Posted by EMPAWR Inc.
on November 03, 2025
If you have a cat, you need a tag on their collar. Full stop. Cats are escape artists, natural explorers, and surprisingly good at vanishing the moment a door cracks open. Whether your cat is indoor-only or has outdoor privileges, a tag is their fastest ticket home if they ever get lost. Here's everything you need to know about cat tags and why they're designed differently than you might think.
The Reality of Lost Cats
Indoor cats get out. A guest leaves the door open, a screen tears, a moment of curiosity at an open window—and suddenly your homebodied cat is outside, confused and hiding. Unlike their more social canine counterparts, cats don't always come when called. They freeze, they hide, they stay silent. A collar with a visible tag gives anyone who spots your cat an immediate way to reach you.
Microchips are essential, yes. But they require a trip to a vet or shelter with a scanner. Cat tags work the second someone finds your cat crouched under a porch or wandering a neighbour's yard. Time matters when your cat is scared and displaced.
Why Cat Tags Need Special Consideration
Cats have specific needs that make their tags different from what you'd put on any other pet. Their bodies, behaviours, and sensitivities require thoughtful design.
Lightweight Is Everything: Cats notice weight. A tag that feels fine jingling around on a larger animal will genuinely bother a cat. Look for options under half an ounce—ideally much lighter. Flat tags, slide-on styles, or ultra-thin materials work best. Your cat shouldn't feel like they're wearing anything at all.
Breakaway Collars Are Critical: Cats climb. They squeeze into impossibly tight spaces. They investigate areas where collars can catch—branches, fence slats, furniture gaps. A breakaway collar releases under pressure, preventing choking or entrapment. Your cat's tag needs to attach securely to this safety feature without adding bulk or compromising the breakaway mechanism.
Silent or Low-Noise Options: That constant jingle? Some cats hate it. Some owners hate it more. Slide-on tags that sit flat against the collar eliminate noise entirely. Tags with rubberized edges dampen sound without sacrificing readability. Your cat can move through the house without announcing every step.
Durability for Groomers: Cats groom constantly. Their tags get licked, batted at, and subjected to moisture regularly. Choose materials that won't fade, corrode, or become illegible—stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or properly coated metals hold up to this kind of wear.
What Information Belongs on a Cat Tag
Space is limited on a small, lightweight tag. Prioritize what actually gets your cat home:
- Your phone number (non-negotiable, most important)
- "Indoor cat" or "I'm lost" if applicable—this creates urgency
- Secondary contact if there's room
You can skip your cat's name if space is tight. Getting them home matters more than introductions. Some owners add "microchipped" to encourage the finder to take that extra step, but your phone number is the real MVP here.
Mini Tags for Small Cats
For petite cats or kittens, EMPAWR offers mini-sized option that deliver the same durability and readability in a smaller, lighter package. The petite 'Cute as Fluff" round tag is perfect for smaller breeds or cats who are extra sensitive about what's hanging from their collar—just as protective, half the weight.
The Bottom Line
Cat tags are essential safety equipment for an animal whose independence sometimes works against them. Lightweight, quiet, and designed for breakaway collars, the right tag protects your cat without annoying them.
Your cat deserves gear that actually works for their needs. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with it.
EMPAWR is a community-powered lifestyle dog brand with the mission to empower and inspire the next generation of dog owners to celebrate dog's individuality and personality.
