Should my cat have a tag? Cats are known for their independent and curious nature. Even the most home-body indoor cats can find a way out of the house if they really want to go exploring. Unfortunately, this means that at some point your cat may run away and get lost. The American Humane Association estimates that approximately 10 million pets go missing every year and less than 23% of pets are reunited with their family.
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the risk of this happening. One of the simplest is by getting your kitty a cat tag for their collar so that you can easily be reunited with them if they ever manage to sneak out. Cat ID tags help people see information about your cat more clearly and how to contact you. For example, a contact telephone number is the most effective way to reunite a lost cat. They can also state if they are an indoor cat or require medication.
PHOTO: Custom sushi cat tag available at Kissamo
A distinctive and unique cat tag design can help identify your cat, even if they are shy of strangers and seen from afar.
Cat tags come in many different designs and materials and it's important to pick a good one for their needs. Metal tags are the most common but acrylic cat tags are less obtrusive for them as they are lightweight and quiet. In fact, metal tags that constantly jingle can be overwhelming and even frightening for cats who's hearing is much more sensitive than our own.
How to attach a cat tag
Cat tags are attached to either their collar or harness. It’s important to attach their pet tag using a pop-away collar rather than a traditional buckle design. Since cats scramble into trees and bushes, a pop-away collar ensures the collar will release and not cause injury to their neck if they get stuck. For this reason a rigid buckle design should always be avoided for cats and kittens.
The cat tag should be small enough to not interfere with their daily activity or eating/drinking. When adjusting the collar, it should be snug enough not to pull over the cat’s head easily, but loose enough for you to fit two fingers between the collar and the cat’s neck.
For cats or kittens wearing their first pet tag, start gradually by putting on their tag for short periods (for example during meal time) with lots of treats to make the experience positive for them. Over time they can wear their tags for longer and longer periods.
You can also rub a new collar on their bed or facecloth with the cat’s own scent, so that the collar smells familiar. Not all cats accept a collar or tag straight away but there are techniques using patience and positive reinforcement to help them so that they can be safe throughout their lives.