Cats like to wander, and unfortunately, they sometimes travel far from home. Whether your kitty lives inside your home or outdoors, you can attach a cat ID tag to ensure your feline is returned when it runs away. Cats are less tolerant of having a collar or tag than dogs, and it’s important to know your cat’s preferences when you’re browsing through different designs. When you examine your options for tags, there are almost infinite possibilities. We’ve made your search a little easier by including in-depth reviews and a buyer’s guide that provides additional tips.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Red Dingo Paw Pet ID Tag
Text does not fade
Durable, well-made tag
Available in multiple colors and sizes
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Best Value
Frisco Stainless Steel Pet ID
Affordable
Lightweight
Laser-engraved text
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Premium Choice
ROAD iD Cat ID Tag
Easy to read lettering
Flat design does not dangle
Made of medical-grade stainless steel
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Best for Kittens
Fibernail Custom Cat ID Tag
Affordable
Lobster clip included
Great for kittens and small cats
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Dog Tag Art Custom ID
Customizable features
Colorful and humorous text
Numerous graphics to choose from
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The 10 Best Cat ID Tags
The Red Dingo Paw Print Stainless Steel Personalized Dog and Cat ID Tag is our winner for the best overall ID tag. Unlike other stainless-steel tags with etching that fades over time, Red Dingo has an enamel coating that protects the lettering and prevents fading. Another difference in the Red Dingo compared to the competition is its five lines of text. Most companies only provide room for three or four lines. Unlike other brands, it’s available in three sizes and 11 colors.
Type: Split ring
Size: 0.8” L x 0.9” W
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Pros
Durable, well-made tag
Affordable
Available in multiple colors and sizes
Text does not fade
Cons
Cannot use # or & in text
If you want your feline to travel outdoors in style, you can try the Frisco Stainless Steel Personalized Cat ID Tag. It scored our best ID for the money award. It has an attractive cat-face design that appears more like a piece of human jewelry than an ID tag. It allows you to print up to four lines of text on the back of the tag. The manufacturer claims that the laser-engraved lettering will not fade or rub off. Several low-priced tags are cheaper than the Frisco, but they’re not as well made or aesthetically pleasing.
Durable, well-made tag
Affordable
Available in multiple colors and sizes
Text does not fade
- Durable, well-made tag
- Affordable
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
- Text does not fade
Cannot use # or & in text
- Cannot use # or & in text
Type: Split ring
Size: 1.0” L x 1.0” W
The engraving is prominent and easy to read, and like our top pick, it’s lightweight and comfortable for finicky felines. The only drawback for cats with medical conditions is the limited space for text. If you have to put more health information on the tag, you’re better off buying a double-sided tag or a larger product.
Pros
Laser-engraved text
Lightweight
Affordable
Cons
Limited space for text
For a kitty that dislikes having a dangling ID tag, you can use the ROAD iD Personalized Cat ID Tag. It’s our premium choice tag, and unlike some of the other brands, the ID slides on and stays in line with the collar. It’s a silent tag that does not make a jingling noise when your kitty runs around the house. The flat design also reduces snagging when your feline wanders around in the bushes. The tag is made from medical-grade stainless steel, and it has room for the cat’s name and three lines of text. The laser-engraved lettering is attractive and easy to read. The product’s only issue is the high price. It costs nearly twice as much as other popular brands.
Laser-engraved text
Lightweight
Affordable
- Laser-engraved text
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Limited space for text
- Limited space for text
Type: Slide on
Size: 1.25” L
Pros
Flat design does not dangle
Easy to read lettering
Made of medical-grade stainless steel
Cons
Expensive
- Fibernail Custom Round Crystals Paw Print Tag – Best for Kittens
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Type: Split ring with lobster clip
Size: 1.1” diameter
The Fibernail Custom Round Crystals Paw Print Dog Name Tag is our winner in the best for kittens category. It’s available in eight colors and features a sparkling enamel paw print on one side and room for four lines of lettering on the other. Some cat owners may not keep the same tag when their cat grows into an adult, but we selected a high-quality ID that’s not a financial burden to replace.
Flat design does not dangle
Easy to read lettering
Made of medical-grade stainless steel
- Flat design does not dangle
- Easy to read lettering
- Made of medical-grade stainless steel
Expensive
- Expensive
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Type: Split ring with lobster clip
Size: 1.1” diameter
On the blank side of the tag, you can get your cat’s name engraved with a larger font and use the remaining three lines for your address and telephone number. The laser engraving is not as sharp and defined as some of the competitors, and one aspect of the product description is confusing. It states that you can print on both sides of the tag, but in fact, you can only use the blank side without the paw print.
Pros
Affordable
Great for kittens and small cats
Lobster clip included
Cons
Misleading description
Engraving is too light
- Dog Tag Art Custom Pet ID Tags for Dogs and Cats
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Type: Split ring with lobster clip
Size: 7/8” diameter
If you’re unhappy with the standard ID tags that seem dull and unimaginative, you can add some humor and style to your cat’s collar with the Dog Tag Art Custom Pet ID Tags for Dogs and Cats. You can create a customized tag or choose from hundreds of colorful graphics. Some of the designs include a sheriff badge, Charlie brown pattern, Captain America pattern, “I know I’m cute, but you can’t have me” message, and many more.
Affordable
Great for kittens and small cats
Lobster clip included
- Affordable
- Great for kittens and small cats
- Lobster clip included
Misleading description
Engraving is too light
- Misleading description
- Engraving is too light
Type: Split ring with lobster clip
Size: 7/8” diameter
Dog Tag art is more customizable than other brands, but you pay a bit more for the feature. The size is the biggest issue with the tag. The large size is too big, and the small size is only the size of a nickel.
Pros
Numerous graphics to choose from
Customizable features
Colorful and humorous text
Cons
Expensive
Large tag may irritate some felines
- SiliDog Silent Tag Silicone Bone Personalized Cat ID Tag
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Type: Split ring
Size: 1.5” L x 1.25” W
The SiliDog Silent Tag Silicone Bone Personalized Dog & Cat ID Tag is constructed of 100% silicone instead of stainless steel. It’s designed for silent operation, and it even glows in the dark. Unlike many other tags, the SiliDog lets you add six lines of text. It’s ideal for pet owners who have to add additional medical notes to the ID. The manufacturer claims that the color and engraving will not fade over time, and you can choose from eight colors. The silicone tag is a nice change from the standard metal tags, but the material is not as durable as stainless steel.
Numerous graphics to choose from
Customizable features
Colorful and humorous text
- Numerous graphics to choose from
- Customizable features
- Colorful and humorous text
Expensive
Large tag may irritate some felines
- Expensive
- Large tag may irritate some felines
Type: Split ring
Size: 1.5” L x 1.25” W
If your kitty loves to chew, you will probably have to replace it soon. Several customers complained that the tag did not last as long as other brands, and it costs more than most competitors.
Pros
Glows in the dark
Six lines of text
Silent
Cons
Expensive
Not durable
- Funny Cat Pet ID Tag – “I Still Live with My Parents”
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Type: Split ring
Size: 1.25” diameter
Big Jerk’s Funny Cat Pet ID Tag allows you to add four lines of text and up to 20 characters on each line. The message “I Still Live with My Parents” is displayed on the other side. You can choose from 16 colors and two sizes, but unlike the other brands, the tag is made of aluminum, and the text is painted on rather than engraved. Aluminum is lighter than steel, but it’s not as durable. Many pet owners complained that the tag becomes dented when worn by active, outdoor cats. It’s not too expensive, but you can find a product that’s a little more durable for the same price.
Glows in the dark
Six lines of text
Silent
- Glows in the dark
- Six lines of text
- Silent
Expensive
Not durable
- Expensive
- Not durable
Type: Split ring
Size: 1.25” diameter
Pros
16 colors available
Lightweight
Cons
Not durable
Too pricey for the quality
- Frisco Stainless Steel Slide-On Personalized Cat ID Tag
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Type: Slide on
Size: 1.6” L x 0.9” W
If your cat is bothered by the tags that hang down and cause a racket when they move, you can use the Frisco Stainless Steel Slide-On Dog and Cat ID Tag. It’s available in four sizes to fit different collar thicknesses, but your cat will likely only need an extra small or small tag. Frisco allows you to add four lines of text to the ID, but you can only add the lettering on one side. The piece is easy to attach to the collar, but it does not fit flush. Since the tag does not have a slight curve to match the round contours of a cat’s neck, it sticks out and may be annoying to some cats.
16 colors available
Lightweight
- 16 colors available
- Lightweight
Not durable
Too pricey for the quality
- Not durable
- Too pricey for the quality
Type: Slide on
Size: 1.6” L x 0.9” W
Pros
Slides on easily
Four sizes for different collars
Cons
Does not fit flush on the collar
Some cats dislike the way it feels
- PawFurEver Hexagon Personalized Dog ID Tag
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Type: Split ring
Size: 1.1” diameter
The PawFurEver Hexagon Personalized Dog ID Tag is available in three colors and eight different designs. You can print your cat’s name on the front and add four lines of text to the back. Unlike most stainless-steel tags, it has unique colors like gold, silver, and red gold. You can choose from multiple fonts, but several customers were upset about the text etching. It’s not as deep as other brands, and the letters are harder to read. The tag is more customizable than similar models, but why purchase an ID tag if the etching wears off? We like the clever designs, but it makes a better temporary tag for special occasions or photo sessions.
Slides on easily
Four sizes for different collars
- Slides on easily
- Four sizes for different collars
Does not fit flush on the collar
Some cats dislike the way it feels
- Does not fit flush on the collar
- Some cats dislike the way it feels
Type: Split ring
Size: 1.1” diameter
Pros
Customizable fonts and designs
Cons
Etching is too thin
Text wears off and is hard to read
Expensive
- Trill Paws Not All Who Wander Personalized Cat ID Tag
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Type: Split ring
Size: 1.5” diameter
The Trill Paws Not All Who Wander Personalized Dog and Cat ID tag is a stylish departure from the ordinary steel tags. You can add three lines of engraved text to the tag, and the metal core is protected by a scratch-resistant enamel that prevents the tag from fading. The gold lettering and black face make this tag one of the most visually impressive products that we reviewed. However, it’s not designed for pet parents who need to add a lot of information. Three lines are just enough for your address, cat’s name, and telephone number, and for consumers on a budget, they’re better off choosing one of our top picks.
Customizable fonts and designs
- Customizable fonts and designs
Etching is too thin
Text wears off and is hard to read
Expensive
- Etching is too thin
- Text wears off and is hard to read
- Expensive
Type: Split ring
Size: 1.5” diameter
Pros
Waterproof and scratch-resistant
Cons
Only three lines of text
Very expensive
Waterproof and scratch-resistant
- Waterproof and scratch-resistant
Only three lines of text
Very expensive
- Only three lines of text
- Very expensive
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat ID Tag
Before choosing a cat ID tag, you can look at some of the factors that may influence your decision.
Cat ID Tag Type
Is your cat bothered by dangling tags? The split ring IDs are the most common type, but they’re irritating to some felines. A slide-on tag rests against the collar and does not hang down or make noise.
Cat ID Tag Size
Most of the tags are slightly larger than a quarter, but some may be too large for your cat. Dogs seem to be less bothered by larger tags than cats, and some cats will try chewing on the ID if it’s too big. If your cat is unaccustomed to wearing a collar or tag, you may have to experiment with different designs to find the right fit.
Cat ID Tag Price
There’s less of a price difference between brands of ID tags than most pet products, but the higher-priced ones are usually more colorful and full of graphics. If looking for an attractive, durable tag, you can expect to pay a few dollars more than a plain design.
Cat ID Tag Durability
The enamel-coated stainless-steel tags are more durable and long-lasting than the other models. Cats are less likely to chew on a smooth enamel service than a silicone or aluminum tag, and the enamel prevents the text from wearing thin or fading.
Cat ID Tag Lines of Text
Tags generally provide three to six lines of text with up to 20 characters per line. Most cat owners can get by with three lines, but owners with felines that have medical conditions need to add additional text to ensure the animal’s rescuer is aware of the problem. We suggest using a larger tag or a double-sided model that has plenty of room for health information. Also, some manufacturers allow you to change the font size to add more characters to each line.
- See Also: 10 Best Dog Tags: Reviews & Top Picks
Conclusion
We reviewed some excellent ID tags, but our top choice is the Red Dingo Paw Print Stainless Steel Personalized Dog & Cat ID Tag. It’s available in three sizes and multiple colors, and a sturdy enamel coating protects the text. Compared to other enamel-coated tags, it’s much less expensive. Our winner in the best ID for the money award is the Frisco Stainless Steel Personalized Cat ID Tag. It provides four lines of text on the backside, and an attractive cat face is displayed on the front. We hope our reviews will help you select the perfect tag for your feline.
Featured Image Credit: Andy Gin, Shutterstock
