Microchipping for Your Cat’s Safety

Microchips are small devices implanted under the skin that contain a code to identify your cat. In this article, we will explain how microchips work, if indoor cats should have microchips, and if they are right for your cat.

Why Should You Consider Getting a Cat Microchipped

Here’s a scenario: Your cat escapes the house and is found a few miles away by an animal control officer, who takes the cat back to the shelter and scans them in hopes of finding a microchip and microchip code. When a code is found and displayed on the scanner, the shelter employee can determine which database to contact for more information. Once the database is contacted, the microchip code is given.

At this point, there are two outcomes. If the owner did not register their name and telephone number with a database, the veterinary clinic that purchased the microchip will be contacted. Unfortunately, the cat must stay at the shelter until the veterinary clinic can be reached.

The other potential outcome is based on whether the owner paid an additional fee and registered their name, address, and telephone number with a database. In this situation, the database can supply your telephone number to the shelter employee. The shelter can then contact you directly, resulting in a reunion with your cat that day.

Do You Need to Microchip Your Cat If They Stay Inside?

A common question cat owners ask is, “Should I microchip my indoor cat?”

The answer is always yes. It can be even more important to microchip an indoor cat because when they get out, they are often very disoriented and can become lost forever. Some reports suggest that only 2 to 3 percent of cats that get out are reunited with their owners.

In many cases, indoor cats get out due to unforeseen circumstances, like a service worker or neighbor leaving the door open. Dr. Debra Primovic, an emergency veterinarian and writer, shared that her indoor cat (Sammy) got out when she had a house fire. The local firemen broke down the door to fight the fire and Sammy ran out. They found her cat hiding in bushes several houses away. So, even cats that are primarily indoors can get out.

Cat Microchip Recommendations

Below are recommendations for microchipping cats:

Register your pet. This is critical to ensure the chip company has your name and phone number. It’s worth it, and there’s no cost when you create an account with 24Petwatch.
Get an identifier for their collar. Use an identifier on your cat’s collar that indicates that they have a microchip.
Test the microchip. During your annual visit to the veterinarian, ask them to test the microchip. Have your veterinarian scan your cat to determine if the chip is still transmitting data and correct information.
Determine chip location. Ask your veterinarian or their staff where the chip is in your cat. Most chips are injected over the back, but they may migrate to the side. Routinely feel the area in the location of the microchip for abnormalities. Report any masses or lumps to your vet immediately.
Update your content info. Annually, confirm your cat’s information with the microchip database and ensure that all contact information, including your address, phone number, and email address, are current.

How Accurate Are Cat Microchips?

Microchips are a popular method for permanent identification of cats. The chips are considered reliable, accurate, and an effective way to identify lost animals. Most companies guarantee the chip for the lifetime of your cat.

Do Microchips Cause Cancer?

There have been some reports of tumors caused by microchips in laboratory mice and rats. There is also a report of a dog that had a tumor removed that was next to their microchip. However, there is no definitive proof suggesting it was from the microchip. In general, microchips are considered very safe.

Should Your Microchip Your Cat?

Yes! Microchips are the best way to identify your cat.

Additional Articles of Interest

PetPlace® may be compensated by its affiliates when you click on or make a purchase using the links in this article. PetPlace is a brand of Independence American Holdings Corp. (IAHC). 24PetWatch® is a brand of PTZ Insurance Services, Ltd., an indirect corporate affiliate of IAHC.