Cat training shock collar is a devise that is clipped around the neck of your feline pet and activated via remote control.
The effect of the collar is to deliver an electric shock that tends to stop the cat from performing an act you do not want it to.
In simper words, by delivering an electric shock, you compel the cat to listen to you. It is a forceful way to commanding the cat and stopping it from going ahead with what it is currently doing. Basically, you establish an invisible boundary via the aid of this shock collar.
So, in this article, we shall discuss whether shock collars are really effective for cats or not. We shall also discuss whether it is safe for the cat to be fortified with such a collar or not.
So, let’s begin!
Cat Training Shock Collar Write-Up Contents:
1) What is a Cat Training Shock Collar & How does it Work?
2) Is Cat Silencing Collar Cruel for the Animal?
3) Can Shock Collars Stop Cats from Mewing?
4) How to Choose the Best Shock Collar for Cats?
5) Obedience Cat Collar Vs Maintenance Cat Collar – Which is Better?
6) FAQ on Cat Shock Collar
7) My Opinion on Cat Training Shock Collar
What is a Cat Training Shock Collar & How does it Work?
Like the word itself suggests, a cat training collar is a simple devise that is strapped around the neck of your feline companion. The collar has two blunt spikes emitting outwards. These are to be placed towards the skin of the animal.
These blunt spikes tend to push through the fur of the cat and come in contact with the skin around the neck area. The two spikes have electromagnetic pulses that get activated from a remote control devise.
The collar can deliver anywhere in between 90 volts to 6100 volts. So, a single press of the remote button can literally send shock-waves that the cat feels instantly. This inhibits the animal from doing what you do not want it to.
Different Kinds of Shocks
There are different kinds of shocks that can be felt by the cat. This is based on how the manufacturer has designed the electric current to pass through the collar.
This could be in the form of pulse or vibrations. Clicking sounds can also be emitted by collars designed to emit the clicker tool effect for training cats. Some even use beeps. Nonetheless, the effect is the same.
The cat gets a shock and stops doing what it is currently doing. This way, you have complete control over the actions of the animal.
Is Cat Silencing Collar Cruel for the Animal?
>>> Many cat owners and most animal organizations are against the usage of shock collars for cats.
>>> Complaints against the lack of restrictions on voltage have caused concern. Some cat collars deliver such high voltages that the cat is in immense pain and discomfort.
>>> The beeps are uncontrolled, the vibration levels are often tampered with and the voltage is almost always compromised upon. So, the true worth of the collar is always a questionable affair.
>>> With lack of control on the devise, collars based on shock therapy cause more damage to the animal than what was intended upon.
>>> Lack of research on shock collars makes it tough for the manufacturers to follow a set pattern. This makes these collars unsafe for usage.
>>> In some cases, cats have been known to suffer serious damage owing to the high levels of shock they received.
>>> The fear that the cat shock collar creates leads to your car getting aggressive. This is because the fear instilled by shocks delivered by this collar instills fear in the mind of the animal.
Can Shock Collars Stop Cats from Mewing?
A cat collar that is fortified with electric current that is used to alter the current behavioral pattern of a cat. By punishing it slightly, the positive effect of this treatment methodology is very effective in keeping the cat from becoming unruly.
Cat behavioral experts as well as trainers have stated that shock collars offer positive discipline in cats. This is rather questionable yet, it does help the cat from speaking too much – mewing.
Why does Your Cat Mew So Often?
Just like human beings talk to one another, cats mew in order to communicate with one another. A certain breed of cat tends to communicate far more than another. This is why your cat may be mewing all the time thereby causing irritation.
If the mewing is friendly and less demanding, it is well received from the owner. Nonetheless, if it is demanding and aggressive, putting a stop to it is vital. This is when shock collars come into use.
Here are the main reasons why your cat mews so often:
>>> Cats often mew when they have seen you after a long time. So, when you return from a trip to the grocery store, the animal shall mew to greet you.
>>> When you hear a rather loud sound from your cat’s mouth, it may be an indicator to mating. When a female cat is in heat, it emits a sound that can rattle you easily.
>>> Another reason why your cat mews is because it is seeking your attention. Maybe it simply wants to play with you. Maybe you have not gotten the cat what it wants from you – a treat perhaps!
>>> When the cat wants to head to the yard for a stroll, it tends to mew. When it wants to come inside the house, it does the same.
>>> If you have skipped the eating time of the cat, the animal shall mew. So, deliver the meal to the cat as soon as possible to stop it from driving you mad.
>>> When the cat is bored, it tends to mew. In order to stop this insistent mewing, you need to spend some quality time with your pet and calm her down.
>>> If the cat is in pain or not feeling good, she shall mew a lot. You need to take her to the vet to get her physically assessed. A physically fit cat shall not mew.
How to Stop Cats from Mewing without using a Shock Collar?
There are times when your cat continues to mew for hours at length. This is when things can start to get rather irritating. There could be a myriad of reasons why your cat is behaving such a manner.
Identify the Problem:
So, your primary job is to identify the issue first before jumping to any conclusion. It could be that your cat is unwell or hungry. The animal could also be aching to get out of the house and is therefore mewing continuously.
Provide the Solution:
After locating the problem you need to address it aptly. Ideally, you should avoid giving large gaps in between the meals of your beloved pet. This helps the cat feel comfortable and is less annoyed. Training your cat should be a pleasant experience.
Moreover, you should take the cat outdoors more often. Intermingling with nature makes a cat happy. Regular visits to the vet shall also reduce the chances of the animal falling sick. Also, give it ample play time wherein you interact with your feline friend.
Is a Shock Collar Effective in Stopping a Cat from Mewing?
Shock collars tend to work in a rather strict manner. Over here, the animal is subjected to a harsh electric shock delivered via the special collar.
Usually when the cat mews non-stop, the remote control devise is activated. The shock may be as low as 99 volts and as high as 6000 volts. While it may work in disciplining the animal, it is usually a painful way to make the cat stop mewing.
You should try and avoid using a car shock collar. Instead, you need to focus on understanding the problem your cat is facing and then, finding a solution for the same.
How to Choose the Best Shock Collar for Cats?
There are several types of shock collars meant for cats. Nonetheless, most variants have similarities. Hence, you should ideally pick one that is in sync with the indoor environment and one that is best suited for outdoors.
The Indoor Shock Collar
Well, this is a collar that is ideally a wireless setup (up to 10 feet in range and 15 feet in diameter). It helps the cat determine the boundaries that it is supposed to stay within. So, if you do not want the cat to step out of the house then, such a collar should be used.
Moreover, denying the cat access to certain areas of the house (such as the baby room, toilets) works best with such a devise. After having determined a range, you need to ensure that the cat does not step beyond the boundary.
When the cat reaches the boundary, a series of beeps or vibrations shall be emitted by the collar. If the cat continues on its way, it shall receive a shock. This shall startle the cat.
If it continues, it shall receive another (a stronger) shock. The cat automatically stops in its tracks. Beeps and vibrations shall intensify after every repeated shock. This indirectly teaches the cat to remain within a certain boundary.
The Outdoor Shock Collar:
Another shock collar that you need to consider is when you take the cat outside. So, when your cat is walking alongside you (may it be in the garden or at the yard) there are places you do not want it to go. This is when you need to exercise control.
This control is via remote controlled shock collars being strapped around the neck of the animal. The range of such collars is longer as compared to the indoor based collars. Usually, they cover almost an acre of space (a little short of an acre would be precise).
These collars are waterproof and work on the same functionality as the indoor varieties. These are based on wireless boundaries. Over here, you do not have to lay a boundary wire across your yard.
The levels of shock increase with each mistake the cat makes. The shocks are not at all severe enough to cause serious damage to the animal. Eventually the feline animal learns to accept the boundaries.
Obedience Cat Collar Vs Maintenance Cat Collar – Which is Better?
Pet owners that want to use this devise to discipline their cats need to know the different collar types. So, the two main types of collars are obedient and maintenance.
The Obedience Shock Collar for Cats
This is a collar that home owners use to discipline their cat. It is mainly a training based collar. Over here, the cat is trained to stop doing an activity which the owner considers to be unruly or unhealthy.
Cats get a shock when they misbehave. The instant the electric shock is triggered, the cat stops being unruly. So, it helps discipline the feline animal. The range is short (usually a few feet) and the collar is water proof.
What Worries Us Most?
The obedience collar is usually preferred by pet owners. Nonetheless, animal activists and even vets are not very happy with this devise. They find it a cruel way to discipline a cat.
This collar works on battery. The moment the battery is discharged, the devise shall stop working. So, you need to recharge the battery continuously.
Cats have also been known to become stressed and even angry when shock is delivered on a regular basis. The act of shocking a cat is often misunderstood by the animal.
The Containment Shock Collar for Cats
The other collar is used to help a cat remain within a certain boundary at all times. This means that cats cannot venture out of a boundary that you have established for them.
Whenever a cat reaches the boundary, a warning shall be dispatched via the collar. This could be in the form of beeps or vibrations. If the cat fails to adhere to this alarm, an electric shock is delivered by the collar.
Here, the shock can be delivered as per the intensity level established by the pet owner. The shock can be light or strong. The range of such a collar is usually close to 1 acre.
What Worries Us Most?
Well, like any other devise that delivers shocks to an animal, even the Maintenance collar is not liked by animal lovers. This devise needs to be recharged on a regular basis. Once discharged, this collar shall become ineffective.
When the animal receives electric shocks, it tends to get confused. This causes the feline animal to often react in a confused manner (post the shock treatment). Animal activists across the globe claim that there are better ways to contain cats within a specified boundary.
FAQ on Cat Shock Collar
Q-1: Are Shock Collars Cruel for the Feline Pet?
A-1: Yes, they can be cruel if the voltage is not properly adjusted in the collar. If the shock to be delivered is intended at 99 volts but is delivered at 199 volts then, the cruelty element is clearly evident.
Q-2: Can a Cat Suffer Brain Damage by Shock Collar?
A-2: No, shock collars do not cause any brain damage to cats. Nonetheless, they may cause mental issues and certain physical issues in and around the neck area of the feline animal.
Q-3: Can Shock Collars Cause Seizures to Cats?
A-3: They usually do not cause seizures in cats. Nonetheless, if the voltage is not regulated, the high volume of electric current can cause pain, nausea and limping in cats. In certain rare cases (owing to high voltage being directed to the collar) cats can also get seizures.
Q-4: Does the Vet Recommend Cats to be Trained using a Shock Collar?
A-4: No, most vets are not in favour of using a shock collar for cats. They deem it unfit for training the animal aptly. As per a few vets, such devises instil fear and confusion in animals.
Q-5: Is My Cat Shock Collar Similar to a Vibration Collar?
A-5: No, both these devises act in different ways. A shock collar delivers an electric shock to the feline thereby stopping it from performing a particular task. A vibration collar on the other hand, simply delivers a mild vibration to the animal’s neck.
Q-6: Can a Prong Collar Cause Aggression in My Cat?
A-6: Yes, it is quite possible that a pinch collar causes your cat to become aggressive. The shock waves travel from the brain to the entire body. This is a feeling that any animal would like to avoid. Aggression and anger are by-products of this devise.
Q-7: Is it Legal to use a Shock Collar on my Cat?
A-7: There are a few countries that have banned the use of shock collars on animals (including cats). These countries include Australia, Denmark, Norway, Quebec, Austria, Wales, Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia.
If you belong to any of the above mentioned countries, you can be legally penalized for making your cat wear a shock collar.
Q-8: My Cat is 6 Months Old. Can I Train it using a Shock Collar?
A-8: You can use a shock collar on cats that are 4 months of age and above.
Q-9: I am using a Cat Shock Collar for the First Time. How do I Make use of it?
A-9: To start with, make sure it is light in weight. It should fit snugly around the neck of the animal (but not too tight). The voltage should be kept to bear minimal so as not to hurt the animal in any which way. Add warning vibrations and beeps before delivering a shock.
Q-10: It is Raining Outside. Can I Use my Shock Collar for Cats in Rain?
A-10: If your collar is waterproof then, you can make use of it in rain as well. You can even place such devises underwater and not harm the animal. On the other hand, if your shock collar is not water proof then, avoid using it in rain.
My Opinion on Cat Training Shock Collar
In conclusion, using a cat training shock collar can be a surprisingly effective tool for improving your feline friend’s behavior, but it’s essential to use it responsibly.
Scientific studies, such as those published in the “Journal of Veterinary Behavior,” indicate that when used correctly, training collars can help reduce undesirable behaviors without causing harm. Think of it as a gentle nudge in the right direction, rather than a harsh reprimand.
Of course, the key is moderation and positive reinforcement. Pairing the collar with treats, praise, and plenty of playtime ensures that your cat understands the behavior you’re encouraging.
Imagine turning your mischievous kitty into a well-behaved companion who listens and responds with ease – it’s like having the best-behaved cat on the block!
Remember, patience and consistency are crucial. Every cat is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where training becomes a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
So, if you’re ready to embark on this training journey, arm yourself with knowledge, a good sense of humor, and a lot of love.
Your cat’s new, improved behavior is just a few purrs away!
>>> Click Here to Learn How to Train Your Cat Using Loving & Friendly Methods <<<
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787822000867
- https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2017-12/electronic-collars-in-dogs-and-cats-review-of-welfare-implications.pdf