What is Cat Microchipping?
Cat Microchipping 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.
Travelling Abroad with Your Cat?
For pet owners planning international travel, a microchip is a non-negotiable requirement. It's essential for obtaining a pet passport and fulfilling various international travel regulations. At Leadon Vale Vets, all the microchips we use are International Standard (ISO) compliant, guaranteeing they're recognised worldwide.
The Cat Microchipping Process
Getting your cat microchipped at Leadon Vale Vets is a simple, swift, and secure process:
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No Sedation Needed: The procedure is similar to a routine injection, causing only minimal discomfort to your cat.
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Lifetime Registration: Once microchipped, your contact details are registered on a national database, providing lifetime coverage for your feline friend.
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Effortless Updates: Should your contact information change (e.g., a new address or phone number), updating your pet's microchip registration is straightforward. Keeping these details current is absolutely crucial for ensuring your pet can be easily identified and returned to you if they're found.
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 want more information, please don't hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our friendly team members.
Book Your Cat Microchipping Appotinemnt at Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre
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.
What is a microchip cat flap?
If your cat is microchipped, you might want to consider installing a microchip cat flap. These clever devices scan your cat's microchip as they approach, only allowing entry to pets whose microchip numbers you've programmed into the flap.
A microchip cat flap is an excellent investment for keeping unwanted visitors out of your home, especially if you're tired of neighbourhood cats helping themselves to your pet's food!
Do Vets Scan for Microchips?
Absolutely! Vets, along with many animal welfare organisations like Cats Protection, routinely scan lost animals for microchips. This is a crucial step in reuniting pets with their owners.
If you find a cat you suspect might be a stray or lost, we highly recommend contacting your local vet (such as Leadon Vale Vets) or an organisation like Cats Protection in your area. They will be able to scan the cat for a microchip, which could hold the key to getting them back home.
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.
What is a microchip cat flap?
If your cat is microchipped, you might want to consider installing a microchip cat flap. These clever devices scan your cat's microchip as they approach, only allowing entry to pets whose microchip numbers you've programmed into the flap.
A microchip cat flap is an excellent investment for keeping unwanted visitors out of your home, especially if you're tired of neighbourhood cats helping themselves to your pet's food!
Do Vets Scan for Microchips?
Absolutely! Vets, along with many animal welfare organisations like Cats Protection, routinely scan lost animals for microchips. This is a crucial step in reuniting pets with their owners.
If you find a cat you suspect might be a stray or lost, we highly recommend contacting your local vet (such as Leadon Vale Vets) or an organisation like Cats Protection in your area. They will be able to scan the cat for a microchip, which could hold the key to getting them back home.
