It is a small piece of hypoallergenic metal about the size and shape of a grain of rice.<\/p>\n
It is inserted under the cat\u2019s skin, between its shoulder blades. Sometimes the microchip may move a little to one side or the other of the shoulders before settling.<\/p>\n
Once the chip is implanted, the cat doesn't feel it. However, the needle to insert it under the skin is larger than the one used for vaccinations for example. A good opion is to have it done at the same time as a routine anaesthesia (e.g.: sterilization), if the cat has a strong reaction to injections. In general, this procedure is done while the cat is awake and it usually works well because it is done very quickly.<\/p>\n
The microchip is used to permanently identify an cat since, unless surgery is performed, it will not be removed.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately no, since the chip doesn\u2019t have a GPS tracker. The microchip is designed to find the owner rather than the cat.<\/p>\n
Each microchip has a unique number. The cat must be scanned with a microchip reader. Then the microchip company must be contacted to access their database. The microchip company will then be able to identify the cat and its owner through this identification number. This is why it is essential to keep your information up to date with your microchip company.<\/p>\n
Cats that are microchipped will receive a tag stating this. It is also recommended that any cat found by a veterinarian, shelter, pound, or any authority that may have a microchip reader be checked so that the owner can be found.<\/p>\n