What does a microchip for cats look like? - briefly
A microchip for cats is a small, rice-sized transponder encased in biocompatible glass. It is typically implanted between the cat's shoulder blades and contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner.
What does a microchip for cats look like? - in detail
A microchip for cats is a small, passive radio frequency identification (RFID) device designed to provide permanent identification for pets. The chip itself is encased in a biocompatible glass capsule, which is typically about the size of a grain of rice. This capsule measures approximately 11 millimeters in length and has a diameter of around 2 millimeters, making it extremely small and unobtrusive.
The microchip is implanted under the cat's skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a hypodermic needle specifically designed for this purpose. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, comparable to a typical vaccination. Once inserted, the chip remains in place throughout the cat's life, providing a reliable means of identification that can be scanned by veterinarians or animal shelters.
The microchip contains a unique identification number, which is stored on a tiny integrated circuit within the glass capsule. This number is registered with a database, such as those maintained by pet recovery services, along with contact information for the cat's owner. When the chip is scanned using an RFID reader, the unique ID number is displayed, allowing professionals to access the registration details and reunite the cat with its rightful owner.
In summary, a microchip for cats is a small, glass-encased device containing a unique identification number. It is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades and provides a permanent means of identifying lost or stray pets, greatly enhancing the chances of their safe return home.