Losing a cat can be one of the most stressful experiences for any pet owner, and unlike dogs, cats who escape often don’t wear collars or tags that can lead them back home. A microchip gives your cat a permanent form of identification that stays with them for life, dramatically increasing the chances of a happy reunion if they ever go missing.
Microchipping is a simple, safe procedure offered at Pawtown Veterinary Care. Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer provide effective microchipping services for cats in Bend and throughout Central Oregon, making the process quick and comfortable while giving you lasting peace of mind.
How Cat Microchipping Works
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that’s implanted just beneath your cat’s skin between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number that’s registered in a national pet recovery database with your contact information. When a lost cat is found and taken to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, staff scan for a microchip using a special handheld device. The scanner reads the ID number, which is then used to look up your contact information in the database so you can be reunited with your cat.
The implantation process takes just a few seconds and requires no anesthesia or surgery. We use a sterile needle slightly larger than those used for vaccinations to place the chip under the skin. Most cats tolerate the procedure well with minimal discomfort. The microchip is biocompatible and designed to last your cat’s entire lifetime without needing replacement or maintenance.
After microchipping, the most important step is registering the chip with your current contact information. We’ll provide you with the registration paperwork and chip number so you can complete this process. Keeping your contact details up to date in the database is what makes microchipping effective, so remember to update your information if you move or change phone numbers.
Why Indoor Cats Need Microchips Too
Many cat owners assume microchipping is only necessary for outdoor cats, but indoor cats actually face significant risks of becoming lost. Cats are naturally curious and can dart out open doors during deliveries, when guests arrive, or while you’re bringing in groceries. Even the most careful pet owner can experience an accidental escape. Central Oregon’s active outdoor lifestyle means doors open frequently for hiking gear, bikes, and other equipment, creating more opportunities for indoor cats to slip outside unnoticed.
Indoor cats who escape are often at a disadvantage because they lack outdoor survival skills and may panic when faced with unfamiliar surroundings. They can travel surprisingly far from home in a short time. Without a microchip, there’s no reliable way to identify an indoor cat who isn’t accustomed to wearing a collar. Even if your cat does wear a collar, these can easily slip off or be removed. A microchip provides permanent identification that can’t be lost or removed.
Natural disasters and emergencies present another compelling reason for microchipping your cat. In situations like wildfires, which Central Oregon has experienced, pets can become separated from their families during evacuations. A microchip significantly increases the likelihood of being reunited with your cat after an emergency.
The Benefits of Microchipping for Bend Cat Owners
Microchipping provides reliable identification that works when other methods fail. Unlike collars and tags that can break, fade, or be removed, a microchip stays with your cat permanently. The technology has been used successfully for decades, and millions of pets have been reunited with their families thanks to microchips.
The procedure fits easily into your cat’s regular care schedule. We can microchip your cat during a routine checkup, vaccination appointment, or spay and neuter procedure. Many pet owners choose to have their cats microchipped during their kitten vaccination series, but cats of any age can be microchipped safely.
Cost-effectiveness makes microchipping a smart investment in your cat’s safety. The one-time procedure provides lifetime protection for a fraction of what you might spend on lost pet posters, newspaper ads, or the emotional toll of searching for a missing cat. Some pet insurance policies and adoption agencies require microchipping, and having your cat chipped may qualify you for discounts on certain services.
Recovery rates tell a powerful story about microchipping’s effectiveness. Studies show that microchipped cats are significantly more likely to be returned to their owners compared to cats without chips. Animal shelters and veterinary clinics across Central Oregon routinely scan found cats for microchips, making it one of the first steps in the recovery process.
What to Expect During Your Cat's Microchipping Appointment
Your cat’s microchipping appointment at Pawtown Veterinary Care will be straightforward and stress-free. When you arrive, our team will review the procedure with you and answer any questions you might have. We’ll check your cat’s general health to make sure they’re ready for the quick procedure. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes from start to finish.
During the implantation, we’ll clean the area between your cat’s shoulder blades and use a sterile applicator to insert the microchip just under the skin. Most cats react no more than they would to a routine vaccination. Some cats may flinch or vocalize briefly, but the discomfort passes quickly. No sedation or anesthesia is needed, and there’s no recovery period required. Your cat can return to normal activities immediately after leaving our clinic.
After the procedure, we’ll scan the microchip to verify it’s working correctly and provide you with the chip’s unique identification number and registration information. We’ll explain how to register the chip in the national database and emphasize the importance of keeping your contact information current. Some microchip companies offer additional services like lost pet alerts and 24/7 recovery support, which we can discuss during your visit.
Follow-up care is minimal. The injection site may be slightly tender for a day or two, but no special treatment is needed. During future veterinary visits, we’ll scan your cat’s microchip to make sure it’s still functioning properly and readable. This quick check takes just seconds and ensures your cat’s identification remains reliable throughout their life.
Protect Your Cat with Microchipping at Pawtown Veterinary Care
Microchipping gives you permanent peace of mind knowing your cat has reliable identification that can bring them home if they ever become lost. Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer understand how much your cat means to your family, and we’re committed to providing services that keep them safe. Our locally owned practice offers the hometown feel and personalized attention that sets us apart from corporate veterinary chains, and we take the time to make sure you understand every aspect of your cat’s care. Learn more about our practice and our approach to veterinary medicine.
Whether you’re a new cat owner or you’ve been thinking about microchipping your adult cat, our team is here to help. We offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and Scratch Pay to make important preventive care like microchipping accessible for all Bend families. Contact us today to schedule your cat’s microchipping appointment and take an important step in protecting your feline companion.
