Question: "How can I train cat to wear a collar?"

Ellen writes, "I have read Amy's book, "Complete Kitten Care" and found it very helpful. I was hoping Samson (now 8 months old) would outgrow his nervousness. He's much better than he was when we first got him at 8 weeks but he's still a nervous boy, skittish of strange noises and people, and poops every time he's in the car. I've purchased Feliway spray and atomizers for the home, as well as Bach emotional remedies which I drop into his water.

I'm writing because I'm trying to get a collar on him and he nearly kills himself in an attempt to get it off of him. It drives him crazy, as did the harness I tried putting on him so that he could go outside. He does love to play, though."

Amy's Answer

Cat fear can be an issue of health, instinct, or both and often is related to the environment. Think of this as the H.I.S.S. Test, which stands for health, instinct, stress, and symptom solvers. As you've discovered, some kittens simply inherit a "scaredy cat" gene. They come by this honestly as being fearful can protect them from stranger danger. Good for you, using the Feliway and Bach flower remedies. You must be doing a lot right since he's improved from when he was first adopted.

Many of the same techniques for leash and halter training also work for getting a kitty to accept wearing a collar. I actually prefer the halter, as it doesn't risk damage to the cat's throat.

It's wonderful that Samson loves to play. You can use that as a training reward.

Kitty clicker training may be a good fit for Samson because it also builds confidence, and teaches the cat that he has control over his environment.

1. Leave the harness (or collar) out and pet Samson all over with it so that it smells like him. You might want to spray some of the Feliway on the collar or harness, too. Play Samson's favorite game with the harness, collar and leash present so that he starts to associate fun things with these items. Our biggest mistakes with shy kitties is moving too quickly. It can take weeks of baby paw-steps before he's willing to accept wearing these items.
2. Even when you're not playing, leave these training tools out. If you see Samson approach and sniff or paw the halter, give him a CLICK! and then reward with a treat or favorite game. Again, this rewards him for being courageous and interacting with these strange items.
3. After a week, drape the halter or collar over his back-don't force him to wear it yet-and then CLICK! and reward with play. Repeat three to five times in a row. Be very encouraged when he starts pawing/nosing the halter on his own and then looking to you for a game. That means he's learned that he controls when you play-GOOD kitty!
4. Eventually put the halter on him, and immediately engage him in his favorite game. Once cats realize that a halter does not anchor them immobile to the floor, they're willing to explore. If you've gotten Samson used to playing in and around the collar, halter and leash he'll already identify wearing them with good things.