If you're a cat owner, it's important to know how to check if your cat is chipped. A chip implant is a permanent form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet if they ever become lost or stolen. Here's what you need to know about checking for a chip implant in your cat.
The first step is to locate the chip itself. It will be about the size of a grain of rice and will be located between the shoulder blades on your cat. You can feel for it by gently running your fingers over this area until you find it. Once you've located the chip, you'll need to have it scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter in order to read the information that's stored on it. This information will include the name and contact information for the pet's owner, as well as any medical information that may be useful in case of an emergency.
It's important to keep your contact information up-to-date on the chip registry, as this is how people will be able to reach you if your pet is found. You can typically update your info by logging into your account online or calling the registry directly.
If you think your cat may be chipped but are having trouble finding the chip or getting it scanned, there are other options available. Your veterinarian can perform an X-ray which will show whether or not there is a foreign object present in the tissue near where the chips are typically implanted. However, keep in mind that this isn't always 100% accurate and sometimes chips can move from their original location after being implanted.
Ultimately, having your cat chipped provides peace of mind knowing that there's a better chance of being reunited if they ever go missing. And checking for a chip only takes a few minutes - so it's definitely worth doing!