As a cat keeper, ensuring their safety is always a top priority. One of the most effective ways to protect your cat is through microchipping – a simple procedure that can make all the difference if your cat ever gets lost. Let's explore everything you need to know about this essential aspect of responsible cat keepership.
What is a Microchip and How does it Work?
A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that's implanted under your cat's skin between their shoulder blades. Think of it as your cat's permanent ID card. Unlike a collar that can break or fall off, a microchip stays with your cat for life.
The chip itself doesn't have a battery or moving parts. Instead, it contains a unique identification number that can be read by a special scanner used by veterinarians, rescues, and animal control officers. When scanned, this number links to your contact information in a national database like identibase.
Why Microchip Your Cat?
Microchipping is essential and as of June 2024 in England it was made a legal requirement for all owned cats over 20 weeks. Here's why it's crucial:
Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags that can fall off, a microchip is a permanent form of identification
Higher Return Rates: Microchipped cats are significantly more likely to be reunited with their keepers if they get lost
Quick and Simple: The procedure is quick, relatively painless, and only needs to be done once
Peace of Mind: Knowing your cat can be identified if they wander too far from home
Legal Requirement: Since changes to the law, microchipping is mandatory for cat keepers and can incur a fine should a cat not be chipped
What to Do if Your Cat Goes Missing
If your cat goes missing, having a microchip can be invaluable. Here's what you should do:
Use Online Services: Visit identibase's Check a Chip service to find out what microchip database your cat belongs to.
Check Your Microchip Registration: Ensure your contact details are up to date with your microchip database.
Contact Your Database: Let your microchip database know your cat is missing - many offer lost pet services.
Contact Local Rescues or Charities: Inform nearby rescues, charities and vet clinics - they can scan any found cats, double checking for microchips.
Important Things to Know About Microchips
While microchips are incredibly useful, there are some key points to understand:
Not GPS Trackers
One common misconception is that microchips are tracking devices. They're not GPS trackers and can't tell you where your cat is. They only work when scanned by a compatible reader which only reveals the chip number.
Microchip databases and your vet practices
Microchip databases and vet practices are separate organisations and don’t update each other of any changes you make with them. As such should your home address change, you should inform both your vet, and your cats microchip database separately of your new address.
Indoor cats need microchipping too
Microchipping is required for all cats, even those that don’t leave the house. There is always a risk that an indoor cat could find itself outside for many reasons despite a keeper’s best efforts. What’s more, indoor cats would be more vulnerable and disorientated outside which could lead them to stray far. Microchipping remains the best way to help reunite a lost pet and its keeper.
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Taking the Next Step
Microchipping is a fundamental part of responsible cat keepership. If your cat isn't microchipped yet, speak with your vet about getting this simple procedure done. If they are already chipped, take a moment to verify your registration details are up to date on the database storing your details.
Remember, a microchip is only as good as the information linked to it. Make updating your contact details a priority whenever they change, and have your vet scan the chip during routine visits to ensure it's still traceable.
By taking these simple steps, you're giving your cat the best chance of finding their way back home if they ever get lost – and that's something every cat keeper can feel good about.
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