Permanent Identification for Cats
Even the most careful cat families have stories — the door held open a second too long, the screen with the loose corner, the plumber who didn’t know there was a cat in the house. Cats get out. The question isn’t whether it can happen; it’s whether they can find their way home when it does.
One of the newest advances in microchip technology offers an added benefit beyond identification: certain microchips (the ones we offer) can also be used to measure your cat’s body temperature with a simple scanner. This allows our team to obtain a temperature reading quickly and comfortably, often avoiding the need for a more traditional rectal thermometer. For many cats (who are famously not fans of the traditional method), it means a less stressful and less intrusive veterinary visit while still providing us with important health information.
Microchipping is one of the simplest, most effective ways to give your cat that chance. A microchip is a tiny, permanent ID — about the size of a grain of rice — placed just under your cat’s skin. If your cat ever ends up at a shelter, animal hospital, or rescue, a quick scan reveals your contact info and gets the call to you, fast.
What to Expect
Microchipping is a quick procedure — no anesthesia, no surgery, and minimal discomfort. The chip is implanted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle, similar to a routine vaccination.
It can be done:
- At any wellness visit
- At your kitten‘s early appointments
- During a spay or neuter procedure, while your cat is already under anesthesia
Once placed, the chip is a lifetime ID — no batteries, no upkeep, and no replacements needed.
Don’t Forget to Register
You won’t, because we register it for you as part of our service! But keep in mind — a microchip only works if it’s registered with current contact information. After your cat’s chip is placed, we’ll complete the registration process, but then strongly recommend that you keep your details up to date — especially when you move, change phone numbers, or rehome a cat.
But My Cat Is Indoor-Only — Do They Really Need a Microchip?
Yes. Some of the most common lost-cat stories start with “we thought she’d never go outside.” A contractor leaves the door propped open. A house guest doesn’t realize the cat has slipped past. A window screen gives way. An earthquake, a fire alarm, a moving day — any of these can send a cat bolting for cover in an environment they don’t recognize.
Indoor cats also rarely wear collars, which means if they do get out and get picked up, a microchip may be the only way for a shelter or vet to reunite them with their family. For indoor cats especially, a microchip isn’t overkill — it’s often the single safety net standing between “she got out” and “she came home.”
Microchipping vs. Collars and Tags
Collars and ID tags are great — and we recommend cats wear them when they’ll tolerate them — but they can slip off, get removed, or become unreadable over time. Breakaway collars, which are the safest choice for cats to prevent strangulation, are also the collars most likely to come off entirely.
A microchip is permanent, tamper-proof, and stays with your cat for life. The best protection is both: a visible ID tag for the immediate identification a neighbor might provide, and a microchip for everything that happens after.
Schedule Your Cat’s Microchip Appointment
Whether you’re microchipping for the first time, registering an existing chip, or making sure your information is current, we’re here to help. Call us at (909) 546-3321 or request an appointment online.
A few minutes today could mean everything if your cat ever ends up far from home.