Collars for My Cat
My cat, Cheddar, came to us through my veterinary hospital--a very pregnant stray cat brought in by a good Samaritan who was worried about her being "on the streets in her condition." Though we planned on keeping her indoors, it is an easy escape with all the comings and goings of the dogs. We placed a collar with her information and tags so she would be returned if she got out. And she did. Often. And with each trip outdoors she lost her collar and tags.
I had been buying a type of "breakaway" collar--the ones with the small clasp that snaps into place but can basically be pulled apart if they become entangled on something. After four of those lost to the great outdoors, I switched to the type with the elastic insert that stretches out when it gets caught on something. I don’t know if the intention is for it eventually stretch enough to break or stretch enough for them to slip out of it.
One morning, I heard her little voice and she came limping across the yard with her front right leg stuck through the collar. It had stretched during whatever aerobics she does when removing these things and got stuck wrapped around her head and armpit. So now I am back to the breakaway collars, which I buy in bulk. I use the plastic coated paper tags for her information and replace as necessary. Now we are in a new home and the collar we moved here with has stayed on for almost 2 months! It might be time for some real tags, again.
--Dr. Olson
---------------------
Dr. Olson practices small animal medicine in Denver, CO and is a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
Comments