May 27, 20266 min readBy Sophie Durand

Cat Collar: With or Without an ID Tag?

Comparison: engraved cat collar with personalized name plate vs. cat collar with hanging ID tag

Updated: May 2025

Reading time: 7 min

Comparison guide

Contents

What is the difference between the two?
Full comparison
The benefits of an engraved cat collar
The benefits of a collar + separate ID tag
ID tag vs microchip: do they work together?
How to choose for your situation
FAQ: your most common questions

Looking for a collar to identify your cat if it ever wanders off, but can't decide between an engraved cat collar and a classic collar with a cat ID tag attached ? These are the two most common options, and each has its own advantages. Here is an honest comparison to help you make the best choice for your cat and your situation.

Did you know? In France, microchipping has been mandatory for every cat over 7 months old since 2012. An ID tag or engraved collar is not mandatory, but it is by far the fastest way for you to be contacted if a member of the public finds your cat.

What is the difference between the two?

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The engraved collar (built-in ID)

The name and phone number are engraved directly on a plate built into the collar
All-in-one solution, sleek and with no dangling tag
No extra accessory to buy
No risk of losing the tag

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The collar + separate ID tag

A classic collar with an engraved tag attached by a ring
Lets you switch collars while keeping the same tag
Wide choice of tag shapes and materials
The tag can get lost or make noise (jingling)

Full comparison

Criterion	Engraved collar	Collar + tag
Identification	✓ Instant, easy to read	✓ Instant, easy to read
Risk of loss	✓ None: engraving is built in	✗ The tag can fall off
Noise	✓ Silent	✗ Possible jingling
Style	✓ Sleek and elegant	✓ Customizable (many shapes)
Versatility	Collar and ID go together	✓ Reusable tag
Price	All-in-one solution	Collar + tag = two purchases
Updating your details	Requires a new collar	✓ Just a new tag
Best for	Active, outdoor cats	Calm, indoor cats

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Our engraved cat collars: built-in ID, zero risk of loss Name and phone number engraved directly on the collar plate. Breakaway, adjustable, free shipping from €25.

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The benefits of an engraved cat collar

A collar with built-in identification is the favorite choice of owners whose cats go outside regularly. Here's why:

No risk of losing the ID plate
No annoying jingle for your cat or the birds
Clean, modern design
All-in-one solution at a single price
Instant identification without handling a dangling tag
Lighter than a collar with a hanging tag

It is also the ideal choice for active, adventurous cats : the climbers, the hunters and the wanderers. A tag can snag on branches and get lost; built-in engraving never will.

The benefits of a collar + separate ID tag

A hanging tag is still a very popular option, and it has its own strengths:

Lots of freedom to personalize (shapes, materials)
You can change collars and keep the same tag
Possible to have several collars for one cat
Ideal for indoor or less active cats
Easy to replace if your details change (moving house…)

Tip If you go with a separate tag, choose one with a good-quality split ring (not a simple open ring). Cheap rings open easily and the tag gets lost, usually at the worst possible moment.

ID tag or engraved collar vs microchip

We are often asked this question: "My cat is microchipped, do I still need a collar?" The answer is yes, and here is why the two complement each other rather than replace each other:

Criterion	Microchip	Engraved collar / ID tag
Readable by a member of the public	✗ Impossible without a scanner	✓ Instantly, with the naked eye
Direct contact	✗ Goes through a vet or animal shelter	✓ Direct call to the owner
Risk of loss	✓ None (implant)	Depends on the type
Legal requirement	✓ Yes (since 2012)	✗ Not mandatory
Speed of return	Slow (goes through a professional)	✓ Immediate

The numbers speak for themselves: 80% of lost cats are found thanks to their ID tag or engraved collar, compared with only a fraction through the microchip alone. The microchip is a legal requirement and a last-resort safety net; the collar is your everyday first line of defense.

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Complete your cat's microchip with a personalized collar Microchip + engraved collar is the best protection. Choose from our breakaway designs with free engraving.

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How to choose for your situation

Choose the engraved collar if:

Your cat regularly goes outdoors
Your cat is active, playful and adventurous
You want a simple solution with no extra accessory
The jingling of a tag bothers you (or your cat)
You want a sleek, modern look

Choose collar + tag if:

Your cat stays mostly indoors
You like to change collars often
You want a tag with an original shape
Your contact details change often (students, frequent moves)
You already have a collar you love

FAQ: your most common questions

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

The essentials: your mobile phone number (the most important) and ideally your cat's name. You can also add a second number. A full address isn't necessary and takes up too much space: one phone call is enough to arrange the return.

The tag jingles and bothers my cat: what can I do?

That is the main drawback of hanging tags. Two solutions: switch to a collar with a built-in engraved plate (silent), or choose a flat tag that slips into a silicone tag silencer to muffle the jingle.

My cat lost its ID tag: how can I stop it happening again?

Check the attachment ring regularly and replace it as soon as it shows signs of wear. The safest solution is still a collar with engraved ID built in: impossible to lose. Also check the collar's condition once a week.

My cat is microchipped, does it really need a collar too?

Yes, it's strongly recommended. A microchip can only be read by a vet or an animal shelter, so a member of the public who finds your cat can't contact you directly. An engraved collar allows an immediate return with no middleman. The two work together.

Can I put both an engraved plate AND an ID tag on the same collar?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended: it's redundant, heavier for your cat, and the two metal pieces can knock together and make noise. Choose one or the other based on your needs.

What is the difference between an engraved plate and an ID barrel tube?

An ID barrel is a small hollow cylinder that holds a slip of paper with the owner's contact details. Less practical than engraving (the paper can get wet or lost), it remains a budget option. Direct laser engraving on metal is by far the most durable and readable solution.

Chic et Chat · Personalized cat collars