At Cheshire & Wain, we help kitties look stylish on their ‘catwalks’ as standard, but keeping them safe and protected at the same time is just as close to our hearts. That’s why we started our brand in the first place (est. 2013) to design a luxury leather collar, complete with superior quality breakaway buckle, first for our dear Percy and now for cats across the globe! 

One of the best (and most important) ways to love your cat is to prioritise their safety – especially if they are an adventurous feline who loves to roam. We share five simple ways to keep your cat safe on their outdoor escapades.  

1) Decide if you need a visit to the vet 

Whether they are of indoor Vs outdoor persuasion, pet vaccinations are essential for a healthy cat. But, if you let your cat out into the big wide world, vaccinations - from kittenhood and ongoing through adulthood - are even more vital because there’s a higher chance of exposure to germs and diseases that may have serious consequences for your cat’s health. Additionally, to avoid your cat bringing home pests, speak to your vet regarding ongoing flea and worming treatment. 

Neutering your cat also contributes towards keeping them safe on their adventures. It avoids unwanted pregnancy and also prevents diseases that can pass on through mating. Un-neutered kitties tend to be more territorial - this can create tense situations that lead to catfights, putting your cat or another cat at risk of injury.

2) Make your cat easily identifiable 

With outdoor cats, there’s always the underlying worry of them going Missing In Adventures, so make your cat quick and easily identifiable with: 

A collar and not just any collar (more on that below…) 

An I.D. tag on their collar, complete with your name and contact number. We offer a host of Pet I.D. Tags for your cat’s collar in fun styles to suit Chief Mousers, fish lovers and more, in a choice of metal finishes that includes complimentary engraving

A Microchip (make sure the chip’s contact info is up to date with Pet Log) so you can be contacted if your cat is far from home or injured without their collar on. 

Later this year (in the UK), it will become a legal requirement for your cat to have a microchip and not complying with this law could result in a fine of up to £500. Make sure you keep the chip up to date if you move house or change your phone number. Bear in mind that only vets and animal shelters can read your cat’s microchip, so we strongly advise also fitting a collar with an ID tag or embossed phone number on it so anyone who finds your cat in need of help can reach you immediately. 

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF ID TAGS

EXPLORE COLLARS THAT CAN BE PERSONALISED WITH A CONTACT NUMBER

3) Choose a safe collar for a safe cat 

Cats may have nine lives, but you shouldn’t risk any one of them with a collar that’s not fit for purpose. Always choose a collar with a breakaway-style safety buckle so your cat can escape should they find themselves dangerously entangled. Forgo elasticated cat collars (which can cause nasty leg injuries) and never fit a collar that is meant for a small dog. Remember, not all safety hardware is created equal - many catches are mass-produced abroad with varying quality control and testing levels. All Cheshire & Wain luxury leather safety cat collars feature a clasp that we designed in-house from scratch, which is made and rigorously tested in the UK for your peace of mind. Our breakaway clips are strong, sturdy, and designed to break apart when it matters most. 

Additionally, our Lumino Lux Reflective Cat Collar range brings safety and style to low-light adventure in vegan-friendly materials. Choose our reflective collar if your cat ventures into urban environments or near any roads because the neon materials and light-reflective surface will make them ultra-visible. If you already have a Cheshire & Wain collar, consider choosing an AirTag case to go with it as this will add a light-reflective disc to the collar. 

 EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF REFLECTIVE CAT COLLARS

4) Keep track of their whereabouts

While they might not protect your cat from danger and threats, a pet tracking device allows you to keep tabs on your tabby when they are out of sight. It can also allow you to quickly locate a missing cat trapped in a neighbour’s garage or local outbuilding. If your cat is injured, they may be unable to meow for help so tracking them is a fast way to see where they are. 

Many companies now offer pet trackers, so with a little research, you can find one that suits your needs and wallet. While Apple AirTags are not specifically designed to be cat trackers, we know that many cat owners, including our customers, use an AirTag to track their cats. An AirTag is a small, robust and lightweight solution that doesn’t involve additional fees or the need for a subscription. For this reason, our latest cat safety innovation is our lightweight Reflective AirTag Collar Case. Designed to match the Lumino Lux collars but suitable for use with our entire collar range. The AirTag Case features an anti-slip pocket to keep the tag secure - it's also easy to clean and tear and water-resistant to protect the device.

CHESHIRE & WAIN AIRTAG CAT COLLAR CASE

5) Establish a cat curfew 

Creating a routine around your cat’s return home is good for your cat and for your peace of mind - it’s a clear marker of a possible issue if they don't come home as normal. With the help of positive name-calling, treats and lots of rewarding affection, you want to create a situation where they return home regularly (ideally on command) and don’t stray too far from home. 

If you use a cat flap, consider locking it at night and putting a litter tray down until morning to avoid scrapes with other animals who like to come out at night.

Cat safety isn't exclusively an issue for outdoor cats, of course. With an indoor cat, there’s always the risk of escape, whether from home or breaking out of their cat carrier in transit. Lacking in the street-smarts like their outdoor kitty counterparts, the sudden and wider world is a terrifying place for an indoor cat, causing erratic and reckless behaviour such as running out into a busy road. For this reason, we find that many of our customers with indoor cats still protect their furry friend with a collar and I.D. tag and use a tracker if they take their cat for a walk or in the car.

Whether indoor or outdoor, Cheshire & Wain is here to upgrade your cat’s safety in style. If you need any help choosing a collar and accessories for your cat, don't hesitate to get in touch