, including sleeping, with their neckpiece on.

However, if your cat doesn't like her collar, here are ways for you to encourage her to wear it:

1. Start them young. Introduce the collar to your kitten as soon as possible, before they start exploring the outdoors.
2. You can put the collar next to your kitten or cat so she can familiarize herself with it.
3. Do not put a tag or bell on the collar yet. Wait until she gets used to the collar first.
4. Choose a good time to put the collar on your pet. Make sure she feels relaxed and at ease.
5. Put the collar around her neck gently.
6. Observe your pet. If she doesn't like the feel of the collar, remove it immediately and try again some other time.
7. You can also give her a treat when she allows you to put the collar around her.
8. Try distracting her with her favorite toy so she will forget about the neckpiece.
9. Give your pet time to get used to it. Some adjust fairly well within a day or two while some take weeks before they get accustomed to the collar.

If your cat shows signs of irritation and aversion to the collar, you can try a different one or consult your vet for alternatives.

Is it bad for a cat to wear a collar all the time?

By now, we have established that cats should wear their collars all the time for two important reasons. The first is to help with their proper identification. Second, collars with bells serve as an anti-hunting device that will help in keeping the balance in their ecosystem.

However, not all collars are safe for your cats. In fact, there is only one kind of collar that pet experts recommend to use on your feline friends. These are breakaway collars. They have a quick-release system that makes it possible for cats to break free from them when they get caught in tight situations.

Quick-release cat collars will reduce the likelihood of your pet hurting herself. It is also important to check the fit of the collar regularly. You should be able to fit two of your fingers between the collar and your feline's neck. Once you notice that it's getting tight, you should get a larger size for your pet.

Of course, you should get a good quality collar. One that will not wear out easily. It is also best for the collar to be as simple as possible. Do away with the studs or other accessories as they can do more harm than good for your pet.

As long as the breakaway collar has a nice fit, is made of good quality, and doesn't have unnecessary decorations, then it is safe for your cat to wear it all the time.

For related content, you can read our post on the right age for your cat to wear a collar.

Check out these Bemix Pets breakaway collars on Amazon.

Do collars annoy cats?

Our pet cats certainly have an attitude. They will let us know if wearing a collar annoys them or not. But each cat is different. Some may not like having this accessory around their necks while some may not care at all.

It's up to us fur parents to observe and understand what our pets are telling us through their behavior. If your cat doesn't mind wearing a collar, good for you!

On the other hand, if your feline doesn't like it, she'll definitely let you know. There are cats that don't want to move when you put a collar around their neck. Some felines are irritated by this neckpiece and want to remove it as soon as you put the clasp on, which is especially true among cats with anxiety.

There has been some controversy regarding collars with bells as some people say that it is cruel to let felines wear them. Their main concern is that the bells might affect their hearing. But the good news is that studies have shown that this isn't the case.

The sound of bells on cat collars is just within 50 to 60 dB. Since this is below 80 dB, experts say that most felines aren't affected by the noise that they make. You can read more about this in our article, Do Cat Collars Need Bells?

So, in general, collars do not annoy most cats. But it would still depend on the specific condition and disposition of your pet if she wouldn't mind wearing one around her neck.

Final Thoughts

It is important to have your cat wear a breakaway collar with a tag and bell so that she can be handed back to you in case she gets lost. It is also a responsible thing to do as you help maintain the balance in the ecosystem and give every small prey the chance to flee to safety and move away from your cat.