How to Bell a Cat

Belling a cat is a simple act which serves to alert you as to the whereabouts of your feline. The process was first immortalized by Aesop in the sixth century and refers to the ease with which impossible solutions are proposed. Luckily for you and I, we are not mice and belling the cat takes very little time. Read on to learn how to bell a cat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Small bell with a loop for fastening
• Cat collar
• Cat

1. First, fix the bell to the cat collar. Most collars have a loop of metal which allows for the application of veterinary tags.
2. Holding your cat in both arms and whispering soothingly to him or her, gently place the collar around the cat's neck.
3. Depending on the temperament of your cat he or she will do one of two things at this point. If your cat is of a mild disposition, he or she will accept the collar and purr gratefully in your arms. In this case once you have fixed the clasp of the collar then you are done. If your cat is of the nervous persuasion he or she might attempt to bolt at the feel of such a thing around his or her neck. I know this for a fact because my own cat, Oreo is a nervous cat. Hold the cat by the scruff of the neck and prepare for a struggle.
4. Place your cat down on a flat surface, this brings the cat some comfort as they will feel in control of the situation. Be careful of stray claws. Keep pressure between the shoulder blades and do not let the cat extend their legs.
5. If you are doing this alone, place both forearms around the cat with your elbows firmly placed by their hind legs. This should give you the time you need to fix the collar with the bell on your cat. Once you have affixed the collar release the cat and stand back. Your cat is belled.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the collar is not too loose or tight. You should be able to slip one or two fingers between the neck and the collar.