Survey highlights the need to microchip your cat.
05 March 2013
Cats Protection’s Central Dumfries Branch has always been keen to promote microchipping as one of the best methods of pet identification. A survey by the charity showed that research, conducted by Cats Protection and Your Cat magazine, revealed that 49 per cent of missing cats either failed to return home or were never found and, crucially, less than 50 per cent of missing cats had any sort of identification tag*.
“It is very sad to think that some cats are never reunited with their owners so making sure your cat is easily identifiable is vital to increase the chance of a happy reunion,” explained the co-ordinator “Microchipping offers cats a safe method of identification which can be more reliable than other forms of identification such as collars that can get removed, snagged or lost. However, if you do choose to put an ID collar on your cat, it is important to make sure it is a quick release safety version and that it is correctly fitted,” she added.
Microchipping is a simple procedure, no more painful than an injection, and can be performed by a vet or other specially-trained personnel. A small microchip, containing a unique identification number, is inserted under the cat’s skin between his shoulder blades. The number is linked to a database containing details of the pet, as well as the owner’s contact details. When a scanner detects the microchip, a simple phone call can ascertain the owner’s details and the pet can then be quickly returned home.
“However, it is very important pet owners keep their details up to date so owners should check their certificate which will tell them how to do this,” said Fiona
In order for microchipping to be effective it is vitally important that all lost/found cats are scanned to see if they have a microchip.
Also if you are unfortunate enough to kill a cat on the road please be aware that it may be chipped, & please try to get them into a vet for scanning. Most vets will not charge for this service.
Over the last 5 years Cats Protection have been responsible for microchipping 1000 cats in the Borders region & Dumfries & Galloway, add that to the number of owners who microchip their cats & there will be a large number in this area.
For more information about the work of the charity, please contact Cats Protection’s Central Dumfries Branch on 01387 710083.
* Cats Protection’s Missing Cats Survey, conducted between March and August 2006almost one in two cats that go missing never return.