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Few things are scarier than realizing that your cat is missing. Visit any neighborhood social media group and be amazed by the number of local cats that manage to disappear. It’s pretty much inevitable that your indoor cat will slip out of the house when a guest arrives or your curious outdoor cat will get stuck in someone’s garage. So we’ve hunted down the best cat ID tags that (coupled with a good cat collar) will help the person who finds your furry friend get them back to you quickly.
The Importance of Cat Microchips, Tags, and Collars
Twenty-five percent of cats who go missing from their homes are never found, according to a study about lost pets conducted by ASPCA researchers. The majority of lost cats in the study weren’t wearing a collar or tags. Owners of indoor-only cats felt their pets didn’t need them, but 40 percent of the lost cats identified in the study were indoor cats. “Collars and ID tags or humane trapping could be valuable approaches,” the authors concluded.
Microchips the size of a grain of rice can be implanted by the vet on any routine visit and are relatively inexpensive ($40–$55). Once your kitty has a chip, any vet or shelter can scan the cat for information that links back to the veterinarian who microchipped the cat and to you. This Rover article explains what you need to know about microchipping.
Unfortunately, not everyone who finds a cat knows about microchipping. Often, they just adopt the “stray.”
That’s why you need a collar and a tag for your kitty. Tags start at just $7, so it’s an easy investment that could save you days of worry and cat-hunting.
There are several types of tags out there; each has its own appeal to cats and their humans. There are heavy-duty metal tags or lightweight plastic and silicone tags that make less noise. Some tags are reflective, which is helpful if you have a cat that goes outdoors at night or in low light. Some tags are extra easy to read, which will help the person who finds your cat see your phone number or email address. There are a couple of alternatives to tags that dangle from a metal ring as well: Some companies print information onto the collar itself; others slide onto the collar and lie flat on your kitty’s neck.
The Best Cat ID Tags
Make sure the tag you choose has enough room for your information. (When it comes to what you should include on your cat’s ID tag or collar, see this article for advice that might surprise you.) Here are our top choices for ID tags that can help bring your sweet kitty safely home if they get lost.
Love Your Pets Silicone Tag
These cool durable silicone tags won’t rattle against collar buckles or rings—plus they’re pretty darn cute. Choose from several patterns or colors and customize with your cat’s name and your contact information.
Shop on AmazonGoTags Personalized Stainless Steel Cat ID
This traditional, cute stainless steel cat ID gets high ratings for being inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to read.
Shop on ChewyGoTags Personalized Reflective Breakaway Collar
Not interested in separate tags but still want your cat to wear some ID? Not a problem. This reflective nylon breakaway collar from GoTags has your cat’s information embroidered right on the collar, no dangly tag needed.
Shop on ChewySlide-on Cat ID Tag
At our house, the favorite cat ID tag is this one, from Road ID. It fits cat collars up to a half-inch wide and comes with two sets of attachment bands so you get a snug collar fit. You get to enter four lines of text, which should be plenty. Easy-to-read laser engraving is black on slate or rose-gold stainless steel, or white on graphite stainless steel.
Shop on Road IDBig Jerk Custom Products ID Tag for Indoor Cats
Put your indoor cat’s information on the back of this tag, and you’re set. Anyone who sees your cat outdoors will get the message that they need to take action to get the little furball back home.
Shop on AmazonTagMe Breakaway ID Collars
Here’s a highly affordable solution that builds the tag into a reflective collar. The highly visible collars come in packs of two and a choice of eight colors; the engraved stainless steel plate can be placed (by crimping the metal) anywhere on the collar. It gets great reviews, though some people noted that these collars are a bit large for kittens under six months of age.
Shop on AmazonLucky Pet Slide-On ID Tags
We like this solid stainless steel tag with plenty of room for address, phone, and email information and two attachment options: the tag with closed ends threads onto a collar that has a free end without a buckle; if there’s hardware on both ends of your cat’s collar, select the tag with open ends. The small tag should fit most cat collars, but double check the measurements.
Shop on AmazonLucky Pet Durable Plastic Pet ID Tags
I can attest to the durability of these lightweight, reflective tags. My tabby Zoe is sitting on the desk as I type, wearing a tag that is at least five years old and still fully readable. The small size is perfect for cats—the teeny round tag in particular is just under one inch across.
Shop on AmazonGoTags Personalized Swarovski Crystal Cat Tags
Personalize this sparkly tag with your cat’s name on the front and your information on the back and let your cat enjoy swanning around in Swarovski crystal style.
Shop on GoTagsTwo Tails Pet Company Cat ID Tag
Here’s something a little different: A stylish enamel pin-style tag with “Silently Judging You” on one side and your cat’s requisite ID information on the other side.
Shop on ChewyFurther Reading
- These Cat Collars Rock Style and Safety
- Ring! Ring! 12 Cat Collars with Bells—Bird-Safe and Convenient
- The Best GPS Cat Collars and Why You Might Want One
Featured image via Pedro Sanz/Unsplash
