Cat Microchipping: Is It Necessary?

Cats are prone to getting lost, but there are more issues than that. What if another cat parent who owns a similar looking cat tries to claim your own cat? How can you prove that you are the owner? Cat microchipping will serve as your cat’s official permanent ID which might help you get your cat back. Microchips are about the same size as a grain of rice. It will then be injected under the skin between the shoulder blades of your cat.

If you have more queries, below are common questions prior to microchipping your cat. The answers will help you better understand and appreciate the process.

Does the law require cat microchipping?

A law requiring dogs to be microchipped is already implemented across Britain and a law on cat microchipping is expected to follow. A pet owner failing to get his canine friend microchipped is to face a fine of £500 and ministers are considering doing the same towards cat owners. This was proclaimed by Wales’ environment minister Lesley Griffiths.

My cat already wears a collar with tags, do I still need to get him microchipped?

Collars with tags might be helpful, however, unlike microchips, tags can fall off whilst your cat is exploring the outdoors. In some cases, cats might even intentionally slip out of its collar. Microchipping your cat, on the other hand, is a good investment. Microchip ensures your cat’s identification. It cannot be removed, it will not fall off, and most importantly, your cat can never slip out of it.

Will the microchip budge or move inside my cat?

Since the microchip is injected under the skin, you will be able to feel it depending on your cat’s weight and size. The microchip will migrate in your cat’s body through time; however, it will not affect any internal organ.

Will it hurt my cat?

Injection of the microchip is painless. It will be similar to vaccination or routine shots. It does not even require anaesthetics and will only take a few seconds.

I have an indoor cat, should I still get him microchipped?

Getting your indoor cat microchipped is still recommended. Many of the lost cats in shelters are likely indoor cats. Indoor cats might go outside by mistake and a lot of them do not wear collars. Indoor cats, which are not experienced outdoor explorers, might have difficulty navigating their way back home.

Will I be able to locate my cat with the microchip?

The microchip is not a tracking device and it does not work like a GPS. Microchips are radio frequency identification (RFID), meaning, these tiny things will not require any power source, unlike a GPS. The microchip will not wear out. it does not need to be charged. You also don’t have to replace it.

How can I locate my microchipped cat?

You can not exactly locate your cat using a microchip. When your cat is lost and found or sent to a shelter or a vet, a microchip scanner will be used to scan the cat’s whole body to find the microchip. When scanned, the microchip will transmit its corresponding ID number to the scanner. That number will be sent to the pet recovery service and the authorities will then contact you with the matching information from the files. Make sure to update your contact information so that you can be contacted when they find your cat.

How much does cat microchipping cost?

In the UK, a single pet microchip can cost £15. Cats are not the only pets that can be implanted with a microchip, other pets such as dogs, pigs, rabbits, ferret, species of parrots, horses, alpacas, llamas, sheep, goats, some reptiles, and sea animals can also be microchipped but costs may vary.

How many times should I get my cat microchipped?

A microchip is composed of biocompatible materials that will not easily degenerate over time. Therefore, it is expected to last your cat’s lifetime.

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