Many people are curious about microchipping their cats, especially if they are strictly indoor cats. In today's post, our Vienna vets discuss what cat microchips are and why they can be beneficial.
Microchips for Cats
A microchip is a permanent form of identification for your cat, which is about the size of a grain of rice. The chip is placed under your cat’s skin and it stores a unique ID code that can be detected by a special scanner at a veterinary hospital or animal shelter. The ID code stores information that can identify information about the cat, including who they belong to.
The microchipping process does not require surgical treatment. Instead, a vet can use a needle to implant the chip just under the skin. The procedure involves little discomfort and most cats have almost no reaction to having the device implanted.
Once a cat has been microchipped, register the chip’s serial number and your cat’s information with the company that produced the chip. If your lost cat is found by someone else, the microchip can be matched to your cat’s information and traced to you by a veterinarian, and you can be reunited with your furry companion.
How Microchips Work
If your cat is ever lost and brought to a vet or an animal shelter, the microchip will allow your feline friend to be returned to you. Because microchip scanners are universal, they’re able to read all modern microchips regardless of brand. When the scanner is passed over the cat’s back and sides, the microchip’s unique identification number will be transmitted to the scanner.
Microchips increase the odds of being reunited with your pet. Outdoor cats tend to wander and even indoor cats can find there way out of the house. By microchipping your cat, you increase the chance that you will be contacted if they’re found.
Microchips vs Tags & Collars
When it comes to returning lost cats to their proper owners, tags and collars are always useful tools. People may be able to contact the owner using the phone number listed on the tag.
You should always have identification tags and collars for outdoor cats, just in case they run into trouble. Make sure your name and contact information are included on your cat’s tag.
Although collars and ID tags are beneficial, tags can also fall off and become lost, leaving your cat without any way of being identified. Collars may also get caught on things while your cat is out exploring, potentially harming them. If you microchip your cat, you can provide your pet with a permanent means of identification.
Note: Of course, it’s imperative to ensure your microchip registration information is kept up to date. Be sure to contact the company that made the microchip to update your information if you’ve moved or changed your contact number.