May Is Chip Your Pet Month: Why It Saves Cat Lives

Tips for Microchipping Your Cat

If you’ve decided to microchip your cat, here are some practical tips to help ensure that the process goes smoothly:

1. Talk to your vet: The first step is to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you determine if microchipping is right for your cat, and they can also perform the procedure for you.
2. Prepare your cat: To prepare your cat for the microchipping procedure, make sure that they are well-rested, well-fed, and calm. You may also want to bring their favorite toy or treat to help keep them distracted and comfortable during the procedure.
3. Get your cat’s information ready: Before the procedure, you will need to provide your cat’s information to the microchipping service. This includes your cat’s name, breed, age, and any other identifying information that will help the service locate your cat if they get lost.
4. Follow post-procedure care instructions: After the procedure, your veterinarian will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your cat. This may include monitoring your cat for any signs of infection or discomfort, and keeping them calm and comfortable during the recovery period.
5. Choose a reputable microchip company: There are many different microchip companies out there, so it’s important to choose a reputable one. Look for a company that has been around for a while and has a good reputation. You should also make sure that the company is registered with a national database, such as the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, so that your cat’s information is easily accessible if they ever get lost.
6. Keep your information up-to-date: Once your cat is microchipped, it’s important to keep your contact information up-to-date in the database. If you move or change your phone number, make sure to update your information as soon as possible so that you can be contacted if your cat is found.
7. Consider getting your cat a collar and tag: While a microchip provides permanent identification, it’s still a good idea to get your cat a collar and tag with your contact information. This can help ensure that your cat is quickly identified and returned to you if they get lost.

 

Indoor cats can still benefit from having a microchip for the following reasons:

Accidental escapes: Even the most careful cat owners can have an indoor cat escape. Whether it’s through an open door or window, or a hole in a screen, accidents can happen. Having a microchip can provide a reliable way to identify your cat if they get lost.

Emergency situations: In the event of a natural disaster, such as a fire or earthquake, your indoor cat may become frightened and try to escape. Having a microchip can ensure that you can be quickly reunited with your cat if they get lost in an emergency situation.

Medical emergencies: If your indoor cat becomes ill and needs to be taken to a veterinary clinic, having a microchip can provide a reliable way to identify your cat and ensure that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

BUT WILL IT HURT?

 

Microchipping your cat is a quick and simple procedure that can be done painlessly. In fact, most veterinarians and animal welfare organizations agree that the procedure is virtually pain-free for the cat.

A veterinarian or trained veterinary technician uses a sterile needle to inject a tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, just under the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. The procedure takes only a few seconds and your cat will likely not even notice the microchip being implanted. While the microchip itself is painless, some cats may experience minor discomfort or soreness at the injection site for a short period of time after the procedure. However, this discomfort is typically short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.

For fussy or delicate cats, many veterinarians will use a local anesthetic or numbing agent to minimize any discomfort during the microchipping procedure. Some clinics will apply a topical anesthetic, while others will use a local anesthetic injection at the site of the implantation to reduce discomfort.

Collars and tags can be a great way to identify your cat and ensure that they can be quickly reunited with you if they get lost. However, it’s important to choose a collar and tag that are safe for your cat to wear. Here are some tips to help you choose a safe collar and tag for your furry friend:

1. Choose a breakaway collar: A breakaway collar is a collar that is designed to break apart if your cat gets caught on something, such as a tree branch or fence. This is important because it can prevent your cat from getting injured or strangled if they get caught on something. Look for collars that have a release mechanism, such as a buckle that will break apart under pressure.
2. Avoid collars that are too tight: It’s important to make sure that your cat’s collar isn’t too tight. A collar that is too tight can be uncomfortable for your cat, and it can also cause injury or even strangulation. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck. Check every so often that the collar hasn’t stretched or loosened.
3. Choose a lightweight tag: When choosing a tag for your cat’s collar, make sure to choose a lightweight tag. A heavy tag can be uncomfortable for your cat to wear and can also cause the collar to hang too low. Look for tags that are made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum.
4. Include your contact information: Your cat’s tag should include your contact information, such as your name and phone number. This will ensure that if your cat gets lost, whoever finds them can quickly contact you. You can also include your cat’s name on the tag if you wish.
5. Consider a reflective tag: If your cat goes outside at night, consider choosing a reflective tag. This will make your cat more visible to cars and other people, which can help prevent accidents and ensure that your cat is quickly found if they get lost.
6. Replace tags regularly: Finally, it’s important to replace your cat’s collar and tags regularly. Collars and tags can become worn and damaged over time, which can make them less effective at identifying your cat. Make sure to check your cat’s collar and tags regularly and replace them if they are showing signs of wear or damage.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat’s collar and tags are safe and effective at identifying them if they get lost or stolen. There is a shocking amount of purebred or designer dogs stolen these days. The number of cats stolen is rare but it does happen.