Microchipping?????

[Jan D & Squeaky]

Hi my special group of friends!

With all of Squeaky's recent and upcoming adventures (leash walking, camping, walks in his front pack, sitting outside in his playpen), I'm thinking it might be wise to have Squeaky microchipped JUST IN CASE something weird happens and he bolts.

I think even with diabetes and asthma and pancreatitis and GI issues, and being 14 years old, if he was lost and trapped safely somewhere he could still live for over a week and might be found and investigated. He would not be happy with a collar and tag. I am teaching him the neighborhood so he can be acquainted with what home looks like from the outside!

And he is sooooo happy, he is loving these adventures!

Does anyone have any information to share about this process of microchipping and how it might affect Squeaky? Where to get a good price if that is a factor? Thanks and love to everyone and scritches to the kitties!!!!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

In the 40+ years I've had cats I've used up all my luck, four indoor cats that somehow got out and I got them all back. Andy was the longest; gone for 88 days, lost 1/3 of his body weight and broke his leg in two places. No matter how careful you are bad things happen. Indoor cats are in general terrified of the big bad outdoors. It's a myth that they'll revert to their wild side and survive on mice. Then there's water, much harder to find than food. It's painless and has no known side effects.
I wrote this in Community & Off Topic / Evacuation prep - wildfires?, post # 18
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/evacuation-prep-wildfires.248389/

A chipped pet will make you feel better but do you know the number? When Andy escaped I stupidly assumed our vet had his number, she did not. Andy's injuries were bad enough that if a shelter got him and no owner could be found he would have been put down. Keep photos and notes of unique features and markings. Chips can fail, some shelters don't have scanners that can read all the various types of chips. There is no single standard for chips.
Get your pet scanned again, don't assume anything. Keep a file in the Cloud or send yourself a G-mail with all the chip numbers.
How messed up is the system? Go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal) and scroll down to 'Cross-compatibility and standards issues'.

That doesn't include Kobiashi. He came to us with a tattoo on the inside of his ear, an outdated and totally useless system.

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

In the 40+ years I've had cats I've used up all my luck, four indoor cats that somehow got out and I got them all back. Andy was the longest; gone for 88 days, lost 1/3 of his body weight and broke his leg in two places. No matter how careful you are bad things happen. Indoor cats are in general terrified of the big bad outdoors. It's a myth that they'll revert to their wild side and survive on mice. Then there's water, much harder to find than food. It's painless and has no known side effects.
I wrote this in Community & Off Topic / Evacuation prep - wildfires?, post # 18
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/evacuation-prep-wildfires.248389/

A chipped pet will make you feel better but do you know the number? When Andy escaped I stupidly assumed our vet had his number, she did not. Andy's injuries were bad enough that if a shelter got him and no owner could be found he would have been put down. Keep photos and notes of unique features and markings. Chips can fail, some shelters don't have scanners that can read all the various types of chips. There is no single standard for chips.
Get your pet scanned again, don't assume anything. Keep a file in the Cloud or send yourself a G-mail with all the chip numbers.
How messed up is the system? Go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal) and scroll down to 'Cross-compatibility and standards issues'.

That doesn't include Kobiashi. He came to us with a tattoo on the inside of his ear, an outdated and totally useless system.

Wow thanks so much for your thoughtful answer and the links. Sounds like you are an emergency preparedness person like I am. There's lots to do and know. I skimmed the thread you linked and will read it and click those links when I have a chance.

Sounds like you think getting a chip is a good idea and keep the number at home and register it. Sounds like the ISO chip is the best one.

Yes last time we had a mouse in the house, Squeaky wasn't at all interested. He wouldn't be able to eat I suspect. Except grass, he likes eating grass but that won't help of course. It was inspiring to hear your story of your cat coming back after 88 days. He can't move very fast any more but under stress who knows what could happen? I'm trying to think of all the possible things that could happen in advance, and take care of them.

This Saturday we are scheduled to have our practice camp out in front of our condo, to see how things go.

Can anyone tell me more about microchipping? Would it cost less to go to humane society instead of getting it from the vet? Or should I be a good vet patient and have the vet do it? About how much does it cost? Will there be any interference with giving the insulin, since it's in the scruff? Thanks in advance for all responses.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

He can't move very fast any more

Andy can't move very fast??? Andy is known as "The miracle cat" at our vet. He had two compound fractures and there was a good chance he might lose the leg. The fracture was old enough the protruding bone was dead and in a month it just disappeared. Don't ask me how, even our vet and the orthopedic specialist can't explain that. Some antibiotics, pain meds and kitten food for the weight loss was all it took.
Andy doesn't even have a limp now and he's back to his unnamed Olympic move, jumping from the main floor to the stair railing and then straight up to the second floor landing. I still catch him trying to get a peek out the front door and ask him if he's had enough. He's ten years old now and in perfect health, has all his teeth and is a real momma's boy.
For reasons other than the chip I've been shooting in the flank with my last two cats, that's where his rear hip bone would be.

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

Andy can't move very fast??? Andy is known as "The miracle cat" at our vet. He had two compound fractures and there was a good chance he might lose the leg. The fracture was old enough the protruding bone was dead and in a month it just disappeared. Don't ask me how, even our vet and the orthopedic specialist can't explain that. Some antibiotics, pain meds and kitten food for the weight loss was all it took.
Andy doesn't even have a limp now and he's back to his unnamed Olympic move, jumping from the main floor to the stair railing and then straight up to the second floor landing. I still catch him trying to get a peek out the front door and ask him if he's had enough. He's ten years old now and in perfect health, has all his teeth and is a real momma's boy.
For reasons other than the chip I've been shooting in the flank with my last two cats, that's where his rear hip bone would be.
View attachment 61662

Wow your cat sounds amazing!!!!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

The chip is smaller than a grain of rice. I suppose there's a one in a million chance the needle could hit the chip but I've never seen or heard of it. The chip itself is totally inert, it cannot interfere with diabetes, insulin or any sort of medication. I understand your concern over putting a foreign body inside a cat but it's a tested product, nothing to leak out, no radio waves, nothing.
Andy is an amazing cat. He came to us with his foster brother when an extended family member could no longer care for him. We had just lost Andrew and I was in no mood to adopt two more cats but it was either adopt or be sent to a shelter. What else could we do?
The story about the day we found Andy is in the link below. I still see the woman who saved his life all the time. She always asks about Andy and since then has adopted two cats of her own. Her name is Angel and if anyone deserves a name like that it's her. She spent three days and nights slowly coaxing him with food until she cornered him in her garage.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/andy-back-home.221709/#post-2477405

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

The chip is smaller than a grain of rice. I suppose there's a one in a million chance the needle could hit the chip but I've never seen or heard of it. The chip itself is totally inert, it cannot interfere with diabetes, insulin or any sort of medication. I understand your concern over putting a foreign body inside a cat but it's a tested product, nothing to leak out, no radio waves, nothing.
Andy is an amazing cat. He came to us with his foster brother when an extended family member could no longer care for him. We had just lost Andrew and I was in no mood to adopt two more cats but it was either adopt or be sent to a shelter. What else could we do?
The story about the day we found Andy is in the link below. I still see the woman who saved his life all the time. She always asks about Andy and since then has adopted two cats of her own. Her name is Angel and if anyone deserves a name like that it's her. She spent three days and nights slowly coaxing him with food until she cornered him in her garage.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/andy-back-home.221709/#post-2477405

OMG your story brought tears to my eyes.....

Thanks for the encouragement and the info about the microchipping.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

My pleasure. I see in your profile Squeaky is given Buprenorphine. If the day ever comes when it becomes difficult to medicate him you can always try transdermal BUPE.
Noah had dental issues and absolutely hated any oral meds, tickling his ears twice a day became the worst part of his day. Probably extended his life by two or three years.
The dosage is always near the top of my profile. Housework is calling, have a good day.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I used to work part time in the shelter, helped many a time with microchipping. The only time there was an issue with doing it was an older dog with paper thin skin. As Dickson said, it is quite tiny. The chips are typically put in the scruff. Over time they can migrate down towards the legs, but the scanners are wands you just wave over that direction to pick up the number. Keeping data up to date is very important. Any time you get a new pet, or move, make sure you have the microchip number and the name of the company that it's registered with. Call that company and make sure they have the up to date contact information. Make sure your vet has that information on file as well. That was part of the shelter work after an adoption, making sure the animal's number was made up to date with the new owners contact information, and new pet name if there was one.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Sadly the pet chip industry is a for profit business and there's not a lot of money involved. Once the chip is in it's only ethics that keep a company interested. These aren't mom&pop companies, imagine 12 old farts in a boardroom none of whom likes cats or dogs. Just like our alarm company that's switched hands several times it's the customer list that's worth money but in this case there's no monthly fee. Not very reassuring is it?
The most common frequencies in North America are 125-kHz and 134.2-kHz. There are five major companies that make chip scanners but Avid deserves a special place in Hell. AVID makes chips and manages the PETtrac Database but their scanners only scan for the Avid wavelength. Imagine a small shelter barely scraping by that cannot afford the latest scanner, the Avid salesperson offers them a great deal and all the not Avid chipped pets are screwed.
Pethealth Canada had Andy's number, we offered his original adoption papers and letters of reference from two vets. They're moving more towards pet insurance and didn't answer a single phone call or e-mail. They just didn't care. If this sounds like dramatic fiction check this out,
https://lostdogsofwisconsin.org/2015/05/26/the-microchip-maze-buyer-beware-part-1-the-900-chips/
https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyve...crochip-companies-square-scientific-scan-6681

Just like smart phones and even key fobs GPS was once thought to be science fiction. My MIL has a pacemaker the size of a credit card slipped in under mild anesthetic.
The day is coming when all our pets will never just disappear again but until then it's up to you to ask the right questions.

How bad can a shelter be? Our city is too cheap to run a shelter so cats and dogs end up an hour away at a volunteer run shelter. "Volunteer" in this case means the local knitting and gossip club. New arrivals should have their photos taken and posted every day on their site, a cheap point & shoot camera is all it takes. Instead we got stick figures with "cat found, Oakville area". No mention of coloring or even sex. The internet can be a great tool but first you have to get rid of that Gateway desktop running Windows 95.

 

[Dyana]

I get all my cats micro-chipped as I travel with them, sometimes.
I think it was about $40 for each chip.
I try to remember every once in a while to have the vet scan for the chip to make sure it is still readable.
I register with the chip companies along with a picture of my cats, descriptions of markings, and medical needs.
I have saved on my computer desktop the info for their micro-chips and have sent an email to myself with all of the information as well in case I need to access it on my phone.
My cats go outside supervised and on harness and leash on walks too, and they know from the outside where their home is. I think that's smart. But you never know if the cat will be chased far away by a predator or another cat.
I mainly did it because I would be traveling by car (and plane), and if they escaped into a strange area for them, I would want anyone who found them to be able to get into contact with me.

I would especially highly recommend micro-chipping for cats when moving, camping, or being pet sit away from home, or traveling.
I had it done at my vet's office so they also have the records of the micro-chip number and how to get ahold of me. They put it between their shoulder blades, although I have heard the chip can move. After my diabetic cat developed scar tissue in his scruff, I mostly shot in the sides and flanks.

I remember following Dickson's posts, and praying and hoping, and rejoicing when Andy was found.

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

I get all my cats micro-chipped as I travel with them, sometimes.
I think it was about $40 for each chip.
I try to remember every once in a while to have the vet scan for the chip to make sure it is still readable.
I register with the chip companies along with a picture of my cats, descriptions of markings, and medical needs.
I have saved on my computer desktop the info for their micro-chips and have sent an email to myself with all of the information as well in case I need to access it on my phone.
My cats go outside supervised and on harness and leash on walks too, and they know from the outside where their home is. I think that's smart. But you never know if the cat will be chased far away by a predator or another cat.
I mainly did it because I would be traveling by car (and plane), and if they escaped into a strange area for them, I would want anyone who found them to be able to get into contact with me.

I would especially highly recommend micro-chipping for cats when moving, camping, or being pet sit away from home, or traveling.
I had it done at my vet's office so they also have the records of the micro-chip number and how to get ahold of me. They put it between their shoulder blades, although I have heard the chip can move. After my diabetic cat developed scar tissue in his scruff, I mostly shot in the sides and flanks.

I remember following Dickson's posts, and praying and hoping, and rejoicing when Andy was found.

Thank you Dyana for the info! Very helpful. I appreciate it. How long did it take for your diabetic cat to develop scar tissue in the scruff?

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

I found shooting in the flank to be so much easier with a cooperative cat. They lay on their side in a much more relaxed and natural position and there's more "meat" to shoot into. My medical knowledge isn't what it used to be so I'll need some help here. Shooting into muscle absorbs insulin quicker shortening the 12 hour cycle???
Both our cats were "tented" for their shots, made life much easier.

 

[Dyana]

How long did it take for your diabetic cat to develop scar tissue in the scruff?

I think it was about 2 years, if I remember right. It was a long time ago. It was like the skin around his scruff started getting thicker and harder to get the needle in.

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

I found shooting in the flank to be so much easier with a cooperative cat. They lay on their side in a much more relaxed and natural position and there's more "meat" to shoot into. My medical knowledge isn't what it used to be so I'll need some help here. Shooting into muscle absorbs insulin quicker shortening the 12 hour cycle???
Both our cats were "tented" for their shots, made life much easier.

I think it was about 2 years, if I remember right. It was a long time ago. It was like the skin around his scruff started getting thicker and harder to get the needle in.

Oh yikes. I'd have to have lessons. I have to straddle Squeaky to keep him from bolting when I shoot him in the scruff. However it DOES work which is great.

I'm not sure what you mean by tented ...???

I will try to monitor the feeling of the scruff. Thanks for the info.

 

[THH & Snowcrash (GA)]

Microchipping is super easy. I used to do it for the rescue. We used Found Animals microchips and website registry... and their website allows you to register ANY microchips, regardless of what brand they are.

My vet mainly uses HomeAgain microchips. HomeAgain "charges" $20 a year or something, but they keep your pet's info for free and you can update it without renewing registration. All of my cats (except our newest friendly feral who hasn't been to the vet yet) are microchipped. Cats aren't reclaimed as often from shelters as dogs are; it's really important to have them microchipped (and the chip information kept updated).

 

[Arthur Guinness & Rebecca]

I had Arthur's Diabetic status and dose added to the info on his chip as well as my contact details.
It is the single fastest way to have your pet returned.
It is also a legal requirement in the Republic of Ireland.

Theft of animals to sell has been a real problem with lonely people in lockdown driving up demand. Pets have been trafficked across the border between the Uk and Ireland. Arthur is only two and could be attractive to thieves - but as his diabetes would pop up, I have a higher chance of him being let go and getting him back.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Theft of animals

My mom and seemingly half the people in Toronto never get this. Would you tie a $1,500 TV to a post while you had a coffee?
In Canada vets are not obligated to check any animal for a chip. It proves nothing legally and you can imagine the trouble when grandma brings in her 15 year old poodle only to be told it's not really her dog. Google "how do you prove ownership of a pet" and try and wade through the 8,930,000 results.
When Andy went missing I got a late night call, "I have your cat". Before I got my shoes tied the phone rang again, "My neighbor has stolen my cat". I met them both in a dark parking lot (without the reward money) and was honestly in fear for my well being. "Andy" was indeed the neighbors cat and I left before things got ugly.
Dr. Patty Khuly in Miami is one of my favorite online writers, real no nonsense stuff from someone who cares. This is must reading...
http://www.drpattykhuly.com/columns-and-posts/2015/9/13/vkdw0uu0iz7rven3t088452qgho9q8
as is this
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal)
scroll down to Cross-compatibility and standards issues and see if you feel any more secure. What a mess.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

check any animal for a chip. It proves nothing legally

We were Andy's second owner. He was adopted as a kitten at a big box store. Even if he had both his and his owners photo taken they would be useless later. Same with the phone numbers, e-mails and addresses, they all would have lead to a dead end. Other than a coyote our worst fears were someone grabbing Andy thinking "What idiot would have left such a beautiful cat outside in this weather". We were prepared with all of Andy's medical bills, letters of character from two vets and photos of all his distinguishing marks. Take nothing for granted, what some people assume is a bad owner could be you tearing your hair out.
This can get legal and ugly in a big hurry.

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

Microchipping is super easy. I used to do it for the rescue. We used Found Animals microchips and website registry... and their website allows you to register ANY microchips, regardless of what brand they are.

My vet mainly uses HomeAgain microchips. HomeAgain "charges" $20 a year or something, but they keep your pet's info for free and you can update it without renewing registration. All of my cats (except our newest friendly feral who hasn't been to the vet yet) are microchipped. Cats aren't reclaimed as often from shelters as dogs are; it's really important to have them microchipped (and the chip information kept updated).

Hi THH, haven't talked to you for a while, hope you're doing well!!!! Thanks for the microchip info! Sounds great and I think it needs to happen. Squeaky is absolutely LOVING walking outside with his halter and leash! Camping, coming soon! Cheers, Jan and Squeaky

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

I had Arthur's Diabetic status and dose added to the info on his chip as well as my contact details.
It is the single fastest way to have your pet returned.
It is also a legal requirement in the Republic of Ireland.

Theft of animals to sell has been a real problem with lonely people in lockdown driving up demand. Pets have been trafficked across the border between the Uk and Ireland. Arthur is only two and could be attractive to thieves - but as his diabetes would pop up, I have a higher chance of him being let go and getting him back.

Wow good information, I didn't know health info could be added. Thanks for checking in.

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

I think it was about 2 years, if I remember right. It was a long time ago. It was like the skin around his scruff started getting thicker and harder to get the needle in.

Thanks much Dyana. We're not at that point yet, but I'll be looking out. Thank you.

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

I used to work part time in the shelter, helped many a time with microchipping. The only time there was an issue with doing it was an older dog with paper thin skin. As Dickson said, it is quite tiny. The chips are typically put in the scruff. Over time they can migrate down towards the legs, but the scanners are wands you just wave over that direction to pick up the number. Keeping data up to date is very important. Any time you get a new pet, or move, make sure you have the microchip number and the name of the company that it's registered with. Call that company and make sure they have the up to date contact information. Make sure your vet has that information on file as well. That was part of the shelter work after an adoption, making sure the animal's number was made up to date with the new owners contact information, and new pet name if there was one.

Wendy, thanks so much for the info. This makes me feel more secure! I think we should do it! Thanks for checking in. Hope you're doing well!

 

[THH & Snowcrash (GA)]

Hi THH, haven't talked to you for a while, hope you're doing well!!!! Thanks for the microchip info! Sounds great and I think it needs to happen. Squeaky is absolutely LOVING walking outside with his halter and leash! Camping, coming soon! Cheers, Jan and Squeaky

Hey Jan, thanks I try to browse the forums a few times a week, but life has been busy recently! I'm volunteering at a local shelter 2-3 times a week and DCIN recently asked me to join their board (I said yes). Plus a few new diagnoses for some of my cats recently (everyone is currently okay, just lots of vet appointments and such), so been a little overwhelmed here sometimes! Hope you and Squeaky are doing well

 

[Jan D & Squeaky]

Hey Jan, thanks I try to browse the forums a few times a week, but life has been busy recently! I'm volunteering at a local shelter 2-3 times a week and DCIN recently asked me to join their board (I said yes). Plus a few new diagnoses for some of my cats recently (everyone is currently okay, just lots of vet appointments and such), so been a little overwhelmed here sometimes! Hope you and Squeaky are doing well

Wow THH, you are doing so many wonderful things to help people and cats. Sending you and your kitties big hugs and fuzzy warm scritches.