Everything You Need to Know About Microchipping Your Cat

Microchipping is one of the most reliable methods to ensure your kitten can always be identified and safely returned home if they become lost. At KittenGuru, we offer a free standard ISO microchip for every cat, providing you with peace of mind and added security for your furry friend. But what exactly is a microchip, and why is it so important? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about microchipping, how it works, and the steps you can take to enhance your kitten’s safety.

What Is a Microchip and Why Is It Essential?

A microchip is a small, electronic device about the size of a grain of rice that contains a unique 15-digit identification code. However, it’s important to note that the microchip itself does not contain any information about your kitten, such as their name, breed, or owner’s contact details. This code only serves as an identifier, and its effectiveness depends entirely on proper registration.

For the microchip to be truly beneficial, it must be registered with essential details, including:

• Your kitten’s name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Owner’s name
• Contact details (phone number, address, and email)

Without registering the microchip, the 15-digit code on its own is essentially just a number, and it won’t provide any useful information if your kitten is lost. When the microchip is properly registered, shelters and veterinarians can quickly trace the ID to contact you and reunite you with your pet.

The benefits of microchipping for pet owners include:

• Improved chances of reuniting with lost pets: Shelters and veterinarians routinely scan found cats for microchips, enabling them to contact the owner swiftly.
• Travel requirements: In many countries, a microchip is required for pet travel, serving as an official form of identification.
• Proof of ownership: Microchips offer crucial evidence in cases of ownership disputes or theft.
• Long-lasting: Unlike collars and tags that can wear out or break, microchips are designed to last a lifetime.

While microchips do not offer GPS tracking, they remain a vital safeguard to help reunite lost cats with their families.

Where Is the Microchip Implanted?

Quick, Easy, and Safe Implantation Process

The microchip is implanted just under the loose skin between your kitten’s shoulder blades. The implantation procedure is quick, simple, and painless, much like a routine vaccination. A trained veterinarian or professional uses a sterile syringe to insert the microchip, and once in place, it stays there for life. This process is safe for kittens of all breeds and ages, with most cats experiencing little to no discomfort. After implantation, the veterinarian can scan the microchip to confirm it’s properly positioned and functioning.

What Kind of Microchip Does KittenGuru Provide?

Internationally Recognized for Global Compatibility

At KittenGuru, we use a standard ISO microchip that operates at a frequency of 134.2 kHz, which is globally recognized. This ensures compatibility with universal scanners used by veterinarians and animal shelters across the world.

It’s important to understand that not all microchips are the same. In some regions, such as the United States, non-ISO microchips with 125 kHz or 128 kHz frequencies are also used. These may not always be compatible with scanners in other countries. To provide the highest level of security and ensure seamless identification, we recommend using a universal scanner capable of detecting all three frequencies: 134.2 kHz, 125 kHz, and 128 kHz.

What to Do After Microchipping: Registration & Updating Information

Making Sure Your Cat’s Microchip Works When It’s Needed

A microchip alone isn’t enough—it’s essential to register it with your contact details to make it truly functional. Without registration, the chip only holds an ID number with no way to connect it to you.

Steps to Register Your Cat’s Microchip:

1. 1. 1. Visit Your Veterinarian or Microchip Registry Website
         Your veterinarian can assist you with the registration process or handle it for you. Many online registries also allow you to input the microchip number and link it to your contact information.

      2. Provide Accurate and Current Contact Information
         Make sure that your name, phone number, email address, and home address are all correct. Consider adding an emergency contact in case you’re unavailable.

      3. Keep Your Information Updated
         If you change your address, phone number, or email, update your details in the registry right away. This ensures that you can always be reached if your cat is found.

      4. Confirm the Microchip’s Functionality
         Ask your veterinarian to scan the chip during regular checkups to ensure that it is still readable and in proper working condition.

How Microchips Help Bring Lost Cats Home

A Simple Process to Reunite You with Your Pet

The main purpose of a microchip is to assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners. Here’s how the process works:

• If your cat gets lost and is found by a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or rescue organization, staff will scan for a microchip.
• If a microchip is detected, the scanner will show a unique ID number.
• The ID number is then entered into a pet recovery database, which allows staff to access your contact details.
• You will be notified and reunited with your pet.

Studies have shown that microchipped cats are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners compared to those without a microchip.

Debunking Common Microchip Myths

The Facts Behind Microchipping

 

 

Despite their proven effectiveness, there are still several misconceptions surrounding microchips. Let’s clarify these myths:

❌Myth: Microchips Work Like GPS Trackers
✅Fact: Microchips do not provide real-time location tracking. They store a unique ID number that can only be read by a scanner.

❌Myth: Microchipping Is Painful for Pets
✅Fact: The implantation process is quick, simple, and similar to a vaccination. Most pets experience little to no discomfort.

❌Myth: Microchips Can Fall Out
✅Fact: Once implanted, microchips stay securely in place beneath the skin for life.

❌Myth: Only Vets Can Read Microchips
✅Fact: Microchips can be read by many organizations, including animal shelters, rescues, and even some pet stores, all of which are equipped with scanners.

Why Microchipping Your Kitten Is a Must

Protecting Your Furry Friend for Life

At KittenGuru, we prioritize the safety and well-being of your kitten, which is why we provide every kitten with a free ISO-standard microchip—offering a permanent, reliable form of identification.

Microchipping is a simple but powerful tool to keep your pet protected. By registering your kitten’s microchip and keeping your contact information updated, you greatly increase the chances of being reunited with your pet if they ever get lost. Keep in mind:

• A microchip is only effective if it is properly registered.
• Make sure to update your contact details regularly.
• Universal scanners are ideal for reading all microchip frequencies.