Identification for your Cat: Why?
Pet identification will keep your cat safe if they are outdoors and become injured. Usually when found, lost and injured cats are turned into the local SPCA. Their tags or other types of ID help to locate the much-relieved owner. Did you know that pet thefts are on the rise? This is especially with expensive breeds like hybrids (the Savannah for example). These are cats known to be worth money when sold illegally. If your cat is not spayed or neutered, and purebred, thieves may target them to produce litters they can sell.
Q: What’s the best way to ID my cat?
A: Two effective methods are microchip insertion or an inside-ear tattoo. Collars with an ID tag can also work, but we recommend quick-release collars for outside cats so they don’t become entangled. Funny – cats often learn quickly how to remove their own collar, especially if they find it uncomfortable or if they want to play with it.
A Microchip is a small responder, somewhat the size and appearance of a grain of rice, inserted just under the skin between the shoulder blades. Microchips can be scanned to provide key contact info for the owner. The chip carries a unique code that can be read by the SPCA or a vet anywhere in North America.
Tattoos are a three-letter code that identify the veterinary clinic who performed the tattoo, and a letter and number combo for the year it was done. Tattoos are inked inside a cat’s right ear, and are nontoxic. It is important for cat owners to remember to keep their contact information up to date with their clinic so they can be contacted if their pet is found.
Call Us to Make an Appointment for Microchip or Tattoo IDs
When your feline friend needs medical care, visit the only vet (cat) clinic in Kamloops that offers a full list of services to keep your cat healthy. We provide wellness exams, orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, dental care, diagnostics, spaying and neutering for our British Columbia clients.