Listen up, my beloved cat parents, are you tired of losing track of your cats and spending hours searching for them ? As the famous cat philosopher Garfield once said, “I know what I want, and I want it now.”
And what we want is a way to know exactly where our cats are at all times. Here come microchips for cats, the perfect solution for keeping tabs on our beloved furballs. because, as Taylor Swift once said, “I have cat hair on everything I own.” and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, let’s embark on a sci-fi journey of microchipping your cat and discover how they can help us keep our cats healthy, happy, and always within reach.
Can microchips track cats
Now, you might be thinking, “Can a microchip really track my cat like it’s some kind of high tech spy gadget ?” Well, let’s just say that microchipping your cat is like giving them their very own James Bond identity, minus the tuxedo and “shaken-not-stirred” martini.
How to track a cat with microchip
So microchips are like the secret agents of the feline world, implanted under your cat’s skin and holding a unique identification number that can be read by special scanners.
When your furry friend goes missing, you can report them as lost to the microchip company or your vet. Once found, any vet or shelter can scan the chip and reunite you with your beloved pet.
But wait, don’t expect your cat to be like Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, with a real time GPS tracker. Microchips don’t work that way. Instead, they store your contact information and act as a ticket to a reunion if your cat ever goes missing.
However, if you’re a high tech genius, you can opt for a newer microchip with GPS capabilities. Think of it like upgrading from an old flip phone to the latest iPhone.
These chips come with a higher price tag and a monthly subscription, but they can give you extra peace of mind knowing your furry friend is always within reach.
What are GPS trackers for cats
Alright, comrades, let’s talk about GPS trackers for cats. If you’re the kind of cat parent who wants to know where your furry friend is at all times, then these little devices might just be your new best friend.
So, what are they exactly ? GPS trackers are like tiny little spies that you attach to your cat’s collar or harness. They use satellite technology to give you a real time view of your cat’s location and movements.
And who doesn’t want to know what their cat is up to when they’re out and about ? Are they chasing after a squirrel ? or visiting their secret cat lover ? The possibilities are endless.
But, there are some things to keep in mind. First off, these trackers require a battery, so you’ll need to keep them charged or replace them regularly. And depending on where you live, you might not always get the best satellite coverage.
So, don’t freak out if you suddenly lose track of your cat. They’re not a magician, they can’t just disappear and reappear like David Copperfield.
Another thing to consider is your cat’s comfort. Some of these trackers can be pretty bulky, which might make your cat feel like they’re wearing a weighted vest or a pair of shoes that are two sizes too big. And to be honest, we all know how picky cats can be about their fashion choices.
How do Microchips for cats work?
Microchips for cats are like tiny spies that are implanted under the skin, between the cat’s shoulders. They contain a secret identification number that’s like a secret code, only accessible by a special device that’s like a decoder.
When a lost cat is brought to a shelter or vet clinic, they’re like secret agents trying to crack a code. They’ll scan the cat for the microchip, and if it’s there, they’ll enter the identification number into a database that’s like a top secret file.
This file contains the owner’s contact information, like a phone number or email address. So, it’s like a secret message that only the right people can decode.
But there’s always a catch: microchips don’t have GPS capabilities, so they can’t track a cat’s movements in real time. It’s like a spy without a GPS tracker—they can only report back when they’ve been found.
All in all, microchips are a covert way to identify cats and increase the chances of a lost cat being reunited with their owner. So, if you want to be a cat’s secret agent, get them microchipped!
Advantages of Microchips for cats
Losing a cat is a heartbreaking scenario that no cat owner wants to face. Thankfully, microchips for cats offer a simple and effective solution that can help reunite you with your feline should they ever become lost.
Microchips for cats are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Let’s explore the advantages they offer:
- Permanent Identification: Microchips for cats are like the “Bat Signal” for lost pets. Once implanted, the microchip provides a permanent form of identification that can be quickly scanned to reunite you with your furry pal. It’s like having your very own superhero sidekick.
- Safe & Secure: Microchipping your cat is like giving them a “cloak of invisibility” that cannot be lost or removed. Unlike Harry Potter’s cloak, however, microchips cannot be detected by anyone other than a scanner, ensuring your cat’s safety and security.
- Convenience: It is a simple and quick procedure that can be done during a routine veterinary visit, just like getting a vaccine shot. It’s like giving your cat a secret agent gadget without any additional fuss or hassle. The good news is, it’s also painless.
- Cost efficient: Microchipping your cat is a one time cost that is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of continually replacing lost collars and tags. It’s like investing in your cat’s safety and security without breaking the bank.
- Peace of mind: Microchipping your cat is like having a “magic mirror” that allows you to quickly and easily locate your pet if they ever become lost or stolen. It provides peace of mind knowing that you can always find your cat, no matter where they may wander.
Disadvantages of Microchips for cats
As much as we love our feline friends, keeping track of them can be a real challenge. GPS trackers seem like a no-brainer solution, but they’re not perfect. In fact, they have some disadvantages that even the most ardent cat lover should consider.
Inexpensive But Not Cheap:
While microchipping is a relatively inexpensive procedure, it still involves a cost that some pet owners may find prohibitive. Additionally, if your cat’s microchip malfunctions or needs to be replaced, there may be additional costs involved.
As Hamilton fans might say, “Why do you assume you’re the smartest in the room? Soon that attitude may be your doom.”
False sense of security:
While microchipping can provide valuable identification information if your cat becomes lost, it’s important to remember that it’s not a guarantee that your pet will be found.
Other forms of identification, such as collars and ID tags, should still be used in conjunction with microchipping to increase the chances of a lost pet being returned. To quote the famous Game of Thrones saying, “Winter is coming,” and it’s always better to be prepared.
Not Always Accurate:
In rare cases, microchips may not be read properly by scanning devices, leading to incorrect or incomplete identification information.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your pet’s microchip is registered with accurate and up-to-date information to ensure that you can be contacted in case your pet is found. As the saying goes, “The devil is in the details,” and accuracy is key when it comes to your pet’s identification.
Potential health risks:
While microchipping is generally considered safe for cats, there is a small risk of complications such as infection, allergic reactions, and migration of the microchip to other parts of the body.
Just like with any medical procedure, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits. As Doc from Back to the Future would say, “Great Scott!” It’s important to carefully consider any potential health risks.
Privacy concerns:
Some pet owners may have concerns about the privacy implications of microchipping, particularly in relation to the storage and use of their pet’s identification information.
As George Orwell wrote in 1984, “Big Brother is watching you,” and some pet owners may feel uncomfortable with the idea of their pet’s information being stored in a database.
What to consider when choosing a Microchip for your cat
Choosing the right microchip for your cat is like choosing the perfect wand for a wizard, it’s crucial for their safety and wellbeing.
But before you make the investment, here are a few things to consider (because apparently, just trusting your cat to come home on its own isn’t an option):
Type of microchip:
Think of the microchip as your cat’s Hogwarts house. It’s important to choose the right one! The two main types of microchips for cats are 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz. The 134.2 kHz microchips are more widely used and considered to be the standard for pet identification.
Registration:
Just like registering for classes at Hogwarts, registering your cat’s microchip with a reputable pet identification database is crucial. This ensures that your contact information is linked to the chip and that you can be contacted if your cat is lost.
Location of the microchip:
The placement of the microchip is like choosing the perfect spot for a magic spell. That means it needs to be just right. Typically, microchips are inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, but some cats may have medical conditions that make this location unsuitable.
Compatibility with other identification methods:
Microchipping is like having a Patronus, but it’s not the only way to identify your cat. Collars with identification tags can also be helpful. Make sure that your cat’s microchip is compatible with any other forms of identification you may be using.
Safety and reliability:
Just like the importance of a reliable broomstick, it’s important to choose a microchip that is safe and reliable. Look for microchips that have been tested and certified by reputable organizations, and avoid buying cheap or low quality products that may not function properly or could harm your pet.
[Here’s an explainer video that would help you to understand “How To Microchip Your Cat”, just a click would do!!]
Conclusion
Well, we’ve covered everything you need to know about tracking your cat with a microchip or GPS tracker. Because who needs trust and freedom when you can just monitor your cat’s every move like a hawk? Just kidding, we all love our feline friends and want to make sure they’re safe and sound.
And hey, if you enjoyed this article and found it helpful, share it with your fellow cat lovers and leave a comment below. We’d love to hear about your experiences with tracking your cat (or not tracking them, because sometimes we need to let them just be cats). Thanks for reading…