.jpg)
Are you a pet owner and want to ensure your cat stays safe and secure? Microchipping your cat is a great way to make sure they come back home if they ever get lost. Microchipping has become a widely recommended and essential procedure for cats by veterinarians.
At Peace of Mind Veterinary Care, we are proud to provide the highest quality and best service to pet owners. In this article, we discuss what microchipping is and why it is beneficial, as well as other important information related to cat microchipping. We hope this article helps you understand the process and makes it easier for you to decide if 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, in a cat for identification purposes. 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.
.jpg)
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 true risk of microchipping is the incorrect insertion of the chip, but if carried out by a professional, this is not likely to happen. In general, the benefits of microchipping your cat far outweigh the potential complications that may arise.
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 they are microchipped, 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 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.
.jpg)
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, so they can be reunited with their owners as soon as possible. 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?
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 give them any identifying details of their cat, such as their 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 get redirected to the appropriate database where all the necessary information lives. If your cat got lost and you don't have their microchip information available, it is always smart to reach out to all the nearest shelters and animal control centers to find out if they may have collected your cat's microchip information.
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, are both used to track pets. Whereas GPS trackers identify the real-time location of pets, microchips are simply used to convey information regarding the owner of the pet should they be found alone. GPS devices are commonly attached to a pet's collar, while a microchip is implanted underneath their 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 Peace of Mind Veterinary Care, we are proud to provide the highest quality and best service to pet owners for cat microchipping. We also offer other services such as spaying/neutering and vaccinations to ensure your pet's wellbeing. Contact us today at (952) 435-7194 to learn more about how we can help you keep your cat safe and secure.