If you’re a cat lover, you know how important it is to microchip your furry friend. A microchip is a tiny device that goes under your cat’s skin, between their shoulder blades. It has a unique number that a special scanner can read. This number is linked to your name and phone number in a database, so if your cat ever gets lost or stolen, you can be reunited with them.
But what if you move to a new place, change your phone number, or give your cat to someone else? How do you update your cat’s microchip info? And how do you check if your cat’s microchip is working right?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll show you how to update your cat’s microchip, find out your pet’s microchip number, and check if your microchip works. We’ll also share some tips on how to keep your cat safe and happy.
How to Update Your Cat’s Microchip Info
First, you need to update your cat’s microchip info to find out your pet’s microchip number. This is a 15-digit code that is unique to your cat. You can find this number in different ways:
- Look at your cat’s microchip certificate or registration form. You should have gotten this paper when you got your cat microchipped. It has the microchip number, the date of implantation, and the name of the company that registered the microchip.
- Call the vet or shelter that microchipped your cat. They should have a record of your cat’s microchip number and the database they used to register it.
- Scan your cat with a universal scanner. This is a device that can read any kind of microchip. You can ask your vet, a local shelter, or an animal control officer to scan your cat for you. They’ll tell you the microchip number and the database it’s registered with.
Once you have your pet’s microchip number, you need to contact the database that has your contact info. There are several databases in the US that register pet microchips, such as HomeAgain, PetLink, AKC Reunite, and Found Animals. You can find out which database your cat is registered with by visiting the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool (https://www.petmicrochiplookup.org/). This website will tell you the name and phone number of the database that has your cat’s microchip info.
To update your cat’s microchip info, you need to call or visit the website of the database and give them your pet’s microchip number and your new contact info. Depending on the database, you may also have to pay a fee for this service. Some databases offer lifetime registration for a one-time fee, while others charge an annual fee or a fee per update.
It’s very important to update your cat’s microchip info as soon as possible whenever there’s a change in your contact info.
When Should You Update Your Cat’s Microchip Info
You should update your cat’s microchip info ANYTIME there is a change in your contact info, such as:
- You move to a new address
- You change your phone number or email address
- You give your cat to someone else
- You change your name or surname
You should also update your cat’s microchip info if you notice any errors or discrepancies in the database, such as:
- Your cat’s name or breed is incorrect
- Your cat’s microchip number is missing or wrong
- Your contact info is outdated or incomplete
Updating your cat’s microchip info is quick and easy, and it can make a big difference in finding your cat if they ever get lost or stolen. It often only takes a few minutes and can mean a world of difference for your cat and family!
How to Check If Your Cat’s Microchip Works
Another thing you should do regularly is to check if your cat’s microchip works. A microchip works by sending out a radio frequency signal when a universal scanner scans it. The scanner then shows the microchip number on its screen.
Sometimes, a microchip may stop working for various reasons, such as:
- The microchip has moved from its original spot under the skin.
- The microchip has been damaged by injury or infection.
- The scanner is broken or incompatible with the microchip type.
To check if your cat’s microchip works, you can scan them with a universal scanner at least once a year. You can do this at your vet’s office, a local shelter, or an animal control facility. You can also buy or rent a universal scanner online and scan your cat at home.
If the scanner doesn’t read your cat’s microchip, don’t panic. It may be due to a temporary glitch or interference. Try scanning them again in a different place or with a different scanner. If the scanner still doesn’t read your cat’s microchip, contact the database that registered it and ask them for help. They may be able to help you fix the problem or suggest a solution.
If the problem keeps happening, you may need to get your cat re-microchipped with a new device and register it with a new database. This will ensure that your cat always has a working and updated form of ID.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy
Microchipping your cat is one of the best ways to protect them from getting lost or stolen. But it’s not enough by itself. You also need to take some other steps to keep your cat safe and happy, such as:
- Keep your cat indoors or in a secure enclosure. This will stop them from wandering off, getting into fights, or being exposed to dangers like traffic, predators, or diseases.
- Give your cat a collar and a tag. This will make it easier for someone to identify and contact you if they find your cat. Make sure the collar is comfy and has a breakaway feature to prevent choking. The tag should have your cat’s name, your phone number, and a note that says they’re microchipped.
- Spay or neuter your cat. This will reduce their urge to roam, fight, or mate. It will also prevent unwanted pregnancies and lower the risk of certain health problems, like cancer or infections.
- Keep your cat up to date on shots and parasite prevention. This will protect them from common diseases and pests that can affect their health and well-being.
- Give your cat plenty of food, water, toys, and attention. This will keep them happy, healthy, and stimulated. It will also strengthen your bond with them and make them less likely to run away.
Conclusion
Microchipping your cat is a simple and effective way to make sure that you can be reunited with them if they ever get lost or stolen. But you need to update your cat’s microchip info whenever there’s a change in your contact info. You also need to check if your cat’s microchip works regularly and take other measures to keep them safe and happy.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to update your cat’s microchip and why it’s important. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. We’d love to hear from you!
