What is Cat Microchipping?
Microchipping for cats is a permanent ID system, which involves a chip, no bigger than a grain of rice being implanted under the skin of your pet’s scruff. It comes highly recommended with hundreds of cats going missing every year. If microchips aren't implanted, cats are unidentified and are often never found. As of June 2024, microchipping your cat is a legal requirement, and if not done before 20 weeks of age, you can be fined.
All microchips have a unique number that can be read by a portable scanner, which all vets, local authorities, and rescue homes have access to. Microchipping easily obtains your contact details from the central microchipping database. Once your cat has been scanned and identified by its microchip, it only takes a phone call to reunite you.
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Microchipping for Cats & Other Pets
Dogs, ferrets, rabbits, snakes, parrots, tortoises and horse microchipping also come highly recommended by the team at Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre. It is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped, and all puppies must be vaccinated by 8 weeks of age before ownership is transferred from the breeder. You can be fined up to £500.00 if your dog is not microchipped. It is also worth noting, that if you are planning on taking your pet abroad, they must be microchipped and have a pet passport.
Cat Microchipping at Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre
At Leadon Vale Vets, sedation is not necessary for implantation as the process is quick and painless for most pets. The careful procedure causes minimal discomfort to your pets. Cat microchipping is often done during a routine consultation and doesn't require a special appointment. If you can't recall whether your cat has been microchipped, one of our vets will be able to detect this by using a microchipping scanner. This is a routine check even if it's not brought up, so rest assured, all animals are checked before implanting a new microchip.
Before a veterinary nurse implants a microchip, you will be asked to complete a registration form, from which your details are then submitted to a national database. At Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre, all microchips are implanted under the International Standard (ISO) and therefore when travelling with your pet, your cat can be recognised.
If you are wanting more information, please don't hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our friendly team members.
If you are looking for affordable ways to pay for your cat's treatment, we offer a Pet Health for Life Plan which includes cat microchipping, flea and worm treatment and more!
Book a Cat Microchipping Appointment
Cat Microchipping FAQs
Will microchipping hurt my cat?
Microchipping is a very quick procedure, similar to getting a vaccine. Your cat might feel a tiny pinch, but it's over in seconds. There's no recovery time needed, and the microchip won't cause them any ongoing pain or discomfort. Most cats don't even notice it's there.
Can a cat's body reject a microchip?
Microchips are designed to be very safe. They're encased in a special, body-friendly glass that's strong and doesn't react with the body. This material is made to withstand your cat's normal activities, so they can play and explore without any problems.
Are cats shaved for microchip insertion?
No, shaving isn't necessary. The needle used for microchipping is very small and sterile. It makes a tiny opening in the skin that closes quickly.
Are cats sore after microchipping?
our cat might feel a brief, mild pinch when the needle goes in, like getting an injection. But that's it! It's very uncommon for cats to have any lasting problems. Sometimes, there might be a small, temporary bump where the needle went in, but it usually goes away on its own in a few days.
Will microchipping hurt my cat?
Microchipping is a very quick procedure, similar to getting a vaccine. Your cat might feel a tiny pinch, but it's over in seconds. There's no recovery time needed, and the microchip won't cause them any ongoing pain or discomfort. Most cats don't even notice it's there.
Can a cat's body reject a microchip?
Microchips are designed to be very safe. They're encased in a special, body-friendly glass that's strong and doesn't react with the body. This material is made to withstand your cat's normal activities, so they can play and explore without any problems.
Are cats shaved for microchip insertion?
No, shaving isn't necessary. The needle used for microchipping is very small and sterile. It makes a tiny opening in the skin that closes quickly.
Are cats sore after microchipping?
our cat might feel a brief, mild pinch when the needle goes in, like getting an injection. But that's it! It's very uncommon for cats to have any lasting problems. Sometimes, there might be a small, temporary bump where the needle went in, but it usually goes away on its own in a few days.
