How to chip a cat? - briefly
To microchip your cat, follow these steps:
- Consult your veterinarian for the procedure; they will use a hypodermic needle to inject the microchip under your cat's skin, typically between the shoulder blades.
- After insertion, ensure the microchip is registered with your contact information in a national database to facilitate reunification if your cat gets lost.
How to chip a cat? - in detail
Chipping a cat involves implanting a small microchip under its skin, which can be scanned to reveal the pet's unique identification number and owner contact information. This procedure is generally safe, quick, and relatively painless for cats. Here’s a detailed guide on how to chip a cat:
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that microchipping should ideally be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a trained professional. The process begins with an appointment at your local vet clinic. Before the procedure, ensure your cat is healthy and not suffering from any infections or illnesses that could complicate the chip implantation.
During the appointment, the veterinarian will use a specialized microchip scanner to check if your cat already has a microchip. This step ensures there are no duplicates and helps locate the existing chip, if any. If a previous chip is found, the vet can deactivate it or provide information on how to update the contact details associated with that chip.
The actual chipping procedure is straightforward:
- Sedation: In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend light sedation for your cat to keep it calm and still during the process. However, many cats can be chipped without sedation if they are comfortable being handled.
- Preparation: The vet will clean the area where the chip will be inserted, usually between the shoulder blades. This ensures a sterile environment and reduces the risk of infection.
- Insertion: Using a hypodermic needle, the veterinarian injects the microchip underneath the cat’s skin. The process is quick, taking only a few seconds. Most cats barely notice it, similar to receiving a regular injection.
- Verification: After inserting the chip, the vet will use the scanner again to ensure the microchip is functioning correctly and can be detected.
- Registration: Once the microchip is in place, you’ll need to register it with a national pet recovery database. This step is crucial as it links your contact information to the unique identification number on the chip. Without registration, the chip is essentially useless for pet recovery.
- Aftercare: After the procedure, monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort or infection at the injection site. In most cases, cats recover quickly and resume their normal activities without any issues. If you notice swelling, redness, or persistent scratching, contact your vet immediately.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your cat is safely microchipped, increasing the chances of its safe return if it ever gets lost. Regularly updating your contact information in the pet recovery database ensures that the chip remains effective and useful for years to come.