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Are you a pet owner, ensuring your cat's safety is always a top priority. Microchipping your cat is one of the most reliable and effective ways to ensure they come back home if they ever get lost. Microchipping has become a widely recommended and essential procedure for cats by veterinarians.
At Crosslake Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to providing the highest quality care and services to pet owners. In this article, we'll explain what cat microchipping is, why it's beneficial, and share some important details about the process. We hope this helps you understand the procedure better and assists in making the decision if microchipping is right for your cat.
What is Cat Microchipping?
Microchipping is the process of implanting a small chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, under your cat's skin. 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 shoulder blades of the cat 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, whereas 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 and permanent way to identify pets, as opposed to 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 identify the pet's owner quickly.
In addition, microchipping is an inexpensive and durable procedure that lasts for the pet's entire life; registrations for the chip may involve a nominal fee. It also serves as proof of ownership in case of theft or disputes regarding pet ownership. Finally, it stores personal information securely in a database accessible by 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, and the procedure itself is generally safe. If performed correctly, there is little to no pain involved. The sensation is similar to that of a routine vaccination. Most cats experience only brief discomfort, and many owners choose to have their cat microchipped during other procedures, such as spaying or neutering, when the cat is already sedated, which further reduces any discomfort.
In rare cases, the microchip might be incorrectly inserted, but as long as the procedure is carried out by a professional, this risk is extremely low. In general, the benefits of microchipping your cat far outweigh the potential complications that may arise.
How Does a Cat Microchip Identify My Cat?
When scanned by a microchip scanner, the chip transmits the unique identification number stored on it. 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, providing a secure and tamper-proof form of identification.
Furthermore, microchips are more reliable than ID tags due to the fact that their identification number is not prone to fading or becoming illegible 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 tracking 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 some of the professionals equipped to scan microchips and access the identification number stored in them. Commercial companies also offer affordable microchip scanner options that can be used by pet owners for personal use.
When Will a Cat Microchip be Scanned?
Your cat's microchip should be scanned as soon as they are found to facilitate their safe return to you. If someone discovers a lost kitty, they can bring them to any shelter, veterinary clinic, or pound, and the facility will likely have the appropriate scanner to scan the cat's microchip.
What if I Forget or Lose My Cat’s Microchip Information?
If you lose your cat's microchip information, don't worry. You can contact the microchip provider, provide them with their contact information, cat's ID number or other identifying details, and they can help you recover your pet's microchip information from their database.
What is the Difference Between a GPS and an RFID Device?
Global Positioning System trackers (GPS) and Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID), better known as microchips, serve different purposes. While GPS trackers provide real-time location date and are typically attached to a pet's collar, microchips are identification devices implanted under the skin. GPS trackers can help locate your pet in real-time, while microchips help identify your pet and reunite them with you if they are lost. Many pet owners choose both devices for extra peace of mind.
Microchipping is an essential procedure that increases the likelihood of being reunited with a lost pet. The process is quick, safe, and effective, and microchips provide permanent, reliable identification.
At Crosslake Veterinary Hospital, we offer microchipping services to help ensure your cat's safety and security. We also provide other services, including spaying/neutering and vaccinations, to keep your pet healthy. Contact us today at (218) 692-4400 to learn more about microchipping and other ways we can help protect your pet.