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Are you a pet owner who wants to ensure your cat stays safe and secure? Microchipping your cat is a great way to ensure they come home if they ever get lost. Veterinarians widely recommend and consider microchipping an essential procedure for cats.
At A Gentle Vet, we are proud to provide the highest quality and best service to pet owners. In this article, we discuss what microchipping is, why it is beneficial, and other important information related to cat microchipping. We hope this article helps you understand the process and makes it easier to decide whether microchipping is right for your cat.
What is Cat Microchipping?
Cat microchipping is the process of implanting a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, into a cat for identification. The microchip is a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that stores a unique identification number but does not actively transmit any information. When scanned by a special microchip scanner, it provides the identification number, which is registered in a database along with the pet owner's contact information.
The procedure itself is quick and relatively painless, similar to giving an injection. The sterile microchip is inserted under the skin between the cat's shoulder blades using a needle loaded into a syringe. Most cats tolerate the procedure well with minimal discomfort.
Why Do Veterinarians Recommend Microchipping?
Veterinarians recommend microchipping cats for several reasons. First and foremost, it increases the likelihood of being reunited with a lost pet. According to a study by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, microchipped dogs had a 52.2% chance of being returned to their owners. In contrast, dogs without microchips had only a 21.9% chance. For microchipped cats, the rate was 38.5%, compared to 1.8% for cats without microchips.
Microchipping also offers a secure, permanent way to identify pets, unlike collars and ID tags that can fall off or become illegible over time. Veterinary offices and animal shelters are equipped to scan for microchips and quickly identify the pet's owner.
In addition, microchipping is an inexpensive and durable procedure that lasts the pet's entire life; registration of the chip may involve a nominal fee. It also serves as proof of ownership in the event of theft or disputes over pet ownership. Finally, it securely stores personal information in a database accessible only to chip providers, keeping it safe from identity theft.
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Is Microchipping Painful or Dangerous for My Cat?
The risks associated with microchipping are minimal. If done correctly and under general anesthesia, the procedure is pain-free and relatively risk-free. The only actual risk of microchipping is incorrect insertion of the chip, but if performed by a professional, this is unlikely. In general, the benefits of microchipping your cat far outweigh the potential complications.
The sensation your cat will experience during the actual implantation process is comparable to that of a vaccination or other injection. Most cats have no trouble receiving the microchip. Furthermore, many pet owners opt to have their cat spayed or neutered at the same time as microchipping, meaning they will be sedated and unable to feel anything, which further eases the procedure.
How Does a Cat Microchip Identify My Cat?
When scanned by a microchip scanner, the chip transmits its unique identification number. This number is then cross-referenced with the pet owner's contact information in a database, allowing for easy reunification of lost pets.
It is important to note that microchips do not track location; they are only used to identify a pet. For this reason, it is still recommended that cats wear collars and ID tags with their owner's contact information as an additional form of identification.
Why Does My Cat Need a Microchip Even with a Collar and Tag?
Although collars and ID tags are a good way to identify cats and help them find their way home, they can be lost or removed. Microchips, on the other hand, are permanent and provide a secure, tamper-proof form of identification.
Furthermore, microchips are more reliable than ID tags because their identification numbers are not prone to fading or illegibility over time. They also serve as proof of ownership in cases of disputes between owners. Some chip providers also allow pet owners to store their cat's medical information in the database alongside the identification number, making it easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Will My Cat’s Microchip Tell Its Location?
No, microchips do not actively transmit any information and cannot be used to track a cat's location. For pet owners interested in monitoring their cat's location, alternative options such as GPS trackers and cat fencing can be explored.
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Who Can Scan My Cat’s Microchip Information?
Veterinarians, animal shelters, vaccination clinics, animal rescue organizations, and municipalities are among the professionals equipped to scan microchips and access the identification numbers stored in them. Commercial companies also offer affordable microchip scanners for pet owners' personal use.
When Will a Cat Microchip be Scanned?
Your cat's microchip should be scanned as soon as they are found so that they can be reunited with its owner as quickly as possible. If someone sees a lost kitty, they can bring it to any shelter, veterinary clinic, or pound, and the facility will likely have the equipment to scan the cat's microchip.
What if I Forget or Lose My Cat’s Microchip Information?
There are several steps pet owners can take if they have lost their cat's microchip information. The easiest way to recover this information is to contact the microchip company and provide any identifying details about their cat, such as the cat's serial number. From there, the company can easily retrieve your pet's microchip information. There are also websites where pet owners can search for their cat's microchip number and be redirected to the appropriate database where all the necessary information is stored. If your cat got lost and you don't have their microchip information, it is always smart to reach out to all nearby shelters and animal control centers to see if they may have collected it.
What is the Difference Between a GPS and an RFID Device?
Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices, also known as microchips, are both used to track pets. Whereas GPS trackers identify a pet's real-time location, microchips provide information about the pet's owner if they are found alone. GPS devices are commonly attached to a pet's collar, while a microchip is implanted under the pet's skin.
For maximum security and peace of mind, many pet owners opt to use both a GPS tracker and an RFID microchip in conjunction.
Cat microchipping is an essential procedure for cats recommended by veterinarians. The procedure is quick and virtually painless, and the benefits of microchipping far outweigh any risks. Microchips provide a secure and permanent form of identification that increases the chances of being reunited with a lost pet. Furthermore, they store personal information securely in a database, serve as proof of ownership in case of theft or disputes, and store medical information for easy access in emergencies.
At A Gentle Vet, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (801) 968-9932, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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