What are the pros and cons of microchipping your cat? We'll also explain the costs and registration methods.

One of the main worries for cat owners is, of course, their cats escaping. Even if you keep your cat strictly indoors, you might worry about what would happen if you were separated during a disaster.

When a cat gets lost, it can't identify itself. The way to verify your cat's identity on their behalf is with a "microchip."

This time, we will explain cat microchips in detail, including their pros and cons.

What is a cat microchip?

A microchip is an electronic tag made of glass, approximately 2mm in diameter and 8-12mm in length. Each microchip has a unique identification number registered to it.

When the microchip is scanned with a dedicated reader, the identification number is displayed. By cross-referencing this identification number with the Japan Veterinary Medical Association's database, the owner's name, address, and phone number can be retrieved.

Incidentally, microchips do not have GPS functionality, so they cannot track your pet's location.

Pros and Cons of Microchipping Your Cat

What are the specific advantages and disadvantages of microchipping your cat?

Pros of Microchipping Your Cat

• Identity verification in case of escape or getting lost
• Proves ownership, preventing euthanasia
• Once implanted, it can be used semi-permanently

The biggest advantage of microchipping is that it significantly increases the chance of being reunited with your cat even if you are separated.

A microchip acts as proof of ownership, identifying your cat as a "pet cat." If your cat is found and taken in as a "stray cat," it helps avoid the risk of being rehomed or euthanized.

Considering it as a measure against your cat escaping, the benefits of microchipping are substantial.

Cons of Microchipping Your Cat

• Requires a specialized reader
• Possibility of rejection or damage
• Requires updating if registration information changes

There seem to be very few disadvantages for the cat itself when microchipped.

However, a specialized "reader" is required to scan the microchip. Animal welfare centers, public health centers, or veterinary clinics where a cat might be taken in may not always have these readers, so there's a risk the microchip's presence could be overlooked.

Microchips are very small; you'd barely feel a tiny lump under the skin at the back of the neck. In case of an emergency, it's recommended to use a microchip in conjunction with a cat collar or ID tag.

Microchipping your beloved cat is an owner's responsibility

The Animal Welfare Act was revised in June 2019 and has been implemented in stages since June 2020. In particular, for animal handlers such as pet shops and breeders, microchip implantation has been made mandatory and is expected to be enforced within three years.

Therefore, if you adopt a cat from a pet shop or breeder, it will definitely come with a microchip already implanted.

Please be aware that while a primary goal behind making microchipping mandatory is to prevent cats from getting lost, it also aims to "prevent abandonment by owners" and "prevent excessive breeding."

Is my cat also subject to the mandatory microchip rule?

For cats already owned, microchip implantation is considered a "best effort obligation."

Similarly, if you found a cat, or received one from a friend or rescue organization, it's also a "best effort obligation." It's not strictly mandatory.

However, to avoid the worst-case scenario of "euthanasia due to getting lost and unidentified," microchip implantation can be said to be an owner's responsibility.

How to microchip your cat and what is the cost?

Microchip implantation is performed at designated veterinary clinics. According to the Japan Veterinary Medical Association, it can be done from around 4 weeks of age. Of course, adult cats can also be microchipped.

If you are considering microchipping your cat, please refer to this information.

How to implant a microchip

It is injected under the skin, usually around the back of the neck, using a syringe-like device. Since there is little pain, it is generally performed without anesthesia.

Many owners worry about a foreign body sensation or side effects, but cats do not seem to dislike it. Rejection reactions or breakage accidents have rarely been reported.

Cost of microchipping

The cost varies by veterinary clinic, but it typically ranges from approximately 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Some local governments may offer subsidies for microchip implantation, so inquire at your veterinary clinic or local authority.

Flow of owner data registration

The individual identification number registered on the microchip is linked to owner data and managed by AIPO (Animal ID Promotion Council).

You will receive a registration application form at the veterinary clinic where the microchip was implanted, and you will fill in your name, address, phone number, and other information as the owner. After paying the 1,000 yen registration fee, you will receive a registration completion postcard at a later date.

If your address or phone number changes, or if ownership of the cat changes, be sure to update the registration information.

Summary

The mandatory microchip implantation under the revised Animal Welfare Act does not mean that owners must immediately microchip their beloved cats.

However, implanting a microchip significantly increases the chances of being reunited with your cat if you become separated.

Of course, microchips have both advantages and disadvantages. But when considering the "what ifs," I believe a microchip is still a good idea.

Having a microchip doesn't guarantee complete peace of mind. It's also crucial to take measures to prevent escapes from doors and windows, and to accustom your cat to collars and harnesses. To ensure a long life with your beloved cat, please be aware of microchips as well.

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