Learn more from our Simi Valley veterinarians about the benefits of microchipping a cat, which increases the likelihood of finding them if they become lost.
What is a microchip?
Microchips are helpful little devices that can assist owners in locating their lost pets if the animals wander too far away from the house.
Some people have the misconception that implanting the microchip could be a painful or invasive process. The procedure is brief and hardly uncomfortable, with the vast majority of cats showing no signs of distress whatsoever. Following the implantation of the chip, you will be required to provide the manufacturer with your cat's information as well as the chip's serial number.
If for some reason your cat is ever lost, the information about them can be matched up with the serial number on the chip, which will allow them to be returned to you in a secure manner.
Why not just get a collar and tag for my cat?
Collars and identification tags are indispensable items to have in one's toolkit in the event that one needs to assist a stray cat in retracing its steps back home. People can easily get in touch with the owner of the pet by simply reading the tag and dialing the number that is printed on it. These tags are attached to the animal's collar.
Collars and identification tags should be worn at all times by outdoor cats, especially in the event of an unexpected emergency. It is essential that the tag on your cat include both your name and a way for people to reach you. Even cats that live inside can benefit from having identification tags on them because they frequently escape without anyone noticing.
Even though collars and tags are helpful, there is still a chance that your cat could end up without any form of identification if they were to become separated. For purposes of identification, microchips provide a long-term and reliable solution. Remember to keep the information on your microchip registration up to date at all times. Contact the company that makes the microchips to have your information updated if you move or change the phone number you use to reach you.
How do microchips work on cats?
If your cat gets lost and is found by a veterinarian or animal rescue group, they will use a specialized microchip scanner that can read any modern chip, regardless of the brand. This will allow them to reunite your cat with you.After passing the scanner over the cat's back and sides, the microchip will send the scanner its one-of-a-kind identification number.
The person who found your cat will then use the national database to look up your contact information and call you to let you know that he or she has found your cat. If your cat is taken, having a microchip implanted in it can serve as useful evidence of ownership.
If you are interested in finding out more, don't be afraid to ask questions.