How Do Microchips Help Cats Come Home?
Most cats will be given a collar at least once in their lifetimes. They're a classic form of easily identifying cats, as most people who see a cat with a collar will know that it has an owner somewhere. However, it's that somewhere that's a problem. When a cat only has a collar (with or without an ID tag) the likelihood of them making it home after being lost or missing is far less than if they also had a microchip. If you've heard about microchips but don't know what to think about them, consider these ways that they can help your cat to get home.
Always Present Identification
The biggest problem with collars, harnesses, and ID tags is that there's no guarantee that any of them will actually stay on your pet. When cats get caught on things like fence posts or even from a friendly hand trying to grab them, the thrashing they engage in often leads to their collar or harness coming off. ID tags can be lost alongside these tools, but they can also end up lost on their own. In that scenario, even people who want to help reunite you with your pet won't have anything to go on. The common practice of putting out flyers and posters letting folks know that a cat has been found won't help much if the kitty wanders far away, and without a phone number or address to rely upon, it becomes much harder for them to make it back.
With microchips, there's no real way to lose them. They're injected into your cat's body, under their skin, where they stay put from that point forward. Whether or not you choose to put a collar and ID on your cat, the microchip will always be there, providing a way for your cat to get home no matter where they end up.
Major Databases
If you've ever used an ID tag for a pet, chances are you know of some of the downfalls that they can have, beyond getting lost. For example, if your phone number changes, or if you move, the ID stays the same. If you were to lose a cat mid-move, even if someone found them with their ID intact, they might not be able to actually find you to reunite them with you.
One of the great things about microchips is that the chip itself doesn't actually contain the information about your cat's identity. Instead, microchips each have a unique identifier code. This code can then be entered into online databases, where the code will reveal your cat's identification listing.
The biggest benefit here is that you can modify this information whenever you need to. If you move, you can swap out your address and phone number. If you're separated from your cat and their microchip is scanned at a veterinarian's office, they'll be able to notify you as soon as they pull up your records.
For more information about microchipping pet services, contact a local professional.
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