Cat Microchipping - The Benefits of Cat Microchipping

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Checkout Vet

What does it mean to microchip your cat?

A microchip is a small passive device. It's about the size of a grain of rice inserted underneath the cat's skin. It can be done very quickly, almost painlessly, and that way, your cat has permanent identification that will help them get back home to you should something happen.

Dr. Marty Greer
Checkout Veterinary

Why do veterinarians recommend cat microchipping?

Cats can be really divisive little creatures. They can slip out the door when it's open just to crack or get out through a window. Unfortunately, cats are pretty good at escaping, so it's important to your veterinarian and you that if your cat does disappear on you, you can find them and get them back home.

Is microchipping dangerous or painful for my cat?

No, not if it's done correctly and it can be done very quickly. We'll usually put a little bit of a cold pack over the shoulders of the cat and then insert the microchip. Sometimes we'll put a little chicken baby food in front of them, so they're distracted by something else. It is a fairly good-sized needle, but it's a very quick procedure, and it's over practically before the cat even knows anything happened.

How is a cat microchip used to identify my cat?

Once the cat is microchipped, a database of that microchip number gets identified. In our practice, we'll register the number with the AKC Reunite program. Yes, AKC is a dog program, but they'll take cats and even emus. They don't care what species it is. Our veterinary staff will register that microchip with AKC Reunite. Then, if anything happens to your cat and that microchip is found with the person who scans the chip calling AKC Reunite, they'll be able to identify who you are and get your contact information to get the cat back home.

Why does my cat need a microchip if they already have a collar with a tag?

Cats are especially good at getting their collars off, getting them caught on nails, doors, fences, trees, and all kinds of places. So the cat can easily lose its collar. Sometimes, people maliciously take the collar off, so you want to ensure that that cat has permanent identification. The microchip under the skin will not be lost or removed, so even if your cat loses its collar with the phone number on it, there'll be a way to find you again.

Will my cat's microchip be able to tell me my cat's location?

The microchip, at this point, is a passive device. It does not emit a signal like a GPS. The microchip can be used to identify your cat, but it doesn't signal or go out like an air tag or like your find-my-phone feature or some of the other GPS devices. The chip has to be scanned for it to be used for identification.

Who can scan my cat's microchip information?

Almost every veterinary clinic, shelter, and rescue have microchip readers. Some police departments will have them as well. So if the cat does get turned into somebody, a quick scan over the shoulders will display the microchip number. The database company will be contacted, and they are generally available seven days a week, 24 hours a day services, so no matter what time of day or night the cat is found, you can be identified as the owner and get the cat back.

What if I forget or lose my cat's microchip information?

Generally, the box of microchips is identified with the veterinary clinic they were sold to. Should you move or not change your phone number in the database for the microchip company, they would contact the veterinary clinic that inserted it. Hopefully, you've kept your contact information up to date at the veterinary clinic, so if you've moved to Timbuktu, we'll have your new contact information, and we'll be able to give that to the microchip company or contact you directly and let you know that your cat has been found.

What is the difference between a GPS and an RFID device?

A GPS submits a signal, and the RFID is more of a passive device, so they're different in how they function. That's where the microchip really has value because, as I said, it's passive. It doesn't emit a signal, but it's always going to be with your pet. Right now, we don't have anything that's implantable that emits a signal, so we're pretty much left with the microchip as the implantable device of choice.

If a client has more questions regarding their cat and microchipping, what should they do?

They are welcome to give us a call at (608) 318-6700, and my staff is more than happy to answer any questions and schedule you for that appointment.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (608) 318-6700, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/Checkout-Veterinary-100856988730575, https://www.instagram.com/checkoutveterinary/

Cat Microchipping - FAQs

Dr. Marty Greer
Checkout Veterinary

How can microchipping help my cat?

The microchip is a great way for you to have permanent identification under your pet's skin. So if a cat gets lost or stolen or wanders away and shows up someplace at somebody's house, at a shelter, or a police department, they're going to be able to find your cat a way back home because they'll have a way to reach you by phone.

Will a microchip tell me my cat's location?

Microchips are currently passive devices. They don't emit a signal like a GPS, so at this point, it will not identify where your cat is, like find-my-phone on your Apple phone. However, it is a way for a veterinary clinic, a police department, and a shelter to be able to find you and your phone number from the database where the microchip is registered.

Do all shelters scan for microchips?

Nearly every shelter I know has a microchip scanner and is more than happy to use it. They want your cat back home because there are enough cats in shelters, and they're really not looking for additional cats. They want your cat back with you.

Who else can scan my cat's microchip if they get lost?

Some police and sheriff's departments have microchip scanners, and almost every veterinary clinic will have one. The first thing we do if a pet is brought to us, whether it is a dog or cat that somebody has found, is scan for that microchip. If we find one, we contact the database where the microchip is registered, so they can start phoning you and getting your cat back home.

Does a microchip ensure my cat will be found?

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that your cat can be found, but if the cat is located, a microchip is your best bet to get the cat back home with you.

How effective is microchipping in helping me to find a cat if they're lost?

The percentage of cats being returned to their owners with a microchip is about 75% higher than if the cat is lost without a microchip. Even a tag doesn't guarantee that the cat's going to get back home. A microchip will be your best device; they're affordable, quick, and easy. I definitely recommend microchipping even for cats that you think are 100% indoors because sometimes those cats are sneaky, and they'll slip out the door behind you, and you won't even realize that they're gone until they're gone.

If clients have questions regarding the benefits of cat microchipping, what should they do?

They can give us a call at Checkout Veterinary at 608 318 6700, and my team is more than happy to discuss microchipping benefits, costs, and how to schedule that appointment.