How to keep cat collars from breaking the bank?

June 7, 2006 5:54 AM

Does anybody know of a place that sells cat safety collars in bulk/cheaply?

My two cats are indoor/outdoor and are forever losing their breakaway safety collars. I've googled this and searched on Ask MeFi and haven't found anything. The vet suggested just getting them both microchipped but I fear this for some reason, don't want anyone thinking they're strays because they're collarless. But those safety collars aren't cheap. I'm grateful for any help/ideas.

posted by frances1972 to pets & animals (6 comments total)

What price do you consider cheap?

Upco sells them for $3.40 each, $36.50 for a dozen.

Also, why not get them microchipped *and* have them wear collars, if you can afford it?
posted by needs more cowbell at 6:07 AM on June 7, 2006

Excellent. I like the sound of 36.50 for a dozen. You're right, I should get both done. Thank you.
posted by frances1972 at 6:12 AM on June 7, 2006

(turns out they have more varieties with elastic instead of breakaway buckles, too)
posted by needs more cowbell at 6:19 AM on June 7, 2006

The vet suggested just getting them both microchipped but I fear this for some reason, don't want anyone thinking they're strays because they're collarless.

I'm not sure I understand your fear here. Having them chipped pretty much guarantees they will eventually be returned to you by an honest person. Veterinarians and shelters will scan stray animals for free if someone brings in a suspected stray.

A dishonest person would take the collar off anyway.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:08 AM on June 7, 2006

Actuallly, it's a pretty valid fear. People really do assume that uncollared animals are strays. If someone takes in your cat but doesn't bring it to the vet, they'll never know that the cat is chipped. Microchips can float around a little bit, too, so if the shelter worker isn't diligent, s/he might not find the chip.

My cats are microchipped *just in case* their collars fall off and they get lost. Microchips should be used as backups, not as primary identification.

I buy my bulk pet supplies at petedge.com. Their prices are good, but they require a $50 minimum order.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 5:05 PM on June 7, 2006

Try this.
posted by Mr. Gunn at 7:51 PM on June 7, 2006