Cat Microchipping: Reuniting Lost Cats with Their Owners

Free First Visit Offer At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we understand the importance of keeping your feline friends safe and identifiable. That's why we strongly recommend microchipping for all cats. Let's explore what microchipping means for your cat and why it's so crucial. A light blue heart icon on a white background, symbolizing compassion and care, often associated with veterinarians. A minimalist image featuring a large green curved shape on the right side, reminiscent of a veterinarian symbol, set against a plain white background. A simple, solid blue circle centered on a white background, reminiscent of the calm assurance found in a veterinarian's care. A solid green heart shape sits prominently on a white background, symbolizing the care and compassion of a veterinarian's dedication.
A close-up of a tabby kitten with blue eyes lying down, facing the camera, with its front paws stretched out in front and ears perked up. The background is soft and out of focus.

What is Cat Microchipping?

Microchipping involves placing a tiny, computerized chip underneath your cat’s skin, typically near the shoulder area. This chip serves as a permanent form of identification should your cat ever get lost and end up at a shelter or veterinary hospital.

A close-up of a tabby kitten with blue eyes lying down, facing the camera, with its front paws stretched out in front and ears perked up. The background is soft and out of focus.

What is Cat Microchipping?

Microchipping involves placing a tiny, computerized chip underneath your cat’s skin, typically near the shoulder area. This chip serves as a permanent form of identification should your cat ever get lost and end up at a shelter or veterinary hospital.

Why Do We Recommend Cat Microchipping?

As veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we strongly advocate for microchipping because it’s the most reliable way to reunite lost cats with their owners. If your cat were to get lost for any reason, the microchip can be used to identify your cat and your contact information, ensuring a quick and safe return.

A close-up of a small tabby kitten lying on a bed, gently holding and nibbling on a person's hand with its paws. The background is softly blurred, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
A close-up of a small tabby kitten lying on a bed, gently holding and nibbling on a person's hand with its paws. The background is softly blurred, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Why Do We Recommend Cat Microchipping?

As veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we strongly advocate for microchipping because it’s the most reliable way to reunite lost cats with their owners. If your cat were to get lost for any reason, the microchip can be used to identify your cat and your contact information, ensuring a quick and safe return.

A fluffy orange kitten with blue eyes lies on a soft, gray blanket, looking directly at the camera.

Is Microchipping Safe and Painless?

Absolutely! Microchipping is entirely safe and virtually painless for your cat. The chip is inserted using a beveled needle, which slips easily under the skin. Many cats don’t even notice the procedure. We can perform it while your cat is awake or during other procedures like spaying or neutering.

How Does a Microchip Identify My Cat?

Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and many pet organizations have special scanning devices that can detect and read microchips. If a lost cat is brought in, one of the first things we do at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care is scan for a microchip. The scanner reads the unique identification number on the chip, which is then used to contact the microchip company and retrieve the owner’s information.

A gray kitten with yellow eyes lies on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred with greenery and bright light.
A gray kitten with yellow eyes lies on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred with greenery and sunlight.
A fluffy gray and white cat with long fur lies on a woven mat on a wooden floor, looking slightly upward. A wooden chair leg is visible in the background.

Why Microchip if My Cat Has a Collar with a Tag?

While collars and tags are useful, they can easily slip off or be removed. Many indoor cats don’t wear collars at all. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification that can’t be lost or removed, offering an extra layer of security for your beloved pet.

A fluffy gray and white cat with long fur lies on a woven mat on a wooden floor, looking slightly upward. A wooden chair leg is visible in the background.

Why Microchip if My Cat Has a Collar with a Tag?

While collars and tags are useful, they can easily slip off or be removed. Many indoor cats don’t wear collars at all. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification that can’t be lost or removed, offering an extra layer of security for your beloved pet.

Can a Microchip Track My Cat’s Location?

Standard microchips don’t have GPS capabilities. They serve as an ID tag rather than a tracking device. However, there are separate GPS devices available for pets if you’re interested in real-time tracking.

A fluffy orange tabby cat with green eyes looks directly at the camera, sitting on a light-colored chair with a blurred background.
A close-up of a tabby kitten with wide eyes and perked ears, nestled comfortably in a soft, light pink, ribbed blanket. The kitten’s front paws are visible, poking out of the blanket.
A brown tabby kitten with big eyes peeks out from between soft, pink, ribbed fabric, looking directly at the camera with its front paws visible.

Who Can Access My Cat’s Microchip Information?

The microchip itself only contains a unique identification number. When scanned, this number is used to contact the microchip company, which then reaches out to you using the contact information you’ve provided. It’s crucial to keep your contact information up-to-date with the microchip company.

What If I Lose My Cat’s Microchip Information?

Don’t worry! The information is stored securely online with the microchip company. Even if you lose your records, they should have it available. However, it’s essential to update your information whenever you move or change phone numbers to ensure you can be reached if your cat is found.

A close-up of a small tabby kitten lying on a bed, gently holding and nibbling on a person's hand with its paws. The background is softly blurred, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
A close-up of a small tabby kitten lying on a bed, gently holding and nibbling on a person's hand with its paws. The background is softly blurred, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

What If I Lose My Cat’s Microchip Information?

Don’t worry! The information is stored securely online with the microchip company. Even if you lose your records, they should have it available. However, it’s essential to update your information whenever you move or change phone numbers to ensure you can be reached if your cat is found.

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Schedule Your Cat’s Microchipping Today

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to keeping your cats safe and helping them find their way home if they ever get lost. If you have any questions about microchipping or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Call us at (657) 756-5683 or visit our clinic at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. Our experienced veterinarians, Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Ried Forman, are here to provide the best care for your feline friends.

Remember, a small chip can make a big difference in bringing your lost cat back home!

Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care – Caring for Your Pets with Compassion and Expertise