Sphynx cats are smart, agile, and beautiful little creatures – but because they are (mostly) hairless a lot of owners aren’t sure if it’s safe to put a collar on them.
After all, the fur on a “normal” cat definitely provides a bit of a buffer zone between the material of a collar and the skin of that animal. With Sphynx cats, though, you don’t have that buffer in between.
Thankfully, though, it’s possible for Sphynx cats to wear collars (provided you’ve selected the right one). You’ll have to be sure that you carefully research the available options, though, to avoid causing irritation and potential skin problems later down the line.
In this detailed breakdown, we go over (almost) everything you need to know about Sphynx cat collars.
We cover whether or not they are safe, what to look for in Sphynx cat collars, and alternative options you might want to consider, too.
Let’s get right into it, shall we?
Is It Safe for Sphynx Cats to Wear Collars?
Straight out of the gate you should know that you can safely put a collar on a Sphynx without a lot of problems – so long as you have carefully selected that collar specifically for the tiny bits of fur this cat might have in the neck area.
Luckily, you have a couple of things going for you.
For one thing, cat collars are generally much softer than dog collars. They don’t have to be as strong or as robust and are usually used much less frequently (and in a gentler way) than dog collars are.
Secondly, with so many different options out there to pick and choose from today, it’s easier than ever before to get your hands on quality collars specifically made for cats (Sphynx cats included).
What to Look for in Sphynx Cat Collars
To help you whittle down your choices, here are some of the most important things to look for in a collar you’re going to put on your Sphynx.
Material
The material that the collar you choose is made out of will “make or break” whether or not it’s safe for use on your Sphynx.
Materials (nylon, polyester blends, silk, and synthetics) that are incredibly soft and have no hard edges are a perfect fit for a Sphynx. They aren’t going to irritate their skin the way that rougher, thicker collars would have.
When buying a collar for your Sphynx, rub the material through your hands. It feels like the kind of material you would want to wear as a T-shirt up against your skin the odds are pretty good you’ve made the right choice!
Size
Fitment is another huge piece of the puzzle when choosing a collar for your cat or kitten.
For one thing, you need a fit that isn’t going to be too tight. A tightfitting collar is always going to cause more problems than a looser one, especially when it comes to skin irritation on cats that have very little hair in between the collar and their skin.
On the other hand, though, very loose collars that can sort of “slop around” can cause a lot of your rotation as well. They can get really abrasive over time because of all that friction, causing skinny rotation problems for your Sphynx, too.
You want something that fits close against their skin but isn’t loose. Something that allows you to slide a single finger comfortably between the collar and their body.
Constantly Monitor the Collar Situation
Finally, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes on your Sphynx to see how they respond to this collar over time.
If they aren’t used to wearing collars the odds are pretty good they’re going to be hesitant (if not downright frustrated) for the first few days. That’s okay, that’s to be expected. Some digging and some chewing on the collar is likely.
If they get used to the collar pretty quickly, though, and you don’t notice any irritation over the next couple of weeks you’re probably good to go.
If, on the other hand, their skin starts to become red, scabby, or irritated you need to get that collar off of them ASAP. Give them a couple of weeks to heal up before you consider using another collar (ideally made from another material) or consider going with alternative options.
Alternative Options to Collars for Sphynx Cats
If your Sphynx really responds poorly to a collar it may not be a bad idea to go with some of the more popular alternatives on the market today, alternatives like the ones we breakdown right here:
Microchips for cats
Microchipping is incredibly popular these days, and for good reason. Injecting a microchip (something your vet will do for you) provides a layer of safety and security that a traditional collar never could divide.
The chip will be encoded with your personal information and contact details, guaranteeing that if your cat is lost (or stolen) the potential for recovering them is much greater.
Cat Harnesses
Harnesses are more of a “full-body” approach to cat collars. They might not be ideal for your cat milling around the home, but they are great if you want to take your cat outside for a walk.
You’ll be able to hook up your lease system to a harness the same way you would have been able to with a collar, only now you’ll have a lot more control over your animal (and they’ll be much more secure, too).
The same rules for picking out a collar should be used when picking out a harness.
Cat Body Suits
Cat bodysuits are recently becoming very popular, especially with hairless breeds of cats like Sphynx.
Not only do you better protect the skin of your cat with a full-body suit, but you’re also able to give them a little more warmth as well. You can also effortlessly identify your cat running around outdoors when they have a colorful bodysuit on!
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