Key takeaways

  • Many owners are reluctant to get their cats microchipped, whether that's because of the cost or because they're worried that it will cause their furry friends distress.
  • However, in reality, it's a quick and simple procedure that costs a very small fee.
  • In this guide, we're looking at how microchips work, the cost of them, the law, and why it's essential your kitty get's chipped.

How do pet microchips work?

Microchips are tiny chips that are inserted just beneath your cat's skin. When they are scanned, they link to a profile on a huge database. This profile will have the following information:

  • Your contact number
  • Your address
  • Your email address

This means that your cat is linked to you as the owner.

Cat being microchipped at the vets

Is it the law to get your cat microchipped?

In many countries, it is now illegal to have a cat that is not microchipped. This helps:

  • Keep your cat safe and accountable
  • Prevent kitties from being abandoned
  • Find lost cats
  • Reduce and prevent pet theft

Ensure you check your country's laws to avoid facing a fine. However, even if it isn't the law, we still advise getting your kitty chipped.

How much does microchipping cost?

Costs can vary around the world, but on average, you can expect to pay around $50 in America and around £20-30 in the UK. However, many insurance plans can help cover the cost of the process. Also, if you are adopting a cat, the shelter may offer to cover the cost of microchipping to encourage owners to keep their furry friends safe.

The process of microchipping

Even though the cost of microchipping is fairly low, many owners are still reluctant to do it. Sometimes, this comes from a place of not understanding the process and worrying that it is cruel to cats. So, let's break down what you can expect when you get a pet microchipped:

  1. The chip will be scanned in its packet in the veterinary clinic to double check it's linked to the correct information.
  2. It is then loaded into a syringe.
  3. Your cat, who is awake, will be held by the vet and put in place (usually lying on their bellies or standing up.)
  4. The loose skin between their shoulder blades will be lifted up.
  5. A needle will be inserted into the skin, and the chip will deployed.
  6. The needle will be withdrawn, and the process is finished.

It's an incredibly quick procedure and takes as long as any other injection, so just a minute or two. The microchip registry and paperwork may take some time, but this doesn't impact your cat! It's widely believed that your cat won't feel much pain or notice the injection. If they do, it's similar to the sensation of any other injection.

Cat getting microchipped

Why it's essential to get your pet microchipped

All cat parents should get their pet microchipped. It's an important element of keeping your kitty safe wherever you may live.

Accountability

Unfortunately, a huge number of pets go missing every year. Cats are notoriously curious creatures who enjoy roaming around their territory. Even an indoor cat is likely to escape at some point, seeking adventure!

When this happens, the majority are found in animal shelters. This means microchipped cats will find their way back to their owners quickly after their owners are contacted. However, a lost cat with no chip may be put up for adoption. Even worse, if the shelter is overun or it lacks funding, they may be euthanized.

This is a worst-case scenario that's incredibly easy to avoid. A simple procedure will mean no matter where your lost pet ends up, their chip will be scanned and you will be contacted.

All cat parents should get their pet microchipped. It's an important element of keeping your kitty safe wherever you may live.
Busy animal shelter scanning lost cats for microchips

Safety

A microchipped pet is a lot safer than those that aren't accounted for. The registration of your pet means you are linked to them as an owner in a national database.

The more people who get their pet microchipped, the less pet theft that occurs. This is because thieves won't be able to sell your pet if it is microchipped, so there will be no financial incentive to do so.

Responsible pet parents

We all want to be the best pet parents possible. This simple procedure is an easy and quick way to be just that. Caring for your cat and prioritizing their wellbeing and safety means taking ownership of them. Without an official registration, you won't be able to protect them to the best of your ability.

We know our cats are independent, and with the assurance of a pet microchip you can let them live their best life exploring without constantly worrying about their safety.

two cat owners sat with their cats outside cuddling them

FAQs

Final thoughts

So, while it will cost you to microchip your cat, it's well worth it. Without a chip, you risk losing your cat and being unable to locate them again.

If you haven't already, book the procedure now! It's quick and easy and will keep your kitty safe, making you a responsible pet parent.