Microchips are small devices that are encased in a glass shell and are about the size of a grain of rice. Each microchip is encoded with a specific number that is unique to that individual microchip. Once a microchip is implanted, the chip is registered to the pet owner and their personal information (name, address, phone number, emergency contact information etc) is stored in a computer database with the microchip company. The cat's name and description are also registered to the microchip.
How are microchips implanted?
Microchips are implanted, by injection, subcutaneously (underneath the skin) between the shoulder blades. The implantation of a microchip is a very quick procedure that can be performed in a normal veterinary office examination or while your cat is under a general anaesthesia for spaying or neutering.
How do microchips work?
When a cat strays from home and arrives at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic a handheld scanner can be used to scan over the body of the cat. When scanned, the implanted microchip number is picked up through radio frequency technology. Once a microchip number is obtained the shelter or veterinary clinic staff can contact the microchip company, with the chip number, to find out the owners information that is registered to it. Once the owner info is obtained, a phone call can be made to let the owners know the whereabouts of their cat. Microchips are only good if the information registered to them is current. It is important to make sure your chip information is updated when you have a change of address, phone number or emergency contact.
How long do microchips last?
Once implanted, microchips should be effective for the lifetime of your cat. In some rare cases microchips can migrate out of the skin or to another area of the body other than between the shoulder blades. After having your cat implanted with a microchip it is advisable to have it scanned annually, while at your veterinarian's office for your regular examination, to ensure that the microchip is still functioning and in the proper location.
Why is a microchip better than a name tag?
Cats that wear collars are at a greater risk of strangulation when the collars they wear get caught on things and cause them to choke. Cats by nature are agile and can squeeze through small spaces which can be fatal when wearing a traditional collar and name tag. Although newer breakaway collars are available (which have a quick release feature that allows the collar to pop open should your cat get caught on something) they are not great at ensuring your cat has identification. Once a breakaway collar snaps open it is left behind with the identification tags attached. Microchips are a much safer form of identification that cannot be lost like traditional collars and tags. Once implanted, your cat will have a permanent form of identification that will not need to be replaced.
