The Importance of Cat Identification

Should cats wear collars? Do cats need a collar? Yes, because cat identification is an important part of cat care. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, fewer than 2% of lost cats are ever returned to their guardians.

Common Cat Collar Safety Concerns

A collar and identification tag are the simplest and most economical ways to ensure your lost pet finds a way back to you. Still, many pet parents delay or resist adding identification to their pets. We can help you with some of the most common concerns.

How to Choose the Right Cat Collar and Tag/Types of Collars

Choosing how cats should wear collars and tags mostly comes down to personal preference. Collars come in materials like nylon or leather and recommended features like breakaway buckles help prevent entanglement and related injuries. GPS, reflective, harnesses and flea collars may also be good choices, depending on your cat’s needs and your preferences. Are there electric noise collars for cats? Yes, they exist, but they may have potential safety concerns.

Other Forms of Cat Identification

A microchip is a permanent ID that lasts the cat’s lifetime. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected beneath the cat’s skin between the shoulder blades. The microchipping process is like a routine vaccination; anesthetic is not required. Microchips are read by passing a microchip scanner over the cat’s shoulder blades and body (in case the chip has migrated from the original site). The scanner emits a low radio frequency that reads the microchip’s unique code, identifying the cat.

Do it for Your Pet’s Safety

Should cats wear collars? Yes. Research shows that ID tags play an important role in bringing cats home. Just as we carry identification in our wallets to help us navigate our human lives, our pets deserve the same safeguard with safety cat collars. Your homework today: Check your pet! Does your pet have a collar, and is it safely fitted? Are they carrying their identification to bring themselves safely home?

Skip to content

Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are caring for pets and their owners.

Location

Use current location available

Find a dog Find a cat

Adopt or Get Involved
Dogs & Puppies
Cats & Kittens
Other Types of Pets

Favorites

Home
Cats & Kittens
Cat Adoption
Your New Cat
Should Your Cat Wear a Collar & Tag?

Should Your Cat Wear a Collar and Tag?

It only takes 60 seconds!: Get Started

Find Your Best MatchIt only takes 60 seconds!

Get Started

Search for Animal Shelters or Rescues

Location

No location suggestions available

Enter Shelter or Rescue Name

More in Your New Cat

View All

Your New Cat
Adopting a Blind Cat or Kitten: What to Expect
Your New Cat
Adopting a Senior Cat: What You Should Know
Your New Cat
Debunking Common Cat Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Finding pets for you...

Resources

FAQs
Mobile App Download
News Center
Put Petfinder On Your Site
Contact Us

Adopt or Get Involved

All Adopt or Get Involved
Adopting Pets
Animal Shelters & Rescues
Other Types of Pets

About Dogs & Puppies

All About Dogs & Puppies
Dog Adoption
Dog Breeds
Feeding Your Dog
Dog Behavior
Dog Health & Wellness
Dog Training
Other Dog Information

About Cats & Kittens

All About Cats & Kittens
Cat Adoption
Cat Breeds
Feeding Your Cat
Cat Behavior
Cat Health & Wellness
Cat Training
Other Cat Information

Shelter & Rescue Registration
Sitemap
Terms of Service
Notice at Collection
Privacy Policy (updated)
Accessibility
Cookie Policy

All trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., or used with permission.