How to Find a Lost Cat with a Microchip

Do I need to microchip my cat? Can I track my cat with a microchip? Does my cat feel uncomfortable when injected with a microchip? These are some common questions among pet owners.

You need to microchip your cat to increase the chance of finding it in case it gets lost, and it does not get uncomfortable for your dog. Unfortunately, you cannot track the live location of your missing pet with a microchip.

These microchips are identification tags for pets that identify you as their owner. In some states, this has become a mandatory practice to locate pet owners and resolve disputes. The first thing animal shelters do when finding a stray pet is to scan it for a microchip to locate its owner. 

Now, the question is, how do you find your microchipped lost cat? First, you enter the microchip's serial number in the universal registry to report a lost pet. Then, you wait for their phone call to get updates on your lost pet. You can also contact local animal shelters to inform them about your lost pet and get updates.

Let’s discuss the procedure to track your microchipped cat in detail.

How Microchips Work?

Before discussing anything further, let’s talk about what microchips are and how they work. Microchips are very small electronic devices no bigger than a grain of rice. They contain a unique identification number registered with your contact information in a database.

Let’s answer some FAQs to learn better about microchips:

Is My Cat Eligible To Be Microchipped?

To microchip your cat, you must complete the registration process with the microchip company. You can also book an appointment with veterinary clinics or animal agencies via phone or online. During your scheduled appointment, provide detailed contact info to get your pet microchipped.

What Information Does A Cat Microchip Contain? 

A cat microchip only contains a unique ID number. This number links to a database entry that contains your contact details. 

What Is The Procedure For Microchipping My Cat? Does It Hurt My Cat? 

Microchipping is a simple procedure, generally well tolerated by most cats. First, a veterinarian will scan your cat to see if it already has a microchip. If not, they will use a sterile needle to inject the device under your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. 

Generally, most cats can tolerate the procedure with anesthesia. However, if your cat is sensitive, some clinics recommend using local anesthesia. The vet will also provide instructions for post-procedure care. You must keep an eye on your cat for any sign of discomfort or swelling.

How Do Microchips Work In Finding Your Cat?

Microchips are permanent identification tags, unlike collars or tags, which can get lost or broken. When pets are taken to animal control shelters, shelter staff scan for microchips. Once scanned with a microchip scanner, the professionals can access the cat owner's information. Also, the microchip company will be notified about the pet’s current location.

Can I Track My Cat With A Microchip?

Unfortunately, microchips are not tracking devices with GPS installed, so you cannot get your pet's live location. Additionally, if your contact info is not updated in the microchip database, you cannot find your cat even if it is microchipped.

Why Would I Microchip If I Cannot Track My Cat With It?

Microchipped cats are twenty times more likely to be reunited with their families. If your pet is microchipped and your contact details are updated, your lost cat will be returned to you as soon as they are taken to an animal shelter or vet.

How Do I Track My Cat with a Microchip?

A microchip isn’t a real-time tracker but can help you find your missing pet faster. To find a lost cat with a microchip, take the following steps:

1. Enter the Serial Number into the Chip Registry

The first step in how to find a lost cat with a microchip is informing the microchipping company immediately. Microchip manufacturers maintain an online national database containing your details and pet information. 

Go to the company website and enter the serial number of your pet cat’s microchip. You may also call the company directly to see if your furry friend has been scanned anywhere.

In some cases, your cat may have been microchipped before you became his owner. If you are unsure which microchip company you should inquire with, multiple online databases, such as Microchip Registry Lookup, contain information about microchipped pets. 

If you don't have the serial number, you may also call vets, breeders, or previous owners for microchip information.

2. Wait for a Phone Call

It’s routine for many animal care facilities and humane societies to scan stray or lost pets to help identify the owner. They will either notify the microchipping company or directly contact you if your microchip information is up to date. 

Waiting might perhaps be the most trying period when searching for your lost cat. But remember that 38% of microchipped cats have been successfully reunited with their owners.

If your cat has been microchipped, it’s important that you or someone else is always available to answer the phone in case your cat’s microchip turns up somewhere. Shelters have varying rules regarding holding lost animals, but they usually give the owners enough time to come forward to claim their lost pet upon being notified that their pet has been identified.

While you wait for that important call, you can take many other steps to hasten your search for your lost feline friend. These include printing and distributing lost pet flyers, conducting a thorough search of the immediate area, reporting your lost pet to PawMaw, and contacting nearby animal control agencies.

3. Call Nearby Animal Shelters

Report your lost cat to animal shelters and inform them that your pet has been microchipped. You may also do the same with nearby vet hospitals and animal rescue organizations. 

Someone may have already taken your cat in any of these places and may be unable to track you because of information that hasn’t been updated. Don’t hesitate to make follow-up calls or physical visits to see if your cat has been located.

Should you need to update your address or any contact information related to your pet, you can do so by making a call or online through the microchipping company’s website.

Final Words

While microchips don’t allow you real time tracking, it always helps to spread the word about your search. While you wait for any information that may come up from the microchipping company, you should also actively search for your cat in all possible hiding places around the neighborhood. 

Lost cat behavior differs with each cat. Based on your cat’s personality, you can determine whether he’s hiding fearfully or boldly venturing out into more unfamiliar territory.

Posters are also an effective way to expand your search. When you report your lost pet to PawMaw, you can easily make and download a lost pet flier for free. Print these out and put up the poster in strategic spots. 

Try everything and don’t ever give up trying to find your lost cat. If you act fast and be smart in your search, your efforts will surely pay off and your pet will be back home in no time.