Protective Collar for Cats: Barrier Therapy

Types and features

There are 2 types of collars depending on the principle of operation. The first category includes products that include insecticides that kill fleas. The second category includes accessories containing substances that help repel parasites. There are products that can be worn by a small kitten.

For adult cats, an accessory containing a higher amount of active ingredient is required.

Bio collars for cats

Bio-collars do not contain chemical insecticidal substances. They are impregnated with essential oils of such medicinal plants as:

Bio flea collar for cats.

• sagebrush;
• cedar;
• rosemary;
• celandine;
• eucalyptus.

The product only affects parasites. They can be used to protect a kitten under two months old. The drug is harmless to the pet. In addition, the active substances contained in it improve the condition of the animal’s skin and coat.

However, it only works if the kitten does not have fleas. First you should inspect the wool. Eggs, larvae and fleas can be identified under a magnifying glass. If insects are found, you first need to rid your pet of them. After this, you can put on the accessory. It provides protection for the animal for 3-4 months.

Flea collars with scent

There are often rubber accessories on the market that have a smell. They are impregnated with an insecticidal substance. The product will help even with severe flea infestation. Anti-flea substances have a contact-intestinal effect. They have a low level of toxicity. The poisonous substance affects fleas, but has almost no effect on the animal. Parasites under its influence become lethargic, stop reproducing and feeding, and then die.

Before using such an accessory, you need to study the instructions for use, since often such collars cannot be worn on kittens under 2 months and on pregnant females.

For at least 10 days before starting to use such a product, you should not bathe your cat using anti-flea shampoos or apply drops. This will avoid poisoning and the accumulation of toxic substances in the animal’s body. They begin to act immediately after fixation on the pet’s neck. The device has been active for six months. After this it needs to be replaced.

Contraindications

Before choosing a flea collar and putting it on your cat, you need to make sure that your pet has no contraindications, which include:

• age (collars are not recommended for kittens under 1.5 months of age and older animals);
• health status (cats with weakened immune systems or existing diseases should not be protected from fleas with a collar);
• tendency to allergies (the active substance can cause lacrimation, vomiting, and skin irritation).

You should also refrain from using a collar if the cat has abrasions, scratches or other damage to the skin on its neck.

Advantages and disadvantages

Collars have disadvantages and advantages. The advantages of such funds include:

• efficiency;
• availability;
• low risk of overdose;
• convenience;
• long-term protection.

The accessory can act as an indicator that the cat belongs to a person. You can write the owner's phone number on it. The use of this device does not require pre-treatment with sprays and shampoos.

Flea collars for cats.

The disadvantages include a pungent odor that can provoke restless behavior in the animal. Active substances can cause dermatitis, allergies and other disorders in cats. A device that is tightened too tightly causes discomfort to the pet. It takes a long time to destroy the parasite population. The cat can get caught on a branch, snag, etc. and get injured.

Hartz

Hartz flea collar for kittens
Anti-flea accessories from an American manufacturer occupy a leading position in the list of antiparasitic products. They have a long-lasting effect (7 months). The devices are also distinguished by good moisture resistance, a pleasant fresh smell and a safe lock that allows you to quickly remove the collar if necessary. Accessories can be used by little pets over three months of age. The price range varies depending on the region within 200-300 rubles.

Review

The Hartz collar is a very effective flea control product for cats. We started using it when the kitten was 3 months old. Now our favorite is very big, but he continues to wear Hartz to this day. We change the strap periodically, so we don’t have any problems with parasites.

Alina, Vitebsk

How the flea collar works

The base of the anti-parasitic collar is made of polyvinyl chloride.

It contains microcapsules containing repellents or insecticidal substances, including:

• fipronil;
• cyphenothrin;
• imidacloprid;
• carbamate pesticides;
• amitraz;
• ogranophosphates.

The device, worn around the cat's neck, is shaken, flexed and heated, which helps release the active substances. These compounds block the nerve impulses of the parasites, as a result of which the muscle fibers cease to function. The paralyzed insect dies. Some collars contain insect repellents. When released, such compounds settle on the fur, so fleas do not jump on the animal.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of protective devices

Possible consequences of use

Adverse reactions with collars are much less common than with insect repellent chemicals in the form of drops or shampoos. Pedigree cats may experience allergic reactions. Especially often, such manifestations occur with devices containing tetrachlorovinphos and permethrin. Allergies in cats begin to appear almost immediately after putting on the collar. It can be expressed by lacrimation and itching. In acute cases, the animal loses consciousness, signs of incoordination and convulsions appear.

Poisoning may occur when using the collar. Its symptoms appear after 5-6 hours. The pet begins to vomit and refuses water and food. The cat becomes lethargic. If signs of intoxication appear, the collar must be removed.

When and why does a cat need a collar?

A protective collar is a veterinary device in the shape of a horn or funnel that limits the animal's mobility. As a means of protective therapy, the collar will prevent the cat from licking medications from the body, licking a post-operative suture or a damaged area of ​​skin.

The veterinary collar is also called the “Elizabethan” collar. This is due to the fact that it resembles a piece of clothing worn by noble ladies of the era of Queen Elizabeth I of England. In the 16th century, lush, rigid collars made of starched fabric (usually lace) were in fashion. Of course, turning your head in such a dress was extremely difficult. Later, this design served as the basis for the creation of a veterinary collar.

The veterinary device resembles the collar of Elizabeth I's royal dress

Barrier therapy, of which the collar is one component, is used for a number of health problems in pets. Here are the main ones:

• The cat tries to lick the wound (especially if it heals and begins to itch), this prevents the restoration of the damaged area of ​​skin.
• The animal has undergone medical surgery (for example, a spay procedure or tumor removal). In such a situation, it is important to prevent licking and chewing of the sutures placed by the veterinarian.
• The cat has been neutered. In this case, the animal will not have stitches, but the operation site is treated with an antiseptic, which also cannot be licked off. There is also a danger that the cat will begin to lick the sore spot and thereby provoke bleeding.
• Your pet's ears hurt. The animal begins to scratch them, which provokes additional infection, as well as untimely removal of veterinary drugs from the ear cavity.
• The cat was treated with a remedy against ecto- and endoparasites. Animals should not lick such substances, as this can cause poisoning. And you won’t have to wait for the effect of the antiparasitic agent either.
• A cat that is active, fearful or aggressive needs to have its fur or nails trimmed. The collar will protect the owner from pet bites.

The protective collar is shaped like a bullhorn

In all of the above cases (except, perhaps, for ear diseases and treatment for parasites), the owner of the animal is faced with a choice: a special blanket or a veterinary collar.

The blanket will protect the postoperative suture from not only germs, dirt and fungi getting there, but also from the cat itself, which after surgery tries to chew or lick the place that bothers it

The advantages of the blanket are that it:

• does not restrict the cat's movements;
• does not cause her anxiety or irritation;
• allows you to wash exposed areas of the body;
• protects stitches or wounds from contact with other objects that are not always safe and sterile.

But especially active pets manage to take off their blankets. And if they leave them alone, they begin to lick the sore spot through the fabric. Sometimes even this is enough to damage the seam. Blankets also get dirty quickly, especially if the wound needs to be treated with medications.

Advantages of a collar compared to a blanket:

• completely limits the cat’s access to the sore spot, be it the head, paws or torso;
• the animal will not be able to hide in a hard-to-reach or inappropriate place thanks to the voluminous collar on the neck.

The pet will be dissatisfied with the presence of the collar, since it can hardly be called comfortable. The cat will cling to surrounding objects with it and try to remove it. And most importantly, the collar needs to be chosen correctly.

Some owners purchase both barrier products for their pet to be on the safe side.

Using a blanket and collar at the same time completely protects the wound or seam from access by the animal

Veterinary pharmacies and pet stores offer a large selection of Elizabethan collars for cats. Their cost depends on the materials and the size of the pet for which the device is purchased (they are not divided into cat and dog). The price of such products ranges from 100 to 1200 rubles.

Safety rules when wearing

You should choose a product that is suitable for your cat. You should not put a device designed for dogs on a cat. It is not recommended to cut the collar tape in half. The thickness of the device is intended for one animal. Cutting the tape will reduce its effectiveness. Before use, the collar must be kneaded and stretched.

The tape must be fixed so that it does not squeeze the neck or dangle. The gap between the tape and the neck should be at least 1 cm so that it does not interfere with the pet’s movements. Some owners fix the device on the neck only while the animal is walking. After removal, the collar must be stored in a plastic bag in a place protected from sunlight.

How to do it yourself

You can make a neck collar for a pet yourself if you suddenly need such a collar urgently, but you can’t buy it or the store doesn’t have the appropriate size. The simplest materials are suitable for this: cardboard, plastic, dense material.

From fabric

The advantage of a fabric collar is its softness; it serves as a pillow for the cat. But if she tries to take it off, make a tougher option. For self-production you will need: tape measure, scissors, material, marker, stapler, tape.

To prevent the animal from getting to the wound over time, cardboard is placed inside the soft fabric of the collar or thick fabric is used and folded several times. The materials used are chintz, cotton, and linen.

Step by step steps:

• Take two measurements: the first is neck circumference; the second is the length of the head (from the collar to the tip of the nose).
• Make a template out of paper, draw an inner semicircle with a compass, which corresponds to the first measurement, retreat to the distance of the second, mark the outer semicircle. Add an extra 2.5 cm for seams.
• Cut out the paper pattern according to the dimensions.
• Cut out two parts of the product onto the fabric.
• Proceed with assembly.
• Fold the right side out, place a piece of cardboard between the pieces of fabric, connect, sew the two halves together.
• Instead of cardboard, you can use another dense layer: felt, non-woven fabric, and sew all the blanks together with a diamond-shaped seam.
• Connect the edges with Velcro.
• Make lacing from fabric or, better yet, from flexible plastic on the inner edge to secure it to the animal’s neck.

Sew a thick fabric border along the outer edge. Another option is to buy a plastic collar and adjust the dimensions according to the dimensions of the animal. Then sew on thick soft fabric.

From the bottle

The product will be flexible and durable, the protective barrier will last a long time. For this you need: a plastic bottle of a suitable size, tape, adhesive tape or string. First take your measurements. Then cut out the parts from paper. Cut out a cone according to the paper diagram. Make holes using a nail or a thick needle.

Second way:

• On the side of the neck, mark with a marker a diameter equal to the circumference of the cat’s neck.
• Cut off this part and measure the length of your pet's head.
• Cut off the remaining plastic.
• Cut lengthwise and try it on the animal.
• Make holes along the cutting line and thread lacing made of soft fabric.

You can secure the Velcro fastener with a stapler. Cover sharp cuts with adhesive tape or tape.

Quick option

For an emergency, a cardboard cone is suitable, although it is not intended to last for a long time. Instructions:

• Prepare thick cardboard (shoe boxes, household appliances).
• Take measurements from the animal.
• Mark them on cardboard.
• Cut according to the design with scissors.
• Wrap the edges of the structure with tape.
• Secure the cone parts with adhesive tape.
• Make loops for the collar.

This method is suitable when the animal has not yet recovered from anesthesia.

It should be remembered that if the pet is very active, it can scratch and tear the cardboard collar.

Other

The following available materials are used for veterinary collars: polyethylene paper folders, disposable paper plates, lampshades, wastebaskets.

Is it possible to wear a collar on a pregnant or lactating cat?

It is not recommended to use a collar on a pregnant cat. Devices containing insecticides are especially dangerous during pregnancy. These substances can negatively affect the development of kittens. Developmental abnormalities may occur in the offspring. Special collars for pregnant cats are impregnated with essential oils. Such remedies are gentle. They repel fleas without harming the body of a pregnant cat.

Pregnant cats are not recommended to wear a collar.

Collar models

The effectiveness and safety of a collar largely depends on its correct choice.

You should trust only trusted brands that have proven themselves in the market.

A quality collar should not be too cheap, otherwise it may turn out to be a dangerous fake. You should not skimp on the health of your furry pet. Preference should be given to a domestic or European manufacturer. Let's look at the most popular collar models.

Beafar or Beaphar

High-quality flea treatment made in Holland. The company produces a whole line of collars for all ages. This product for adult pets provides excellent protection against fleas using the active ingredient diazinon, which does not cause side effects. However, if the cat is hypersensitive to the components, itching, drooling and vomiting may occur during use. One of the advantages of the product is that it has almost no smell.

The collar is not recommended for small kittens under 6 months of age, lactating and pregnant cats, as well as weakened and sick animals.

The validity period of active substances is 5 months.

The cost of the product ranges from 170 to 220 rubles.

collars for kittens under the name “Beafar Bayo Band”. This is a natural remedy, the main active ingredients of which are lavender and margosa oils. The accessory can be used for babies from 2 months of age, and it is also suitable for their mothers. "Beafar Bayo Band" has an antiviral and antifungal effect, reduces itching, softens the skin and makes the coat shiny and silky.

The collar for babies is valid for 4 months.

The price of the product is about 250 rubles.

Customer Reviews

Catherine:

We purchased a Beafar Bayo Band collar for our kitten and were not disappointed. Firstly, it is herbal, which is very rare among such products. Secondly, the collar smells nice, so the cat wears it with pleasure. This is also an advantageous difference from other products in this category. Thirdly, the collar really helps us. Our pet runs around in the yard all day, and fleas avoid him.

Basil:

My cat is already 10 years old, she is a homebody and was practically unfamiliar with fleas. But recently she developed these parasites, apparently we brought them into the house ourselves. We bought our favorite dog a Beafar collar and we think we chose the best one. It has almost no smell, is flexible and easy to fasten, and the fleas ran away from us in all directions.

Hartz

A reliable collar from American manufacturers, which is one of the leaders among anti-parasitic products. It instantly expels fleas using the active ingredient tetrachlorvinphos.

Collars from this company are produced in different sizes, selected according to the weight of the animal, and for pets with dark fur there are even models with a reflective strip. They protect animals for 7 months and do not lose their properties even when wet. The collar is deodorized, so it has a pleasant smell. However, this product should not be used on kittens under 3 months of age. Pregnant and lactating cats can wear the Hartz collar, but only after consulting a veterinarian.

The cost of the product is from 200 to 250 rubles.

Customer Reviews

Natalia:

We live in a private house, so our cat constantly walks outside. When he first got fleas, we washed him with flea shampoo and then put a lilac Hartz collar on him. Since then we have not known any problems. The cat has been running around clean and healthy for four summers now. Every 7 months we replace the old collar with a new one. Simple, beautiful, stylish and useful.

Bolfo or Bolfo

Another high-quality collar from the German company Bayer, not inferior in popularity to the previous one. Protects against fleas due to the active ingredient propoxur. The duration of action of the active component is no more than 4 months. The effectiveness of the product decreases when wet, so it is advisable to remove it before washing your pet.

This brand of collar is not recommended for kittens less than 6 weeks old, as well as for weakened, lactating and pregnant cats. The product does not cause side effects. If you are intolerant to the components, skin irritation may occur.

The cost of the collar ranges from 350 to 400 rubles.

Customer review

Tatiana:

Our cat was about 4 months old when he picked up fleas somewhere. Our veterinarian advised us to choose a Bolfo collar for our Bengal with sensitive skin. We first sprayed the sufferer with a spray from the same company, and then put on a collar - and since then we forgot about the fleas. The collar has one small drawback - it doesn't smell very nice. Before use, we aired it out on the balcony for a couple of days, and after a week of wearing it, the smell became barely perceptible.

How to choose the right collar for your pet

It is better to purchase the device in large stores. You can order a good collar on zoo ru. When purchasing, you should open the cardboard box and inspect the sealed foil packaging. It must be undamaged. Open packaging leads to a decrease in the amount of active ingredients in the tape.

In addition, you should check the expiration date of the product. Separately, models are selected for pregnant cats, kittens and adult animals. Before purchasing a collar, you should carefully study its composition. The most dangerous for pets are organic phosphates, amitraz and permethrin.

Review of the best collars from well-known manufacturers and prices

High-quality products are produced by domestic and foreign manufacturers.

The following collar brands received high marks:

“Clandestine” is one of the best flea collars for cats.

1. Bolfo.
2. Beaphar.
3. Leopard.
4. Celandine.
5. Dana Ultra.
6. Narts.

Dana Ultra accessories contain active ingredients such as ivermectin, fipronil and pyriproxyfen. It can be used to protect kittens older than 90 days. The cost of the accessory is 250 rubles.

The Narts accessory is produced by an American company. The composition of this drug is effective for more than 7 months. The accessory is moisture resistant. It does not have an unpleasant odor. There is a safety lock on the device. The price of the drug is 200-300 rubles.

The Beaphar accessory includes natural ingredients. It has antiparasitic, antifungal and antiviral effects. The active components present in the accessory improve the condition of the pet's skin and coat. It can be used to protect animals older than 60 days. The price of the accessory is 200-250 rubles.

The product Celandine is produced by a Russian manufacturer. It contains permethrin, so it can be used to protect kittens. The price of the device is 50-75 rubles.

Bolfo contains propoxur. This substance is characterized by low toxicity. The device can be used to protect pregnant females. The accessory can be worn on kittens older than 2.5 months. The cost of the accessory is 500 rubles.

The Bars device includes fipronil and substances that regulate insect growth. The accessory can be used to protect kittens from the age of six months. The price of the drug is 200 rubles.

Collar requirements

Rules for using the collar: it should not fit very tightly and sit loosely: leave a distance of one finger between it and the neck.

A smaller gap will lead to chafing of the skin, and a larger gap will allow the pet to remove the protection.

The edges should not be sharp so as not to injure or rub the animal's skin. The collar should also be as transparent as possible. You need to buy a protective product without an unpleasant odor; you should not buy something very cheap.

Customer Reviews

Svetlana, 27 years old, Krasnodar

My family and I live in a private house. A kitten recently arrived. They didn't know his age. After examining the fur, a large number of fleas were revealed. I bought a Bolfo collar. A day later, the pet’s fleas disappeared. Additionally, I did not treat the kitten with anything.

Irina, 30 years old, Moscow

I adopted a Scottish fold kitten. He was at home all winter, so he had no parasites. In the spring we started walking the animal outside. Fleas appeared within a few days. I bought a Bars collar. The clasp is comfortable. The cat didn’t try to take it off, he wears it all the time. The parasites disappeared after 3 days.

Igor, 21 years old, St. Petersburg

I picked up a cat on the street in winter. He had a lot of parasites. I bought a cheap Celandine collar. The best option in terms of price and quality. Within a week the fleas disappeared. The pet did not try to reset the device.

Wearing rules

Several conditions for wearing the structure must be observed:

• Heavy and voluminous collars should not be worn, as this will limit the animal’s movements too much.
• The size must be appropriate for the pet, for example, for a small kitten you need to buy or make a suitable cone.
• Cover sharp edges with electrical tape, adhesive tape, or tape, otherwise the cat may get hurt.
• Do not let your pet outside, it is unsafe.

• Make sure that the animal can easily reach the bowl of food and drink.
• If the pet refuses to eat, feed it by removing the collar.
• Inspect the skin under the collar while wearing it.
• Brush your pet, because because of the barrier he cannot groom himself.
• Provide free living space.
• Isolate from other animals.
• Wear until recovery, when the wound has completely healed and the veterinarian allows you to get rid of the collar.

You should put on the collar carefully, without making sudden movements; it is better to do this together.

DIY flea collar

Homemade products have a shorter shelf life, but their effectiveness is high. Toxic insecticides cannot be used in the manufacture of the device, because Incorrect dose selection will cause poisoning. It's better to make a biological collar. A strip of fabric should be soaked in essential oils of geranium, eucalyptus, and lavender. You can use a combination of essential oils.

To decorate the fastener of the accessory, you can attach Velcro or sew on buttons. The handmade device is valid for 2-4 weeks. After this it needs to be replaced. Such products can only be used if the pet is not allergic to essential oils. The strong smell of the accessory can cause discomfort to the animal.

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Precautionary measures

Due to the fact that the collar contains toxic substances, it is necessary to take precautions when handling it:

• if the collar is ineffective and the pet shows signs of allergies, then an urgent need to change the manufacturer;
• you need to purchase those products that, according to reviews, are recommended as effective;
• use simultaneously with other drugs is prohibited;
• correct placement of the collar on the animal to prevent harmful substances from entering the food tract.