ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post FREE Ad
Blog Blog
  • View All Stories
  • Latest Stories
  • Behaviour and Training
  • Healthcare and Grooming
  • How to/Advice
  • Other Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • Dog Breed Selector
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Breed Compare
  • Cats
  • Cat Breed Selector
  • Cat Breeds
  • Cat Breed Compare
My Account My Account
Sign Up Now
Login
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

Cat Microchipping: Is It Necessary?

Share this: Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Email

Reading Time: 3 minutes

cat microchippingCats 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.

a cat scanned by a microchipped scanner

Photo Credit: The Telegraph

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.

Want to get updates on the latest pet news? Check out our latest news articles!

Are you raring to bring a new pet home? Take a look at these cats for adoption or for sale!

Share this: Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Email

Emily Taylor

Related Stories

The Physics Behind Cats Falling and Landing Right on Their Feet
The Physics Behind Cats Falling and Landing Right on Their Feet
Indoor Cat Care Guide
Indoor Cat Care Guide
This is How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy
This is How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy
Latest Stories
  • How to Care for Sproodles
  • 5 Most Popular Cat Breeds in the UK (2021)
  • Foxhound vs Beagle: Dog Breed Comparison
  • The Pros and Cons of Owning a Beagle
  • 5 Puzzling Body Parts of Cats and Dogs
  • Cockapoo vs Cavapoo: Breed Comparison
  • 35 Adorable Mixed Breeds that Will Melt Your Heart
  • Featured Story

    How to Care for Sproodles
    How to Care for Sproodles

    Sweet and affectionate towards their human companions, Sproodles are undoubtedly lovable pooches that deserve to be pampered. Do you want to learn … [Read More...]

    Latest Pets for Sale
    2
    American Bully for Rehoming
    Xl bully puppy for sale

    Springfields, Walsall WS4 1LB

    1,300

    2
    Rats
    Rat pups for sale

    High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

    15

    5
    Guinea Pig For Sale in Great Britain
    2x male guinea pigs and equipment for sale

    Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority

    150

    3
    French Bulldogs
    Lord angora pups

    Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex

    4,000

    View All
    Post Pet Advertisements
    For Free!
    Sign Up Now
    UK Pets Tools Dogs
    • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
    • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
    • Dog Breed Groups
    • Compare Dog Breeds
    • Dog Names
    Cats
    • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
    • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
    • Compare Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
       Services
    •    Pet Sitters
    •    Pet Transport
    •    Pet portraits
    •    Pet Cremation
    •    Dog Walker
    •    Dog Training
    •    Dog Grooming
    •    Dog Photography
    •    Dog Kennels
    •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
    •    Catteries
    Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • French Bulldogs for Sale
    • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
    • Cockapoos for Sale
    • Chihuahuas for Sale
    • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Maine Coon Cats & Kittens for Sale
    Other Pets for Sale
    • Birds for Sale
    • Rabbits for Sale
    ukpets logo
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Pet Insurance
    • Post Free Pet Ads
    Copyright © 2021 UK Pets. All rights reserved.