A microchip is a small, passive transponder, roughly the size of a grain of rice, enclosed in a biocompatible glass capsule. This device uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to store a unique identification number readable by a specialized scanner. The implant provides permanent identification for cats that cannot be lost or removed like a collar and tag.
Dangers of DIY Cat Microchipping
Attempting to implant a microchip yourself carries significant risks to your cat’s health and the chip’s effectiveness. The process requires a large-bore needle inserted into the correct subcutaneous plane, which can cause considerable pain if not handled with professional restraint and technique. Using non-sterile equipment outside of a clinical environment introduces a high risk of localized infection or abscess formation at the injection site.
Errors in technique can lead to severe consequences, such as damage to surrounding nerves or tissues. Improper insertion has been documented to cause the chip to be lodged near the spinal cord, potentially resulting in pain or mobility issues. If the chip is inserted too shallowly or into muscle tissue instead of the correct loose skin layer, it is more likely to migrate to a different part of the cat’s body or even fall out, rendering the identification measure useless.
The Professional Implantation Process
The safest method for microchipping a cat involves a licensed veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician. The professional uses a specialized, pre-loaded sterile injector to ensure the process is quick, clean, and minimally invasive. The standard site for placement is the subcutaneous space, precisely between the cat’s shoulder blades.
To prepare for the injection, the professional will gently tent the loose skin in this area, allowing the needle to fully penetrate the skin barrier and deposit the microchip into the correct layer. The entire procedure is similar to a routine vaccination and typically takes only a few seconds to complete.
Anesthesia is generally not required for the brief injection, though some owners opt to have it performed while the cat is already anesthetized for another procedure, such as spaying or neutering. Immediately after implantation, the professional scans the area to confirm the chip is working and is in the proper location.
Making the Microchip Functional
Physical implantation is only the first step; the microchip must be registered to serve its purpose of reuniting a lost cat with its owner. The unique identification number embedded in the transponder must be recorded with a national pet recovery database. This registration links the chip’s unique code to the owner’s current contact information.
If a lost cat is found and scanned by a shelter or veterinary clinic, the scanner will only display the chip’s ID number, not the owner’s personal details. Staff then use this number to search the database, which acts as the intermediary to retrieve the owner’s information and initiate a reunion.
Because the chip itself contains no data, the system relies entirely on the accuracy of the registered information. It is crucial to update the database immediately if there is any change to the owner’s phone number, address, or email.