In some parts of the world, like Australia, it is a legal requirement for your cat to wear a collar and an ID Tag. Whilst that's not the case here in the UK, it's recommended that a personalised ID tag and a breakaway safety collar is worn by your feline friend to ensure they are safely returned to you should they get lost or injured on their adventures. Wearing a collar and an ID tag also lets people know that your cat isn't a stray and has a loving home they need to return to.  

My cat is microchipped. Do they still need an ID tag? 

Every cat should be microchipped and registered to guarantee successful identification. Make sure that your cat's microchip is up to date with your current address and contact number. Your cat's microchip can only be read using a special scanner at a vet or animal shelter, so it's a good idea for them to wear an ID tag too so that anyone can access your contact details if your cat is injured or appears lost. A trip to the vet can be an upsetting ordeal for some cats, so avoiding needless stress by having contact info immediately at hand is always preferable!

But my cat is an indoor cat, do they need an ID tag? 

We still recommend ID tags for inside dwellers. There is always the risk of an unforeseen escape through an open door or window or via the garden. If your cat isn't used to being outdoors, it is essential to let people know. Consider putting a message like 'indoor cat' or 'I am lost, so if someone were to find your cat in distress, they would be immediately aware they are not where they should be. With one simple call to the number engraved on the ID tag, your beloved cat can be returned to you safe and sound. 

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What should I put on my cat's ID tag? 

The engraving we put on the tag is entirely up to you. The most crucial information for your cat's ID tag is a primary contact telephone number. Remember that the more information you request on their tag, the smaller the font will need to be to fit it on. So it's best for the engraving to be as short as possible without unnecessary extras. 

•  Many of our customers opt to include their cat's name on the front or first line. Whilst this is a lovely personalised addition but not as critical for identification as a phone number. 
•  'I'm microchipped' can also be a good deterrent for thieves and if your cat prefers to wear a smaller ID tag with limited engraving space. 
• We would also recommend putting any essential information about your feline friend, such as an allergy or an ailment, i.e. 'do not feed', 'I'm deaf', 'indoor cat'.
• Including your home address could be the quickest way for your kitty to be returned to you, especially if they haven't strayed too far. Try to shorten the address as much as possible. I.e put rd instead of road or opt for the postcode/zip code and your house name or door number. 

How much information should I put on a tag?

The engraving space on our smallest tags (Fish ID tag) is limited, so we recommend just a name (your cat's name or your family name) and primary phone number. The disc tags accommodate more text, so a second telephone number or short message can be added. If you want to include extra information on your tag such as name, phone number, address and important details such as 'indoor cat' or 'medical needs, then we highly recommend choosing our double-sided engraved tag. Always bear in mind that the more engraving you want the smaller your font will become. The main purpose of the tag is that it is as legible as possible. Therefore we recommend avoiding unnecessary information such as 'Tel:' or symbols. 

Where can I get a personalised ID tag made?

Here at Cheshire & Wain, we offer an in-house personalisation service on our range of unique cat tags in different finishes from gold, silver, rose gold and black. Our cat ID tags come in different sizes, such as fish-shaped cat tags and classic 22mm discs. 

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What makes Cheshire & Wain ID tags special?

Our tags are made from titanium steel with PVD plating. It's a durable and environmentally-friendly form of ionic plating that uses fewer chemical compounds. We switched to making all of our tags out of this material due to improved scratch resistance and durability through normal wear.

• Cheshire & Wain cat tags are also rust, tarnish and scratch-resistant, and we use deep engraving to ensure that the information is always clear and visible. 
• The font that we use has been specifically designed for legibility. It's a particular font designed for industrial applications, similar to the more well-known font, Helvetica. 

• We stock a variety of different designs to choose from so you can find one that suits your cat's needs and personality. 

FAQs

My cat doesn't seem to like things hanging from my collar. Will an ID tag annoy them?

Every cat is different. Our tags are deliberately lightweight, our discs weigh 6 grams, and the fish are just 4 grams. Try our smallest ID tag, but if this still bothers them, you could instead put your contact phone number on the collar itself. We have a personalisation service where you can do this.  

I don't want my personal information on the tag. What can I put instead?

The primary purpose of an ID tag is to reunite you with your lost or injured cat easily - If you don't want to have your personal information on display, you could instead put your vet's telephone number and your full name. 

I'm worried that my cat is not safe wearing a collar? 

Our luxury cat collars are entirely safe for your cat to wear. Each of our collars has a vet-recommended breakaway safety catch which is designed to break open if your cat gets the collar caught and is in danger of injury. It is important to get the right fit to reduce unnecessary loss and keep your kitty safe. See our fitting guide for more information. 

 My cat hates wearing a collar. How should I protect them if they get lost? 

Collars aren't suitable for all cats but most will get used to wearing a collar if you choose a comfortable one and fit it gradually for longer and longer each day. Our collars are made from soft leather and suede to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Consider removing the bell to see if it's the noise instead of the feel of a collar that bothers your cat. If you've tried the above and your cat still isn't a fan of collars - microchipping them is essential! The chip contains a unique 15-digit code linked to a national database with your details, including your name, address, and emergency telephone number in the UK. The vet or animal rescue shelters have a special scanner that can read the microchip, so even if your cat is stolen, if they later get taken into the vet, they may be able to see that the cat does not belong to that person. Make sure that you keep your contact information up to date. 

How do you attach the ID tag to the collar? 

Our ID tags come with a metal split ring. If you've also ordered a collar, we will attach the tag for you. If you have ordered more than one collar and tag, feel free to include an order note to let us know which tag is for which collar. If you are purchasing the tag for an existing collar, you can easily attach it using the metal loop. 

Quick! I need an engraved tag urgently. 

Our tags are engraved to order so there is a processing time to complete the engraving. If you need your cat's tag urgently, please write to us before placing your order or immediately afterwards, and we will endeavour to get it to you as quickly as possible.

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