Microchip: Why Every Found Cat Should Be Scanned

 

Every found cat should be scanned for a microchip. Learn how a simple scan reunited me with my lost cat after a year, and why scanning saves families from heartbreak.

When people find a cat wandering outside, their first instinct is often to assume the cat was abandoned or “dumped.” But as someone who lived through the nightmare of a missing cat, I can tell you: not every lost cat looks lost, and not every cat without a collar is homeless.

Some are loved. Some are missed. Some are desperately trying to get back home.

And some like my Nikki  are waiting for someone to scan their microchip.

 

The Year I Lost Nikki

My cat wasn’t just lost. She was taken.
For a full year, I had no idea where she was or whether she was safe. I searched, I hoped, and I held onto the only thread I had left: her microchip.

It wasn’t until she was eventually surrendered to an animal shelter that everything changed.
Shelters routinely scan incoming cats for microchips, and when they scanned Nikki, my information popped up. After a year of silence, I finally got the call.

When I arrived, Nikki hesitated a moment of confusion after everything she’d been through. But then she recognized me. She wrapped her paws around my neck and held on. That moment was only possible because someone scanned her microchip.

That’s why I believe so strongly in this message:

If you find a cat, always have them scanned for a microchip. It can save a family from heartbreak.

Where You Can Get a Found Cat Scanned

You don’t need an appointment, and you don’t need to pay. Most places will scan a found cat for free.

✔ Animal Shelters

Shelters routinely scan every cat that comes through their doors. This is how I was reunited with Nikki.

✔ Veterinary Clinics

Most vet offices will scan a found cat at no charge. It takes less than a minute.

✔ PetSmart (Yes, They Can Scan Too)

PetSmart locations can check for microchips in-store, and their Banfield Pet Hospital partners also offer microchip services. Their trained associates have the equipment to scan a pet and check for a chip.

This means you have multiple safe, accessible options  no excuses, no barriers.

 

Why Scanning Matters More Than You Think

A microchip is a lifeline.
It’s the one piece of identification that can’t fall off, can’t be removed, and can’t be faked. It’s permanent.

But it only works if someone scans the cat.

Too many well‑meaning people assume a cat is “stray” and keep them, rehome them, or relocate them without ever checking for a chip. Meanwhile, the real family is searching, grieving, and waiting for a call that never comes.

Scanning is simple.
Scanning is free.
Scanning reunites families.

 

A Message to Anyone Who Finds a Cat

Before you assume a cat is abandoned…
Before you post them online…
Before you decide to keep them…

Please take them to be scanned.

You could be the reason a family gets their cat back.
You could be the reason a story like mine has a happy ending.

Nikki came home because someone scanned her microchip.
Your kindness could give another cat the same chance.

Microchip ID Reunites Lost Cats with Owner

Cats that have microchip identification may get lost but when they are found and brought to the Humane Society or veterinarian's office the cat will be scanned and the identification will be indicated and the owner of cat will be contacted. 

Your outdoor cat may walk to the neighbors yard to see the sights or your cat will explore the entire neighborhood.  Some cats have a fantastic sense of direction, and other cats, especially older cats have a weakened sense of smell and eyesight and these cats usually get lost. 

I have picked up several cats over the years and posted their description in the newspaper, hung found signs around my neighborhood but nobody came to collect the cats.  None of the cats had collars or microchips so I had no idea who their masters were.  

Somewhere there was a woman, man or child missing their cat, but I did not know where the cat lived and could not take the cat to its home.  I took all of the cats to my veterinarian and he scanned the cats for a microchip.  The microchip identification is a way to provide your cat with pet owners contact information. If your cat goes outside to play then have your veterinarian surgically implant a microchip under the cat’s skin. 

It is also smart to put a breakaway collar and a custom pet identification tag on your cat.  Then visually your cat will not look like a stray and if the cat is lost the finder will be able to contact you.

Tips:

• It is best to know where your cat is and to not allow them to explore the neighborhood for days.  Get your cat spayed or neutered and they will stay close to home.
• Prevent your cat from getting lost by getting them a microchip and keeping them indoors.  Microchip is useful for all cats.  If there is a tornado or other disaster your cat may run away because they are frightened. A microchip ID is a identification device that will help your to recover your cat. 
• The gray and white cat seen in the photo bellow was rescued from the extreme cold.  The cat has a microchip but owners never paid the fee to have cat registered.   I am sure his owners are worried about their cat but without a collar with a tag or a registered chip it is hard to reunite owner with cat.

Russian Blue Mix Cat has unregistered microchip