Safety & Equipment - Identification

Ensuring that your cat or kitten is properly identified is very important in the event that they get away from you or become lost while travelling or even out in the neighbourhood. Since most cats have the same general types of colourations it is often hard to describe your cat and in addition most cats will not come when called like dogs, so identification can be extremely difficult. To add to the to problem staff and volunteers at rescues and shelters rarely can verify cats in the facilities based on a physical description alone.

There are several methods that owners can used to identify their cats. The most highly recommended option is microchipping, while the least favoured method is the traditional collar and tag. While the last method is not the most effective, it is still far better than no identification at all.

Each method will be discussed in detail and some ideas of the pros and cons of the identification will be addressed. All cats, as well as other pets in the UK should be identified in some way to prevent them from possibly being put down in overcrowded shelters if the owners cannot be located. Remember that intact male and female cats can often wander several miles in search of a mate, so your pet may end up in a shelter a great distance from where you live. This can further complicate the issues especially if you live in a highly populated city or area that has more than one shelter, rescue group or RSPCA location.

The most technological form of identification, microchipping provides a highly effective method of cat or pet identification for a relatively small one-time fee. Most veterinarians, animal technicians, animal welfare groups or trained members of various local authorities will provide microchipping services for charge of £20 to £30. This charge will cover all aspects of the service from inserting the microchip into the cat through to entering the data into databases that can be accessed by any vet, shelter or animal welfare agencies if a cat enters their facility as a stray or lost animal.

Microchipping is a simple procedure that can either be done in a vet's office or pet clinic or hospital. Some of the microchipping services will even provide a technician that will come directly to your home to do the procedure, which is an ideal option if you cat is nervous about being outside of the house.

The process involves using a specialised syringe to inject a small, rice grain sized computer chip into the skin just between the cat or kitten's front shoulders. The chip is injected just under the skin and is very safe for the pet. The chip has a number implanted in it that can be seen when the area is scanned with a reader, which is done at all vets and shelters when a stray animal is brought in for treatment or housing.

There is no need for a sedative and the procedure takes only a few seconds. The technician or vet will simple hold the cat or kitten still and then give a quick injection slightly under the skin between the shoulders. The microchip cannot move through the cat's body as it is actually trapped between the body and the skin by a build up of tissue. The cat cannot feel the microchip and neither will you as the owner be able to feel the implant under the skin.

The technician or vet will also provide paperwork for you to complete that requests your name, phone number and address. This information is then sent to an agency such as PetLog that maintains a database of all cats and dogs that have been microchipped.

If your cat goes missing and ends up in a shelter, rescue or vets office the staff or volunteers will scan the pet across the shoulders with a hand held reader that works very similarly to the bar code scanners used at stores. The information from the chip is matched with the records in the database and the shelter or local authority can then give you a call to collect your pet.

The one time charge for the service allows owners to update their information as often as needed to keep database information current. There is no extra cost for changing the records, but it is up to the owner to make contact and keep the database information current and correct.

Tattooing cats is a permanent way to identify the cat, but unfortunately there are few databases and breed registries that keep track of tattoo markings. Many countries such as France and Belgium required that cats be tattooed as well as registered to qualify for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) to allow cats to travel between countries. That legislation has now changed so all that is required is that cats be microchipped and vaccinated in order to qualify for the scheme.

Owners that cannot afford the cost of microchipping should contact their local authority or RSPCA to see if there are specialised programmes in the area for people on benefits. Some veterinary offices will also work with clients on a monthly payment plan so that they can properly have their pet identified. Many cats from rescues or RSPCA shelters may already be microchipped so all that is required is for the new owner to fill out the proper forms and submit the paperwork.

Standard collars and tags are still a better option than no identification at all. If you are planning on using a collar and tag ensure that the collar is the correct fit and is not too tight on the cat. The owner should easily be able to slip one finger turned sideways under the collar without the collar pulling tightly on the throat.

Make sure that the collar is a "break away" collar or has enough elastic in the fabric that the cat can easily slip the collar off over his or her head in the event that the collar becomes caught on something. Collars that will not break away or expand to allow the cat to slip out will be dangerous and may cause choking hazards.

The tag should clearly identify the name of the owner or owners as well as a working, correct telephone number. Some people are nervous about placing their address on the tag, but a working phone number must be one the tag to allow the people that find the cat to make contact.

If your cat is spayed or neutered and they get out of the house or garden they will likely do a bit of exploring and then return home when it is time for their next meal. Of course cats can become lost if they are chased or frightened or are picked up by people out of their neighbourhood. If your spayed or neutered cat or kitten is lost start by calling all local shelters, vets and authorities and describing your cat. If the cat is microchipped let the people know as this will make identification much easier. A digital picture that can be emailed that clearly shows the markings on the cat or kitten will also be helpful.

If you wish to start looking for the cat or kitten start in gardens and houses closest to you and gradually expand your search. Often a cat or kitten will just find a comfortable spot in the sun and lie down for a nap, completely ignoring your frantic calling if they are comfortable. Talk to neighbours and have them keep a look out for your pet.

Check in areas such as garden sheds, old vehicles, garages or other storage areas on your property. You may also wish to look in trees and bushes as often cats will become frightened and move to these areas as a way to hide or be protected.

If you cannot locate your cat be sure to leave a window open or place some food outside where they can find it should they return. Be careful not to leave food where it will attract other strays or dogs that may chase your cat away, especially if it is timid or young.

An intact male cat may be gone for several days, especially if he is out "tom catting" around, looking for a mate. Often you will hear the toms yowling in the evening and you may be able to locate your cat by following the sound. Be prepared that he may be aggressive if you do locate him and try to take him away from where the female is located. A tom that is out following females will often look extremely bedraggled and even injured as he may have been fighting with other males and going without food or water.

Typically intact females that get out do so because they are either in season or are coming into season and are looking for a mate. They will usually come home after they have mated, which means that you will have to deal with kittens shortly. If this happens consult your vet as it is still possible to have the female spayed early in the pregnancy. A vet will be able to advise you on your options at this time.