Microchipping is a permanent ID system, which involves a chip, no bigger than a grain of rice being implanted under the skin of your pet’s scruff.
Every microchip has a unique number that can be read by a portable scanner, which most vets, local authorities, and rescue homes, including Sandhole Veterinary Centre, have access to, which means your contact details can be easily obtained from the central microchipping database. Once your cat has been scanned and identified by its microchip, a phone call can reunite you with your pet.
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Cat Microchipping at Sandhole Vets in Kent
Sandhole Vets strongly advises cat microchipping, especially if your cat likes to go outside. Even house cats may wander off, but if your cat spends a good amount of time outdoors then a microchip may be vital in helping reunite you should they get lost or get into an accident. It's also important to remember that your pet needs to be microchipped and have a pet passport if you intend to take them overseas.
Cat Microchipping Procedure
Sedation is not necessary for the implantation of the microchip and is a relatively quick procedure that can take place during a consultation. Moreover, we always make sure your cat hasn’t already got a microchip before inserting a new one and can see if they already have one with our scanner.
The Sandhole Vet team will ask you to fill out a registration form at the time of the microchipping process, and your information will then be added to a national database. Additionally, it is crucial to update any changes to your contact information as soon as possible because the database will save these records for the duration of your cat's life (the fee for this is included in the cost of the implantation.)
At Sandhole Vets, all our microchips comply with the International Standard (ISO) and can be recognised by scanners worldwide when used in the Pet Travel scheme.
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Cat Microchipping FAQs
Do I have to microchip my cat?
From June 2024, it will be compulsory for all cats to be microchipped.
Does my indoor cat need microchipping?
Cats are unique individuals with varying preferences. While many enjoy outdoor time, some may strongly prefer an indoor lifestyle. However, even indoor cats that occasionally explore outdoors can become easily spooked by unfamiliar surroundings and may run away.
Due to their limited outdoor experience, these cats are more prone to getting lost and struggling to find their way home. Microchipping your cat, even if they primarily stay indoors, is the safest precaution. You can never fully predict when a cat might venture outdoors and become lost.
Furthermore, microchipping is mandatory for cats travelling abroad as part of the required identification for entry into many countries.
Microchip cat flaps and bowls
If your cat is microchipped, consider installing a microchip cat flap. These innovative devices scan for a cat's microchip and only grant access to the home if the cat's microchip number is programmed into the flap. This effectively prevents unwanted cats from entering your home and protects your cat from potential aggression from strange felines.
Microchip cat flaps eliminate the need for collars with tags, which can be uncomfortable for cats and easily lost, leaving them vulnerable if they venture outdoors.
For multi-cat households, microchip-activated feeding bowls offer a convenient solution. These bowls only allow a cat to access their designated food dish, preventing food hoarding and ensuring each cat receives their appropriate diet, whether it's based on life stage or specific dietary needs.
Where can I get my cat microchipped?
A qualified microchip implanter will place the microchip under the skin between your cat's shoulder blades. All veterinarians and veterinary nurses are qualified to implant microchips, and many pets receive their microchips during a vet visit. The procedure is typically quick and minimally invasive, with most cats experiencing little to no discomfort.
