Do you consider yourself a responsible parent for your cat? So it is crucial to address a key aspect of his care: his legal identification. Discover in this article the need and importance of identifying your cat with an electronic chip, a legal process that ensures its protection, promotes monitoring of its health and facilitates travel.

The importance of microchipping for your cat

Understanding what a cat microchip is

There microchip for cat is a biomedical device the size of a grain of rice, implanted under the cat’s skin. This microchip contains unique information that allows the animal to be identified by a distinct number. This microchip is not only an effective method of identification, but it also offers significant benefits to the health and well-being of your feline companion.

The security provided by the electronic chip

First and foremost, the microchip is an essential tool for finding a lost cat. Unlike collars and tags which can come off, the chip remains in place throughout the life of the animal. If your cat is lost, any veterinarian or shelter capable of reading microchips will be able to access contact information and facilitate a reunion. For owners, it is therefore a security not negligible.

The legal importance of the electronic chip

In some countries like France, microchip identification of cats is not only useful, but also OBLIGATORY. This measure aims to combat the abandonment of animals and to facilitate their reunion in the event of loss. It also helps to better manage the feline population and reduce stray cat problems. Owning an unidentified cat can result in legal sanctions for the owner.

The microchip and traveling with your cat

The microchip is also very useful if you plan to travel with your four-legged friend. Indeed, most countries require microchip identification for incoming animals. This chip must specifically comply with ISO 11784/11785. This will often be the first step in preparing a international travel with your cat.

Better veterinary care with the electronic chip

Finally, the microchip can facilitate your cat’s veterinary care. If your pet is found injured and unable to move, the chip will allow veterinarians to quickly access their medical information. This can play a crucial role when it comes to making urgent decisions for your cat’s health.

FAQs

Is microchipping painful for my cat?
No, the implantation of the chip is done quickly by a veterinarian and causes a sensation similar to a vaccination.
Can the microchip be used to track the location of my cat?
No, contrary to what one might think, the electronic chip is not a GPS and does not allow the cat to be located in real time.
What is the lifespan of the electronic chip?
The electronic chip has an almost unlimited lifespan and you will not have to worry about replacing it. It remains active throughout your cat’s life.

The procedure for implanting a microchip in a cat

The importance of legal cat identification

The establishment of a microchip in a cat is a responsible act and approach. This identification technique is very widespread today for our feline friends and is particularly useful in the event of loss or theft. Identification is also compulsory in France for all cats over 7 months old.

What is the microchip?

There microchip, also called a transponder, is a small capsule the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the cat’s skin, generally between the two shoulders. This chip contains a unique identification number which allows the owner’s information to be found.

How is the microchip installed?

The implantation of the electronic chip is generally done during a simple veterinary consultation. The veterinarian performs a subcutaneous injection which is no more painful than a vaccination. The veterinarian then passes a reader over the implantation area to verify that the chip is in place and functional. The operation does not last more than a few minutes and the cat can return home immediately afterwards.

The advantages of the electronic chip

In addition to respecting the law, the electronic chip has several advantages. First, it is tamper-proof and thus offers security in the event of the cat being stolen. It is not visible and does not hinder the animal’s movements. Finally, the electronic chip has an almost unlimited lifespan.

Registration of the microchip

After implantation of the electronic chip, it is essential to carry out its registration. This is done in the national databases of domestic animals, via an identification certificate completed by the veterinarian. The owner then receives an identification certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is microchip implantation painful for the cat?
A: No, installing the microchip is quite quick and is no more painful than a vaccination.
Q: Can the microchip move around in the cat’s body?
A: In very rare cases, the chip may move a few centimeters, but it still remains detectable by a reader.
Q: What is the cost of microchipping?
A: The cost generally varies between 50 and 100 euros, depending on veterinarians and regions.

How does the microchip work in a cat?

What is a cat microchip?

A microchip for cat is a small and cylindrical identification device, usually made of glass. This chip, the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the feline’s skin using a needle during a quick and painless veterinary procedure. It contains a unique 15-digit number which allows the animal to be identified definitively and irrevocably.

What does the implantation of the electronic chip involve?

The establishment of the microchip in cats is performed by a veterinarian and does not require anesthesia. The needle used to insert the chip is a little larger than those used for typical injections, but the procedure is generally well tolerated by animals. Next, the veterinarian uses a microchip reader to check that the chip is working and readable.
For information, an electronic chip cannot locate an animal remotely because it does not contain GPS. However, it makes it possible to find the owner of the animal if a person finds the animal and takes it to a veterinarian to have the microchip read.

What is the legislation surrounding microchips for cats?

The identification of cats by electronic chip has been compulsory since 2012 in France. It is the responsibility of the owner of the animal and must be carried out before the first departure on vacation, the donation or sale of the animal. This obligation also applies to cats aged over seven months born after January 1, 2012, as well as those born before this date but intended to be sold.
Anyone who finds a stray or vagrant cat is required to check, by all means, whether it is identified. In the event that the animal is identified, she must immediately contact the National Identification File of Domestic Carnivores (I-CAD) so that the owner is notified.
FAQ:
1. What is the cost of microchipping a cat?
Microchipping a cat generally costs between 60 and 80 euros, which includes the consultation with the veterinarian.
2. Can microchips replace tattoos in cats?
The electronic chip is an alternative to tattooing but it does not completely replace it. Indeed, the tattoo remains visible to the naked eye and can therefore be quicker to identify in certain situations.
3. How do you know if a cat is chipped?
A chipped cat will have no visible external signs. However, all veterinarians and shelters have microchip readers that allow the animal to be scanned to obtain the microchip number.