In Japan, animal welfare management shows a low lost-cat-return rate, which is exacerbated by the difficulty of identifying their keepers using only their collars. The diffusion rates for both microchips and identification tags are also low. Improving the diffusion rate of microchips, and collars and identification tags would increase the lost-cat-return rate and reduce the number of euthanasia cases of stray cats. This study was conducted using a questionnaire survey on the current status and awareness of identification labeling among indoor cats keepers and examined how to raise their awareness of identification labeling from a veterinary nurse’s perspective. The results showed that there was a need to inform cat keepers about the necessity of identification labeling, even for indoor cats; the safety of microchips; acclimation to appropriate collars from kittenhood; and where identification tags could be obtained. Few cat keepers were recommended identification labeling by veterinary nurses. To address the shortcomings of microchips and identification tags, it is desirable for cats to wear microchips, and collars and identification tags. Veterinary nurses should recommend proper identification labeling methods to cat keepers.

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