Contrary to popular belief, microchips in pets aren’t for tracking their location. Instead, these microchips serve as a permanent form of identification.
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. These chips are easily inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades. You may choose to have the microchip placed during the spay/neuter procedure under general anesthesia. However, the chip can really be placed at any time which is convenient for you. Most animals don’t react much to the needle even when completely awake.
These chips aren’t actively transmitting information. Instead, they passively store the microchip number. When a microchip scanner is moved over the chip, it will display the number. The number can be looked up to find your cat’s name, your name and your contact information.
Microchips are extremely helpful for reuniting lost pets with their families. In fact, they increase the chances of your lost cat being reunited with you by over twenty times.
We recommend a microchip for all cats. Even indoor-only cats can escape. You kitten could dash out of an incompletely closed door or push through a window screen. Collars can fall off or even be intentionally removed by people. Tags can become worn and unreadable. But microchips are permanent.
After your cat is microchipped, make sure the microchip is registered. Your veterinarian (or the shelter if your cat was microchipped there) will provide you with the information necessary to register your pet. If you move or get new contact information, make sure the information is updated.
