Why do veterinarians recommend cat microchipping?

Just in case they ever get out or they're outside cats, they can be tracked back to you.

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

Is microchipping dangerous or painful for my cat?

It's not dangerous, but the initial injection could be slightly painful.

How is a cat microchip used to identify my cat?

It's an RFID chip, so that way when it's scanned, we can call the company to get your information so we can get the pet back to you.

Why does my cat need a microchip if they already have a collar with a tag?

Most of the time our cat collars are breakaway collars, so they're going to fall off or they're going to pull off, so that microchip's never going to come out. That way you can actually be found.

Will my cat's microchip be able to tell me my cat's location?

Unfortunately, no, it's not a GPS tracker.

Who can scan my cat's microchip information?

Anybody who has a microchip scanner can scan for the RFID chip number.

When will a cat microchip be scanned?

Anytime if they're lost or found or brought into a veterinary office and the owner has said that they found them as a stray.

What if I forget or lose my cat's microchip information?

Just call your veterinarian. Most of the time we have that on file for you.

What is the difference between a GPS and an RFID device?

A GPS tracker is usually something like a collar that they wear on the outside of the body that you have to charge a battery for, whereas an RFID tracker is just a tiny piece of tracking device that's underneath the skin that looks like a little grain of rice. It doesn't emit anything except that number.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Microchipping - FAQs 2

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

What does a microchip do for a cat?

A microchip gives us an RFID number so that we can link the cat to the owner.

How is my cat's microchip scanned?

We use a microchip scanner that will pick up the RFID number.

What happens after my cat's microchip is scanned?

They'll contact the company who made the microchip. That way they can get your information to contact you. Usually, this will be a veterinarian or a shelter.

Why do I need to register my cat's microchip?

Registering your cat's microchip helps us know who the cat belongs to.

Do I need to renew my cat's microchip registry?

It depends on the company. Some companies require an annual registration, whereas others offer lifetime registration.

Is it possible for my cat to have more than one microchip and how is that handled?

Yes, it could be. We're going to scan for both and if they do have both we're still going to look up the information that way we can contact you.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Microchipping - FAQs 2

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

How do I get my cat microchipped?

Bring your cat to the veterinarian.

Where in my cat's body will the microchip go?

The microchip will be implanted between the skin and the muscle layer, usually right between the shoulder blades.

Is microchipping painful for my cat?

There might be some discomfort at the initial injection, but after that, your cat should be fine.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with the cat microchipping process?

No, there are not any significant risks or side effects associated with cat microchipping.

Is a recovery period needed after microchipping my cat?

No, there is no recovery period needed after microchipping a cat.

How often should my cat be scanned after implanting a microchip?

You can scan as often as you want. Usually, we scan them whenever we have a stray cat brought in.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Microchipping - FAQs 3

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

Do all shelters scan for microchips?

Yes, most shelters do scan for microchips. It's one of the first things they do when they receive a stray or lost pet to help locate the owner.

Who else can scan my cat's microchip if they get lost?

Anyone who owns a microchip scanner can scan your cat's microchip. This often includes veterinarians and animal control officers.

Does a microchip ensure my cat will be found?

While microchipping is a valuable tool in pet recovery, it does not necessarily guarantee that your cat will be found if lost. It greatly increases the chances, but it's not a surefire method.

How effective is microchipping in helping me to find my cat if they're lost?

Microchipping is highly effective if your cat is found and brought to a shelter or a vet clinic. These places will scan for a microchip, which will then provide them with the owner's contact information.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Microchipping - FAQs 4

Dr. Amanda German
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

Can anyone with a scanner access my contact information for my cat's microchip?

No, they'll only be able to get the RFID number and then they'll contact the company and the company will get their information and contact you.

What information is provided with a cat microchip?

Just that, the RFID number.

What is the AAHA, a universal pet microchip lookup tool and how does it work?

So you'll go in and put the RFID number in, it will let you know what company to contact, that way you can let them know that you have found an animal that's lost.

Is my cat's personal information available with a cat microchip?

Their personal information is only available to shelters or veterinarians.

Who can scan my cat's microchip?

Anybody with a microchip scanner.

Will my cat's microchip stay in place?

Most of the time, yes, but sometimes it can travel underneath the skin throughout the body.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram