Free tool
What to put on a cat tag
No law says what a cat's tag must show, so the aim is simple: make it easy for whoever finds your cat to reach you. Type your details below to lay out the wording and see how it looks on the tag.
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–A phone number, so whoever finds your cat can call you
No law says what a cat's tag must show, but a phone number is the quickest way for a neighbour to reach you.
Want finders to reach you without seeing your number?
Use a PetTag instead of an engraved tag: no law says what a cat's tag must show. Anyone who scans it can call or message you straight away, and you choose what they see. QR cat tags from £10.
Does the law say what goes on a cat tag?
No. The Control of Dogs Order, which says what a dog's tag must show, only covers dogs, and no law says a cat has to wear a collar. What the law does ask, in England, is that pet cats are microchipped by 20 weeks old and the details kept up to date. A tag is an extra that a neighbour can read without a trip to the vet. Our guide to cat collars sets out what cat charities say about them.
Worth adding
- Your phone number. It's the quickest way for a neighbour to reach you.
- “I'm microchipped”, so a finder knows a vet can scan your cat.
- “Indoor cat” if your cat never goes out, so a finder knows they're lost rather than out for a wander.
- Anything a finder needs to know straight away, like “needs daily medication” or “deaf”.
Worth leaving off
- Your address, if you'd rather not have it on show. No law asks for it on a cat's tag, and your phone number does the job.
- Long lines. Cat tags are small, so every extra letter makes the engraving smaller.
- Anything big or heavy. Keep what's on a cat's collar small and light.
Keeping it safe
- Use a quick-release collar that pops open if it catches on something, and never one with elastic in it.
- Fit it so you can slide two fingers underneath, and check the fit often while a kitten grows.
- Check the release clip now and then: dirt can stop it opening.
- A collar can come off, so the microchip is the backup. Keep its details up to date.
Getting a kitten? Our new kitten checklist covers the microchip and when they can go outside. If your cat ever goes missing, work through the lost cat checklist and make a poster with our free poster maker.
Questions
What should I put on my cat's tag?+
Your phone number is the most useful thing, because whoever finds your cat can call you straight away. Many owners add “I'm microchipped” and their cat's name. Anything else, like your address, is up to you.
Does a cat have to wear a tag in the UK?+
No. Only dogs have to wear a collar and tag in public. In England, pet cats must be microchipped by the time they're 20 weeks old instead.
Should I put my address on my cat's tag?+
It's up to you. No law asks for it, and a phone number is usually the quickest way for a finder to reach you. If you add it, your house number or name and your postcode is the shortest way to write it.
Should I put my cat's name on the tag?+
It's your choice. No law asks for it, and your phone number matters more.
Is it safe for a cat to wear a tag?+
Use a quick-release collar that opens if it gets caught, and keep the tag small and light. Some cat charities advise against collars altogether, so a microchip should always come first.