What Is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic chip — about the size of a grain of rice — implanted under your cat's skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique ID number that can be read by a scanner at any vet clinic or animal shelter. The number is linked to your contact details in a registry database.
Why Microchipping Matters
Collars can fall off. Tags can wear out. A microchip is permanent — it lasts for your cat's entire life and cannot be lost. Studies show that microchipped cats are more than 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners than non-microchipped cats.
How It Works
- Your vet implants the chip with a quick injection (similar to a vaccination).
- You register the chip number with your contact details in a pet recovery database.
- If your cat goes missing and is found, any vet or shelter can scan the chip.
- The registry contacts you using the phone number or email on file.
Does It Hurt?
No. The injection is quick — most cats barely react. The chip sits under the skin permanently and doesn't cause discomfort. It requires no maintenance, no batteries, and no replacement.
How Much Does It Cost?
Microchipping typically costs $25–$50 at a vet clinic. Some shelters and rescue organisations offer it for free or at a discount. Many areas also have low-cost microchipping clinics. The cost is a one-time fee — there's no ongoing subscription for the chip itself, though some registries offer optional paid premium services.
Keeping Your Microchip Up to Date
A microchip is only useful if your contact details are current. If you:
- Move house
- Change your phone number
- Change your email
- Rehome the cat to a new owner
...you must update the registry immediately. Many lost microchipped cats are never reunited because the registered phone number no longer works.
Which Registry?
Different countries have different registries. In the US, common ones include HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, and FoundAnimals. In the UK, it's Petlog and AnimalTracker. Your vet will tell you which registry they use, and you can usually register with multiple databases for added safety.
Microchipping Is Not a GPS Tracker
A common misconception: microchips are not GPS trackers. They don't emit a signal, and you can't track your cat's location with one. A microchip only works when someone physically scans the cat with a reader. For real-time GPS tracking, you'd need a separate GPS collar (which has its own limitations — battery life, range, and the cat needing to wear it).
Should You Microchip an Indoor-Only Cat?
Yes. Indoor cats escape more often than you'd think — through open doors, torn screens, or during home maintenance. An indoor cat that escapes is especially vulnerable because it has no street experience. A microchip is your best insurance.
The Bottom Line
Microchipping is the single most effective, affordable, and permanent way to protect your cat. If your cat isn't chipped yet, book an appointment with your vet this week. And if your cat is already chipped, take five minutes today to verify your contact details are current with the registry.
If your cat is currently missing, post a lost-cat alert on Cat Reunite and mention the microchip number so vets and shelters can match any found cat to yours.
