Microchipping - Microchip Systems Implant a Chip in your Cats Skin
The most advanced of the pet identification systems uses a microchip implanted just below your cat's skin as a means of identification. When this microchip is scanned with an electronic decoder, the sophisticated chip will return a unique identification number.
The advantage to the microchip is that your cat can always be identified even if its collar and tags are lost. The chip manufacturers have donated thousands of scanners to municipal animal control facilities and non-profit shelters to make sure that they are equipped to read the chips. These services offer a 24-hour toll-free number that will contact the cat owner with the kitty's identification number has been found.
The HomeAgain Microchip ID System
This advanced pet identification and retrieval system is greatly used because of its ease of administration and for its highly successful track record in reuniting found pets with their owners. A microchip about the size of a grain of rice is implanted by a veterinarian into the cat's skin between the shoulder blades in an injection procedure similar to a cat receiving a vaccination. No anesthesia is required.
The microchip, which is manufactured by Schering-Plough, contains a number code unique to that pet, that correlates to contact information in a national 24-hour available database operated by the American Kennel Club's Companion Animal Recovery program. Although the AKC is known for providing accurate information on dog breeds, it has partnered with the manufacturers of HomeAgain to return lost cats, birds, horses and other pets to t heir owners.
The cost of the HomeAgain system is very inexpensive and a wonderful investment for peace of mind in knowing that your lost pet may be found and return safely home. For more information about the HomeAgain Microchip Id System, please visit their website.
The Avid Microchip ID System
The Avid Microchip works in a similar manner to the Schering-Plough chip and also comes highly recommended. The tiny chip contains an identification number programmed onto it, encapsulated in biocompatible material, and injected under your cat's skin by a veterinarian using the supplied Avid injector. Your cat does not have to be sedated for the injection. An electronic scanner that reads the unique identification number from the chip when the scanner is waved over your cat's skin identifies your cat. Avid has worked with local veterinarians across the country to donate chip readers to animal shelters where lost pets are usually brought in. For more information on the Avid Microchip ID System, please visit their website.
Tattoo-A-Pet Identification System
The Tatoo-A-Pet Identification System provides a permanent and virtually painless tattoo number that is applied to a pet's belly, inside leg or ear by a certified tattoo specialist using a specially-crafted stylus. This process takes less than five minutes per pet and is not as widely used as the Microchip systems.
The tattoo number is also engraved on the back of each tag, which is supplied by Tatoo-A-Pet. The service also includes a 24-hour, toll free number to determine who the owner is. The advantage to the system is that no electronic equipment is need to retrieve the ID number. However, a person finding a cat must be knowledgeable enough to know to look for the tattoo markings. Due to the fur length, the numbers may not stand out and require some searching to read. The finder will also need to know how to look up the contact number, if the cat's collar is missing. For more information contact Tatoo-A-Pet, please visit their website.