I can think of several different reasons why you might want to check if a particular cat has a microchip. For instance, you could check a cat you believe is lost and has a home to see if the microchip contains details of its previous home so you can return it to its family. Or you might double-check if a neighborhood cat you’ve been caring for doesn’t have a home as you’re considering taking it in and want to be sure you’re not taking someone else’s cat. You could also double-check if one of your own cats has a microchip, perhaps because you forgot or adopted it from someone who said it was microchipped but didn’t give you the barcode. Or maybe you’re worried a microchip reader didn’t pick up the chip in a particular cat, so you want to do a double-check.
If you were worried about not being able to do this easily, rest assured as there are many options for scanning a pet. In this article, I’ll quickly go through the methods that work and don’t work, along with their pros and cons.
When it comes to checking for microchips in cats, it’s essential to use the right tools and methods. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it effectively.
Firstly, while it’s technically possible to feel for a microchip under a cat’s skin, this method is highly unreliable. It’s not recommended due to the risk of misidentifying other objects as microchips or missing the microchip altogether. So, it’s best to avoid this option. Secondly, there are affordable microchip scanners and readers available for home use. Prices typically range from $25 to $35, and some popular options include the Tosuny Microchip Reader Scanner, Smoostart Pet Microchip Scanner, and Yanzeo Pet Microchip Reader. However, these readers often have limitations, such as not scanning all types of microchips, especially older ones or certain brands like AVID. They can also be difficult to use, but some users have found success by taking a picture of the barcode displayed. On the higher end of the spectrum, there are slightly more expensive microchip readers that claim to offer better performance. Examples include the Pet Technology Store Halo Microchip Scanner and ISENVO Universal Pet Microchip Scanner. Despite their higher price, these scanners still face issues with reading specific brands like AVID and Trovan, and they may struggle with older tags, with some reviews mentioning problems scanning tags over 3 years old. Lastly, for those who regularly check stray and feral cats and require a dependable scanner, consider investing in a more expensive model like the Hero Pet Microchip Reader, which includes Bluetooth, a case, and a test chip. This option may provide greater reliability and accuracy in reading microchips.When considering a microchip reader for cats, it’s important to think about your needs. If you’re scanning just a few cats, a basic model might suffice. However, for those who regularly catch and release, or are looking for a long-term solution, investing in a high-quality reader is crucial.
Many microchip readers have been reported to stop working after some time. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a reader that is reliable and capable of reading the majority of microchips without failure. Do you have any thoughts on checking cats for microchips? Share your experiences with microchip readers or checking cats for microchips. Whether you’re doing this at home or at a vet clinic or shelter, any advice you have would be valuable. Have you tried any of the microchip readers I’ve mentioned, or have experiences with others? I’m eager to hear your thoughts and personal experiences in the comments below.
