NO one would dispute the need for some form of identification for cats that roam free outside. Collars still remain the most popular choice with most pet owners though microchipping is rapidly becoming the identification of choice.

Whether it just be to let other local households know that the cat is owned, identification in case of accident or injury, or as a means of operating a catflap, the choice of cat collars in retail outlets seems endless.

However, cat collars are not as safe as they seem and each year hundreds of cats are presented to veterinary surgeries up and down the country for serious injury caused by the collar themselves.

Cat collars tend to fall into two main categories: The inflexible type with a clip fastening similar to dog collars; and the felt type with an elasticated section designed to stretch if the cat becomes caught up on something Ironically it is the elasticated section on the felt collars that seems to cause the most problems.

Problems arise when collars are fitted too loose rather than too tightly. As a rough rule of thumb, a collar should fit snugly against the skin and one should just be able to squeeze one little finger underneath it. (Please note that in growing animals such as kittens, the tightness of a collar should be checked every few days as their neck grows).

If a collar is any looser than this then there is a risk that it can become entangled in a fore limb.

Problems usually arise when a cat manages to get a collar wrapped around their neck and one forelimb.

The inflexible collars tend to break away at their clasp at this point, but the elasticated collars stretch and behave rather like an elastic band.

Over a period of a few days, they dig into the soft skin in the axilla (armpit) and eventually cause a large ulcerated tract deep into the armpit.

These injuries, if not treated promptly and correctly, can take many weeks to heal and on occasions can even necessitate amputation of an affected limb.

Unless you need a collar, consider a microchip instead. If your cat does need to wear a collar, please ensure it is a snug fit and if possible one of the inflexible woven material type. If in doubt, please seek advice from your veterinarian.