Microchips are something you rarely think about—until the day your cat goes missing. In our previous discussion, we explored collars as a remedy for cats lost due to natural disasters. However, collars have limitations: many cats dislike wearing them, and owners worry about collars getting caught on objects. This time, we focus on the often unseen but crucial tool: the microchip.
Our stance is clear: we fully support microchipping your cat. You never know when your cat might get lost. Unlike collars, which can break or be lost, a microchip stays with your cat for life. Veterinary clinics and animal shelters typically have microchip scanners that quickly retrieve the owner's information stored in the chip.
The Importance of Keeping Microchip Information Updated
How many cats do you have? Are they all microchipped? Here is the key question: do you remember which owner's name, phone number, and contact address are registered with your cat's microchip? Have you changed your phone number or moved recently? If so, have you updated the microchip information accordingly?
If your mind draws a blank, we recommend scheduling a visit to your regular veterinary clinic to have your cat's microchip scanned and verify the information. Some clinics are authorized as "pet registration stations" and can update your data on the spot. Since not all clinics have this status, call ahead to confirm.
After scanning, be sure to note down the microchip number for your records. This will allow you to check and update information online in the future without needing to visit the clinic.
When You Adopt a Cat with an Existing Microchip
Sometimes, adopted cats already have microchips registered to previous owners. In such cases, we strongly recommend contacting the former owner or foster to update the registration. You should change the registered owner's name and contact details to your own.
If updating in person is inconvenient due to different cities or regions, some registration centers allow the previous owner to provide a copy of their ID and authorization to transfer ownership. However, this process requires prior confirmation with the veterinary clinic to ensure it can be done.
Summary
- Microchips provide a permanent, reliable form of identification for cats, unlike collars that can be lost or damaged.
- Veterinary clinics and shelters can scan microchips to quickly access owner information.
- It is essential to keep the microchip registration information current, especially after changing phone numbers or addresses.
- If adopting a cat with a pre-existing microchip, promptly update the registration to your details.
- Contact your veterinary clinic ahead of time to confirm if they can update microchip information or transfer ownership.
Taking these steps ensures your cat's safety and increases the chances of a quick reunion if they ever get lost.
