Things to Consider Before Adopting an Adult Cat

by Britt

Published: September 28th, 2024

Photo credit: JW Design / Shutterstock.com

While kittens are undeniably adorable, thousands of adult cats are waiting for their forever home in animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country. Adopting an adult cat offers many unique benefits and rewards – from their calmer demeanor to their already-established personalities.

Before deciding on your next feline friend, I recommend taking a moment to reconsider whether an adult cat could be the right fit for your home and lifestyle. Here are a few key considerations to help you find the right cat for your family.

At What Age is a Cat Considered Adult?

Before discussing the benefits of adopting an adult cat, let's start at the beginning. At what age is a cat considered an adult, anyway? Like with dogs, this will depend on your cat’s breed and size. Larger breed cats like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats will take longer to reach maturity than most others.

For most cat breeds, you can start referring to them as an adult around the time of their first birthday. For those larger kitties, it can take up to 2 years.

If your cat is on the borderline or you’re unsure, consider asking your veterinarian during your next appointment. Understanding your cat’s life stages and growth rate will help you make many important decisions, like ensuring their diet includes everything they need in each chapter of their lives.

Do Older Cats Have a Harder Time Getting Adopted?

Many factors can make it more challenging for a cat to be adopted, including their color, personality, comfort with other pets, and, unfortunately, their age. When a young kitten comes into a shelter or rescue organization, they are often adopted within the first couple of months. The same can’t be said for most adult cats.

There is no exact figure, but experts in the rescue space estimate that the time needed for an adult cat (aged 2-3) to be adopted is double that of their younger counterparts. That timeline continues to climb, reaching nearly 10 times as long for cats aged 9-10.

7 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat

When considering adding a new companion to the family, whether it’s a hamster or a new puppy, you should start by doing your research. This includes assessing whether the animal of choice is a good fit for your family and lifestyle and deciding on other key factors like the right age and breed. Here are 7 reasons you may want to consider an adult cat instead of a kitten:

They Are Generally Calmer

There is no denying that kittens are adorable, but they are also bouncy and full of kitten energy. These active little furballs are adorable at first. However, in time, they can begin to feel like “too much” for some cat lovers. An adult cat could be a better option if you want a slightly calmer, more mature companion.

That being said, there is an exception to every rule. Most adult cats are calmer and more relaxed, but many high-energy adult cats are also out there. If this is an important consideration when searching for your “right fit,” be sure to ask the shelter or rescue volunteers about the energy levels and personality of any cat you are considering. They will either have first-hand experience with the cat or will be able to connect you with someone who can answer your questions (like a foster parent).

Less Supervision is Required

If you have ever had to kitten-proof your home, you know how much trouble that cute little kitty can get into. They can get into everything and anything, including chewing electrical cords, scratching your furniture, and eating anything they can get their furry little paws on. Bringing a kitten home means doing a lot more preparation upfront as well as committing to the ongoing supervision they will require.

Cat lovers who have a busier lifestyle or a demanding work schedule may not be able to give a kitten the time and attention they need to keep them safe and happy. Unless you work in a pet-friendly work environment where you can bring your kitten along for the day (and have done the work to kitten-proof that space, too) or have someone at home when you’re not, your lifestyle may be better suited to an older cat who can relax at home comfortably throughout the work day.

Most Are Already Housetrained

We often talk about the importance of potty training for puppies, but what about kittens? Not every cat is going to take to a litter box right away. Typically speaking, kittens are taught to use the litter box by their mothers early in life. However, your new kitten may not have learned this important life lesson for several reasons. It’s possible that they left their mother too early or they needed a little extra teaching to learn the basics.

If a kitten hasn’t naturally learned to use the litterbox, you’ll need to train them to do their business in the right place. However, by the time they reach adulthood, someone has likely acknowledged they didn’t learn this skill from their mother and addressed it already.

Their Personality is Known

Anyone who says cats don’t have personalities has never shared their heart and home with a cat! I firmly believe that. We have two cats, Pippen and Jinx, with very different personalities and temperaments. While Pippen is sweet and loving, Jinx is a stereotypical tortoiseshell – sassy and spirited.

You may not be feeling picky about the personality of your newest family member. However, some cat lovers are looking for a specific personality to match their lifestyle and vision of life with the new kitty. For example, if you hope to spend time snuggled up watching TV with your feline friend, an independent cat who isn’t interested in cuddles won’t be the ideal match.

When kittens are young, they still haven’t “found themselves” yet. This means you are taking a gamble on their personality. Adult cats, however, are established in their personalities. What you see is what you get.

Photo credit: JW Design / Shutterstock.com

Better Suited for Children

Do you have young children at home? Young kids can be loud and unpredictable, startling their new furry family member. They are also more likely to accidentally handle their new friend incorrectly. For a kitten, being dropped or handled roughly could cause severe injuries.

Instead, it is best to choose an adult cat who is comfortable around children. This will set your new kitty up for success and open the door for your child(ren) and your new cat to build a close, loving bond.

They Still Have a Long Life Ahead

One of the biggest objections people have to adopting an older cat is that they want the extra time a young kitten provides. But this logic is slightly flawed. While a senior cat may have a limited life ahead of them, adult cats may only be 2 or 3 years old, meaning you have only missed a short part of their lives.

Adult cats are still young, active, and energetic. They still need daily exercise and thrive in a home where they can play and interact with their family members, both human members and other pets.

Another important fact to consider is that no cat is guaranteed to live a certain number of years. It is possible that you will adopt a young kitten only to find out they have a life-threatening disease or health condition or that you will face an unfortunate accident. Rather than focusing on the uncertain future, I recommend focusing that energy on making the most of every moment together today.

Companionship and Love Know No Age

This is, I would argue, the most crucial point to remember. Whether your new family member is a young kitten moving into their first home away from being with their mother or an older cat on their third home, there is no barrier to the love and compassion they will bring. In fact, many involved in the rescue space will argue that adult cats who have seen life outside of being in a loving home are even more grateful for the love and care their new home brings.

Cats of all ages are looking to love and be loved. Depending on their past, it may take a little longer for some kitties to settle in and open up. But with time, patience, and compassion, you can help show them that they have now landed in a loving home.

Possible Challenges of Adopting an Adult Cat

Adult cats can make incredible companions, but there are pros and cons to adopting a cat of any age. Finding the right fit for your family will require you to be aware of the potential challenges and be honest about whether you are prepared to deal with them. After all, the goal is to find the best fit for everyone involved.

One common hurdle with adopting an adult cat is that their personalities and habits are already established. You may be thinking: didn’t you just refer to their established personalities as a benefit? Knowing your cat’s personality can be an advantage when searching for the right fit. However, if you are trying to introduce a cat who is set in their ways to a new routine or schedule, you may be met with some resistance. Kittens, meanwhile, are generally more adaptable.

This can also apply to managing or overcoming behavioral issues. For example, a cat with a bad habit of scratching the furniture can be harder to train when they have had this habit for longer. Behaviors may also result from stress (moving to a new home is stressful), health, or past trauma.

If you are really struggling with a behavior problem, consider contacting your veterinarian. They can work with you to rule out any medical explanations, make recommendations for medications (if there are options there), or connect you with a behaviorist who can help you work through this challenge.

Finally, there are some added medical concerns when adopting an older cat. Some conditions can be prevented if addressed early, like regularly cleaning your cat's teeth to lower the risk of dental disease. When you adopt an older cat, the preventative measures may not have been taken earlier in life. It is recommended that, after any adoption, you make an appointment with your veterinarian for a complete medical exam. This will allow them to check for any signs of trouble and make recommendations to keep your new cat feeling happy and healthy.

Final Thoughts: Is an Adult Cat Your Next Perfect Match?

While the playful energy of a kitten can be incredibly tempting, adopting an adult cat offers many key advantages. From their established personalities to their calm demeanor, these mature kitties are wonderful companions who deserve loving homes.

If, after reading the potential challenges above, you believe that an adult cat is the right choice for your family, it’s time to take the next step. Contact your local shelter or rescue organization and connect with the dedicated staff and volunteers. They will help you find the perfect match based on your preferences and lifestyle.

Remember: Adult cats come with a lifetime of love and companionship waiting to be shared. Consider making one of these sweet older cats your newest family member!

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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What is the Yearly Cost of Owning a Dog or Cat?

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It seems that humans are not the only ones in the animal world to use personal names – according to a revolutionary new study, African elephants also refer to one another through unique sounds. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that elephants can hear their own names over long distances, across the African savanna, and that they speak to one another through a series of low rumbles. The scientific team also reveals that elephants can learn to recognize and call to their mates using their “personal” names, instead of just basic sounds.“Here we present evidence that wild African elephants address one another with individually specific calls, probably without relying on imitation of the receiver,” the study reads.In order to achieve these impressive results, the study used machine learning to demonstrate that the receiver of a call could be predicted from the call’s acoustic structure, regardless of how similar the call was to the receiver’s vocalizations.A herd of African elephants was followed in jeeps in the wild, at Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, in order to closely observe their behavior and how they call out, and who responds."We've had several incidents where we've been with these elephants and the matriarch of the family will give a call, and everyone in the family will answer,” co-author and Colorado State University ecologist George Wittemyer, said to ITV News. "Then several seconds later, she'll give seemingly a very similar call and nobody in the family would answer except one individual."Researchers then played these recordings of the individual names to elephants and learned that the animals responded more enthusiastically by flapping their ears and lifting their trunks, whenever they heard their own names. “Just like humans, elephants use names, but probably don’t use names in the majority of utterances, so we wouldn’t expect 100%,” study author and Cornell University biologist Mickey Pardo added. Scientists say that animals with complex social structures and close-knit families are more likely to use personal names, as it helps them to be reunited if separated. “If you’re looking after a large family, you’ve got to be able to say, ‘Hey, Virginia, get over here!’ ” Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm said.“Elephants are incredibly social, always talking and touching each other - this naming is probably one of the things that underpins their ability to communicate to individuals,” Wittemyer added, “We just cracked open the door a bit to the elephant mind.”

Missing 80-Year-Old Woman Found Thanks to Her Loyal Dog

The dedication and loyalty shown by “man’s best friend” has been long documented, from tales of heroic police K9s protecting their handlers to dedicated service dogs. But a recent story out of Utah shows just how far a loving dog will go to keep their person safe.The Emery County Sheriff’s Office in east-central Utah received a report of a missing 80-year-old woman. The elderly woman from Colorado had been visiting family when she took the family dog for a walk and never returned. Even more concerning, the missing woman had dementia. Recognizing this was a high-risk situation, a search was quickly organized, including multiple rescue crews, Ralph Mitchell, a local neighbor and friend of the family, James Thomas, a K9 Officer with the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, and his canine partner, K9 Kip. It was a multi-agency effort to locate the woman quickly. Temperatures in the area rose to nearly 100 degrees during the day and dropped to 55 degrees at night. The situation was dire. The hot daytime temperatures slowed the search, forcing the teams to work when it was safe at night. After searching continuously for two days and two nights, Thomas and K9 Kip heard a dog barking briefly around 3:30 AM. Listening carefully, they tried to follow the sound but were unable to find the dog before it stopped. Thomas wasn’t the only one who heard the barking—Mitchell heard it, too! “When I was out checking the outbuildings, I heard a dog bark, and it was brief,” Mitchell explained. “I was in a very good position to get a direction on where this dog bark was coming from.” While Mitchell wasn’t able to pinpoint the bark's exact location, he was able to determine an approximate zone. On day three, the search crews accessed security cameras in the area, scanning the footage for any sign of the woman. Much to their surprise, they spotted her walking with her dog, heading east. “It was the first evidence that we had of her presence, and it gave us a timeline of when she was out walking and how long she’d been missing,” Mitchell stated. Focusing their efforts on the area they had seen her walking toward, the searchers split up and covered as much ground as they could. Not long into the search, they heard the sound again—barking. This time, they were able to follow the barks over steep, rugged terrain that had already been ruled out as too challenging for a woman of her age. Against all odds, there she was. On day three, they found her lying, fast asleep, with her face down. Her dog, 5-year-old chocolate lab Elsie, was lying beside her, sounding the alarm with her barks to call for help. While the two were dirty and dehydrated, they were in surprisingly good shape. Elsie had shown her loyalty to the family, keeping the woman safe and calling for help. In fact, searchers credited the dog with saving the woman’s life. It was a happy ending and a beautiful example of the true power of the loving bond that exists between a dog and their person. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?

Hydration is very important for all animals, especially horses. Large and powerful animals, equines can require plenty of water on a daily level. Hydration is thus a vital aspect of maintaining a horse's health and performance. Like humans, horses rely on water to regulate their body temperature, support digestion, and facilitate the smooth functioning of their organs. Understanding how much water a horse needs daily can help prevent dehydration and related health issues, ensuring the animal's overall well-being. So here is what you need to know.How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?On average, an adult horse should consume between 5 to 10 gallons of water per day (18 to 37 liters). This amount can vary based on several factors, including the horse’s size, activity level, diet, and the climate in which it lives. Larger horses, especially those engaged in strenuous activity, will typically require more water. For instance, a racehorse or a horse working in a hot environment may need closer to 15 gallons a day to stay properly hydrated.Of course, foals and younger horses may drink less water than adults, but it is still essential to provide them with easy access to fresh, clean water to promote healthy growth and development. Still, there are several factors that affect water consumption, and the foremost of these is a horse’s activity level. The more a horse exercises, the more water it will need. Horses sweat during physical exertion, losing both water and electrolytes. Replenishing this lost fluid is crucial to prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion.Diet is also crucial - horses that consume large amounts of hay, which is dry and low in moisture content, will drink more water than those on fresh pasture grass, which contains higher levels of moisture. Additionally, horses fed grains or high-protein feeds may also require more water to aid digestion.Owners also have to take into account the weather conditions. Horses living in hot or humid climates will naturally need more water to stay cool. Similarly, horses in colder environments may drink less water, but it's still important to monitor their intake to avoid dehydration, which can be a concern even in winter. Providing slightly warmed water during cold months can encourage a horse to drink more.

Are Some Toys Better For Senior Dogs? Yes!

(photo credit: Ryan Brix / shutterstock.com)When we think of aging pets, we envision dogs that have slowed down a little, love to nap and prefer to settle into a sunny spot over a vigorous walk. I admit that these days, my 13- and 15-year-old Schnoodles are less inclined to get excited when I pick up their leash than they were just a couple of years back. So, their outings are shorter and treats are doled out as a reward for making the effort when we return home.But there’s so much more to your pet’s aging than just a slower gait and desire to curl up and snooze away the afternoon. Vision starts to fade, hearing is not quite so acute and often, their teeth and gums begin to cause problems.That said, every so often we see the puppy come out when they get excited about something special – a high-value treat, another dog, your return from work, or a fun new toy that he can still enjoy despite his physical limitations. And those are the moments we want to continue creating by adapting their arsenal of playthings to meet their changing needs.

What To Do If My Dog Licks or Eats a Toad?

Dogs are curious creatures – as a result, every time your pooch is outside, they will use any opportunity to explore and roam. This wouldn’t be such a bad thing, of course, if they weren’t using their mouths and noses to do all the exploring. This is the way they get around the world, and they will often nibble or lick things that could be dangerous for them. This includes toads, which are common in many areas. While some species of toads are harmless, others can be toxic to dogs. As a caring owner, you should know how to respond quickly and properly, as it can make a big difference for your pet. What To Do If My Dog Licks or Eats a Toad?First, it is essential to know why exactly toads are dangerous to dogs. There are certain toad species, such as the Colorado River Toad (Incilius Alvarius) and the Cane Toad or Bufo Toad (Rhinella Marina), that secrete toxins from their skin and they can cause severe reactions in pets.

Does My Dog Need a Stroller?

Is a dog stroller a necessity or an extravagant splurge? While some may raise an eyebrow at the site of a dog riding comfortably in their stroller, these seemingly luxury items offer many benefits for both dogs and their owners. From providing a safe and comfortable way to transport your dog in various settings to accommodating mobility concerns and enhancing their quality of life, let’s explore why a dog stroller may be a great choice for your dog. Plus, I’ll share tips for choosing the best dog stroller for your pup and how to incorporate it effectively into your daily routine. What Are Dog Strollers? Let’s start at the beginning. What exactly are dog strollers? Are they the same as baby strollers? Can the two be used interchangeably? While dog strollers look similar to baby strollers in many ways, they have a few key features that differentiate the two. Most importantly, dog strollers incorporate a way to keep your dog secured and held in place so they can’t hop out and escape, like a zippered mesh cover or a leash attachment that can be hooked to their harness. They are often described as a “fancy dog crate on wheels.” The most basic models are soft-sided dog crates with wheels and a handle. But most offer other features, like adjustable or padded handlebars, cup holders, storage pockets and compartments, sunshades, and ramps for easy access. Is it Okay to Put Your Dog in a Stroller? An important question that every pet parent should ask when being introduced to a new product is whether it’s actually safe and beneficial for your pet. After all, just because it’s being sold and marketed doesn’t mean it’s good for them. When it comes to dog strollers, the answer is “maybe.” If you have a healthy dog, only taking them out in a stroller and not making space for the exercise and physical activity they require can lead to a whole list of health problems. However, there are many situations where a dog stroller can be used to improve your dog’s quality of health. In short, this means that, yes, there are times when it is okay to put your dog in a stroller. It is our responsibility as dog parents to recognize the right time and place for their use. Are Dog Strollers Only for Small Dogs? One of the most common misconceptions about dog strollers is that they are only designed for small dogs or toy breeds. While this is arguably the most common type of dog stroller on the market, it’s not the only option. Recognizing the benefits these products offer, many brands now make dog strollers with larger dogs in mind. This includes creating sturdier frames that can support heavier weights, offering more room for large dogs to sit or lie down comfortably, and even adding features like ramps to help our larger friends get in and out of the stroller when lifting them isn’t an option. A great example is the HPZ Pet Rover Titan-HD, designed for dogs up to 100 LBS. So, while your standard stroller may not be the right solution (not without breaking it), big dog strollers are available!

Woman Shocked to Learn the Sick Puppy She Paid to Put Down Is Alive

A Maryland woman was stunned to discover the sick dog she took to be euthanized in Mongomery County a year ago, was back at the shelter and up for adoption.Kristie Pereira made a heartbreaking decision to euthanize her dog Beau after two different veterinarians told her that it was the most humane thing she could do for her beloved pup.So you can imagine her shock when she discovered her dog was up for adoption at the same rescue organization she adopted him from. Pereira, who now lives in San Antonio, said she paid $450 in late 2022 to adopt Beau, a two-month-old hound mix, from a Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.Beau was constantly by her side, and the pair quickly became inseparable. The pup snuggled next to his owner while she slept, stayed by her side while she worked, and tagged along when she left the house.Unfortunately, Pereira soon realized that something was wrong with the pup, as Beau became unable to control his bowels and lift his hind legs. The pup’s veterinarian said that the problem was most likely neurological, and the blood tests showed that the pup might have liver issues. The vet prescribed liver enzymes and told Pereira that she would soon see improvements if the pup’s liver was the problem.The treatment didn’t work, and Beau’s condition became worse, so Pereira took him to an animal emergency veterinarian who agreed with the vet’s original assessment that the pup’s symptoms pointed to a severe neurological problem.The vet explained that further tests might cost as much as $12,000. Regardless of the high cost, Pereira claims she would have found a way to pay for tests if that would have saved Beau.Instead, the vet told Pereira that there was a slim chance of finding out what was wrong and an even smaller chance of it being something they could treat. At that point, the vet suggested it might be more humane to just euthanize the puppy.Pereira wasn’t ready to consider that option, and she spent the next month looking after the pooch, hoping that he’d get better. During this challenging time, Pereira consulted the staff at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.“Honestly, I mean, after I talked to them is really when I felt, you know, that I was going to be doing the right thing by putting him down,” said Pereira. “They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although it’s hard, sometimes that’s the best thing to do.”After spending several sleepless nights with Beau, who was clearly in pain, Pereira made the tough decision. She took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services in Derwood, Maryland, and paid $15 to have him euthanized. The staff explained to her that the shelter’s policy doesn’t allow the owners to stay with their pets as they are put to sleep, so she said goodbye to Beau and left the office.A year after she said goodbye to Beau, Pereira started thinking about getting another dog. While visiting her mother in Maryland, she decided to check adoptable dogs on the rescue’s website, when she came across Beau’s photo. The pup was bigger now but bore the same markings and had the same name the shelter had given him before she adopted him - Amos Hart.After calling the Montgomery County shelter, Pereira got confirmation that her dog hadn’t been euthanized after vets there determined he could be saved. The shelter called the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation and returned the pup to them.The rescue confirmed in a written statement that their vets didn’t find any neurological issues with the dog. Instead, they diagnosed Beau with a liver problem, which was cured by a $7,000 surgery. None of this was shared with Pereira, who said she would pay the surgery’s cost to get Beau back. Unfortunately, the rescue organization doesn’t rehome owner-surrendered pets with their former adopters and won’t make an exception in this case.Beau, AKA Amos Hart, remains available for adoption on the rescue’s website. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Reverse sneezing, also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, is a condition that often worries dog owners because of its dramatic presentation. Unlike regular, common sneezing, which involves expelling air out through the nose, reverse sneezing occurs when a dog rapidly pulls air into its nose. This phenomenon is characterized by sudden, repeated, and forceful inhalations through the nose, accompanied by a snorting sound that can be quite alarming to those unfamiliar with the condition. But is it a cause for worry? Here’s the scoop on this weird behavior.What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?What reverse sneezing essentially is is a spasm of the throat and the soft palate. During an episode, the dog’s airway temporarily narrows, causing the dog to extend its neck and make loud snorting noises as it tries to clear the irritation. These episodes are usually brief, lasting from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and they typically resolve on their own without intervention. There are several key factors that can trigger reverse sneezing in dogs. Here are some common causes:#1 Irritants:Environmental irritants, such as pollen, dust, perfumes, and smoke can all cause reverse sneezing. Dogs with allergies, or those exposed to new or strong scents are particularly susceptible. For dogs with allergies, supplements can be of great help in managing symptoms and even relieving them altogether.

What Collar is Best for My Dog?

When choosing a collar for our dogs, we often focus on elements like the color, pattern, or preferred material. However, there is much more to consider than just the style and aesthetic. Selecting the best collar is essential for your dog’s safety, comfort, and overall well-being.However, with so many different collar options available, deciding which will best suit your dog and their lifestyle can be overwhelming.This guide will break down the different types of collars, their purpose, and the factors you should consider. From standard nylon collars to tick-prevention products, you’ll find everything you need to make a confident decision when shopping for your dog.Choosing the Right Collar for Your DogSelecting a collar can feel overwhelming. There is so much to consider, from functionality to style. So, let’s start at square one. Here are the most common types of dog collars and the situations they are most often recommended for:Traditional Flat Collar This is the most common type of dog collar you will see. Traditional flat collars get their name because they lay flat against your dog’s neck. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials, including leather, nylon, cotton, and Biothane, among others. The collars usually feature a D-ring or O-ring to attach a leash or hold your dog’s ID tags and a buckle to make it easy to put the collar on/take it off as needed. Flat collars are the most recommended option for ensuring your dog has basic identification on them on a day-to-day basis. Most dogs wear a flat collar around their yard, in the car, on walks, and in other routine situations. Martingale Collar At first glance, a martingale collar looks similar to a flat collar. However, when you look closer, you’ll see an additional loop on the back of the collar that tightens when the dog pulls. The slight tightening can be used to train a dog not to pull when walking, making it a popular training tool. Martingale collars also help prevent a dog from pulling their head out of the collar and escaping, which is an important consideration for dogs who are a flight risk or those with narrow heads roughly the same circumference as their neck, like sighthounds. They are often used in shelters and rescue organizations for this reason.Head CollarMany will argue that these aren’t just a collar. However, they do include a portion that goes around the neck, and they serve a purpose comparable to other collars on the list, so I feel they deserve to be mentioned. Head collars are best described as a horse halter for dogs. One loop of the collar goes around the neck like usual, while a second loop goes around the snout. The leash attaches just below the snout, allowing the handler to direct the dog by guiding their head. These are a popular choice for dogs who pull. If your dog starts to pull, as they would with another collar type or on a harness, the head collar will cause the head to turn and redirect the dog back toward you. They are also recommended for situations where the handler may not have the physical ability to hold back a pulling dog. Head collars are widely used in the service dog community. Unfortunately, if misused, these collars can cause serious damage. This happens most often if the dog tries to bolt, jerking their head suddenly to the side and injuring the neck. The use of a head collar should be paired with proper training. Tracking Collars and GPS CollarIf you plan on traveling or adventuring with your dog, you may want to consider purchasing a GPS collar. They are also commonly recommended for dogs who are escape artists or flight risks. These collars feature a unit that tracks your pet's location and movement using global positioning satellite technology. This can help locate your dog if they wander off or get lost. There are two main types of GPS collars, such as: Basic Tracking Collars: The most common type, these collars rely on a nearby phone or device or the presence of a cellular network to pick up and transmit the collar’s location. Example: Fi Series 3 Smart Dog CollarHunting or Backcountry Trackers: These collars are a bigger investment due to their advanced tracking technology. They are designed to work in remote areas where basic tracking collars fail to connect. Example: Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking BundleAdditionally, tracking devices like the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs are separate units that can be attached to any collar, transforming your standard collar into a tracking collar. It should be noted that many tracking collars are not a “one and done” investment. Instead, you will need a monthly subscription for a small fee to keep using their network. For example, the subscription for Tractive devices starts at $5/month. If you cancel this subscription, you can no longer access the collar’s location.Flea/Tick CollarDesigned to help prevent fleas and ticks, these collars contain an anti-parasitic medication that is slowly released into your pet’s skin over time. Like a topical preventative, the active chemical is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. While all collars work by killing fleas and ticks if they bite, others will work to repel the pests from even showing interest. These collars are still a chemical product and should be approached with caution. Some dogs will have adverse reactions. If introducing a flea/tick collar for the first time, monitor your dog carefully for any sign of trouble. LED CollarA growing trend with a focus on nighttime safety, LED collars feature bright LED lights that can be turned on, either as a solid light or with various flashing patterns, to make your dog visible in the dark. They come in one basic size and can then be cut down to fit your dog, making the collar easy to adjust to dogs of any size. Many of these collars are a one-time-use product, needing to be replaced when the included battery dies. However, with a growing interest in sustainability, companies are now selling rechargeable options. Our dogs wear the Nite Ize NiteHowl Max Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace. If you don’t want to deal with a full LED collar or prefer something you can keep safely tucked away in your pocket or purse to pull out when needed, the Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light is a great option. This little light just clips onto their existing collar or harness.

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