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.
