Should I Really Microchip My Cat?

August 9th, 2022

August 15th is National Check the Chip Day, an important reminder to get your feline friend microchipped. It’s also an opportunity to ensure existing microchips are working and the registration information is up to date. With millions of cats going missing each year, this unique identifier can dramatically increase the chances of being reunited with a lost pet.

What Are Microchips and How Do They Work?

Microchips are tiny transmitters about the size of a grain of rice. They do not have any batteries or internal power sources and don’t actively transmit any information. Microchips serve as a permanent form of pet identification, providing the owner’s contact information when read by a special scanner.

Do Strictly Indoor Cats Need Microchips?

Even the most responsible pet owner can never eliminate the risk of a cat wandering off. There’s always a possibility of someone opening a door when you’re not watching, a loose window screen giving way, or an emergency where your home has to be evacuated. Indoor cats may become frightened in the unfamiliar world out there and may not know how to make it home to safety.

Cat Microchipping – What to Expect

Inserting a microchip is a quick and simple procedure. We’ll start by scanning the sterile microchip to ensure it’s working the way it should. Next, we’ll inject it between the shoulder blades. After insertion, we’ll scan the microchip once again to ensure it’s reading correctly. Your kitty may experience mild discomfort, comparable to being vaccinated or having some blood drawn. However, the safety and security microchips provide greatly outweigh the minor discomfort.

Registering Your Cat’s Microchip

The unique pet identifier in the chip won’t serve any purpose if not registered in a national recovery database. If you haven’t created an account with the manufacturer, you’ll need to do so. That way, you can always keep your contact information updated. It’s always a good idea to have more than one family member’s phone number registered so you never miss a call telling you your furry companion has been found.

While there are many databases where you can register your pet’s microchip, the most important one is the manufacturer’s because that’s the one animal shelters and veterinary practices primarily search. If you need assistance registering your pet’s microchip or updating your information, please let us know, and one of our cat-friendly team members will be happy to assist you.

How Will the Microchip Help Your Feline Friend Find Home?

Most veterinary practices and shelters carry universal microchip readers. If a lost cat is brought to them, the first thing their staff will do is check for a microchip. The reader will detect the code and decipher the information embedded in the chip, which can be matched to a database. The last step is contacting the pet parents for a happy reunion.

“Check the Chip” Today

In observance of National Check the Chip Day, your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Kirkland, WA, invites you to microchip your cat if you haven’t already done so and to make sure your information is current. With microchipped pets up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners, we can never overstate the importance of microchipping. Our team is all about ensuring our valued furry patients stay healthy and safe.