do bells on cat collars work.

[Erdinger]

Up until now we have been reluctant to fit a collar on McCoy through the concern that he might 'hook' himself onto a tree branch or the like. However, following the sorry sight of tonights 'trophy' that he brought in for us we feel that we must try anything to at least give the birds etc a bit of warning, Are collar bells effective? I realise we can't stop him doing what comes naturally but anything to lower his 'strike' rate would be great. Thanks..............

[annie0000]

As our neighbours are keen on birds in their garden, we have always had Lucy fitted with a collar and bell - she has never yet brought us any "presents" but does catch loads of insects so seems happy enough with her hunting prowess!!

These collars are great and do come off if caught on anything:

http://www.kittycollars.co.uk/personalised-cat -collars.htm

[Erdinger]

thanks Annie..................

[ganesh]

Please don't, I think collars are horrible on cats (actually my first cat had one but he kept losing it!) especially with a bell on. Irritating enough for the owner and neighbours, but how awful is that for the cat!
I feel sorry for their prey but they are just being real cats,after all.

[keithlbw]

I tried putting a belled collar on one of my cats who was a prolific hunter. His kill rate went down at first but he soon learnt to be more stealthy, and in no time at all his kill rate was back to normal, if not better.