What does cat microchip do?

Are there any side effects of microchipping a cat?

Only 391 cases of any side effects have been reported out of four million documented cases of animal microchipping. Pain is felt when the microchip is injected, but it is slight. There may be a little more pain for cats because they are smaller and have less padding than other animals.

What is a microchip and how does it work?

A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip is inserted under your cat’s skin, between their shoulder blades, via a quick injection.

Why should you microchip Your Cat?

They can address your concerns directly and give beneficial information about the technicalities. In any case, microchipping your cat can alleviate a lot of stress. You won’t have to worry about losing your pet indefinitely if they wander away. A microchip may just be the saving grace that reunites you with your cat one day.

What is the purpose of microchips used for pets?

The purpose of the microchips used for pets is to provide a form of permanent identification. These microchip implants are called RFID tags, (Radio Frequency Identification). They are tiny, about the size of a large grain of rice, and are passive.

Will microchipping my Pet increase my chances of getting them back?

Microchipping your pet is one way to increase the odds that you will get your lost dog or cat back. Microchipping pets involves placing a small computer chip about the size of a grain of rice under the skin.

What to do if you find a microchip in a cat?

If your cat is found and scanned, the microchip database is accessed online and the organisation that has your cat, for example the veterinary surgery, a rescue centre or the police, can use the number to find your details. You can then be contacted and your pet safely reunited with you.

Do animal shelters read microchips?

Most animal shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read pet microchips, and they will routinely scan any animal found or brought in. Do I Need a Microchip?

How is a microchip number detected on a dog?

Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner. The microchip number is recorded on a microchip database registry with details about the animal and owner. Pet owners need to ensure their contact details are recorded on the database against their pet’s microchip number.

What happens if a cat gets lost with a microchip?

This is not going to be painful for the cat, but if the cats gets lost, the shelter or clinic scanning for a chip may not discover it. The biggest problem with microchips is that cat guardians don’t keep their contact information updated.

Should I microchip my dog or cat?

Because of those limitations, it’s important that you don’t use microchipping your pet as the only way of identifying your dog and cat. Your pet should always wear a tag with your updated contact information.

Do microchips increase the chances of finding your lost pet?

Unfortunately, only 15-20% of dogs and less than 2% of cats are ever reclaimed by their owners. One of the ways to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is having it microchipped. We asked Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City to explain microchipping.

Is it worth it to Microchip an older cat?

Whether you’ve just bought a kitten or adopted an older cat, making sure they are microchipped should be top of your list. Microchipping your cat gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they are lost or stolen. Microchips are safe, easy to implant and effective.

Where can I get a microchip for my Pet?

A microchip can be implanted at most primary veterinary offices and animal shelters. Most pet rescue shelters microchip their cats and dogs before they are placed for adoption.

What percentage of microchips are found in animal shelters?

This is often easier said than done: One study showed that when shelters found microchips in animals, only 58 percent of them were registered. So even though they had a microchip, the owners neglected to submit contact information.

Can a lost cat be found with a microchip?

The cat had a microchip. Unfortunately, most pets aren’t this lucky. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that only 2 to 5 percent of lost cats and 30 percent of wayward dogs are reunited with their owners. But those odds improve if a pet is microchipped.

What is a microchip number and how is it recorded?

The microchip number is recorded on a microchip database registry with details about the animal and owner. Pet owners need to ensure their contact details are recorded on the database against their pet’s microchip number.

Do I need to Microchip my Pet if they are lost?

Pet owners need to ensure their contact details are recorded on the database against their pet’s microchip number. Should your pet wander or become lost, vets, animal shelters and local councils can scan your pet for a microchip and contact you via the database.

How many digits is a microchip in a cat?

A microchip scanner is used to read the animal’s microchip number, which is usually a 15-digit unique identification number. However, some older cats and dogs microchip identification number may contain letters as well as numbers. An implanted microchip does not cause any ongoing pain or discomfort to your cat or dog.

Who is the likely owner if a cat is microchipped?

One side cites the obvious: If a person microchips his pet and registers the chip, he is the likely owner. The other side counters that things often go wrong in the process. Some cats have two chips that might be registered to different people.

How common is double microchipping in cats?

Double microchipping is quite common. I estimate that I see two microchips in a patient’s X-rays at least once a month. In most cases, both chips are fully functional. A second chip may be placed by a veterinarian or shelter who fails to scan the cat before placing it, or who uses a scanner that is not compatible with the first chip.

How to find a lost dog with a microchip?

Here is how to find a lost dog with a microchip. Microchips brands usually have their own registry, so log in to the online registry or contact the registry and officially lodge a complaint that your pet is missing. The microchip registry will most likely tell you to enter your pet’s chip registration number into the registry if you contact them.

Where can I microchip my Dog for adoption?

Most pet rescue shelters microchip their cats and dogs before they are placed for adoption. If you are unsure whether your pet already has a microchip, bring your pet to a veterinarian or animal shelter to be scanned. What is the maintenance required for a microchip?

Why should I microchip my Cat?

This is a guest post by our London Chief Veterinary Director, Caroline Allen. Microchipping is the best way to ensure you can be re-united with your cat if it gets lost.

Do microchips cause cancer in cats?

A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the size of a grain of rice. The chip has a unique identifier which can be read by a scanner. While most veterinarians and cat experts recommend microchips for all cats, there have been some recent concerns about microchips causing cancer.

Is Your Cat’s microchip number up to date?

Just remember to make sure your cat’s microchip number is registered, keep your contact information up to date in the registry, and have your cat wear a collar with an ID tag.