“My cat never goes outside.” It’s a reason some cat owners give for skipping microchipping. At The Colony Animal Clinic, we know why some pet owners make the assumption that just because you have an indoor cat, they will never get lost. The truth, though? Even indoor cats are at risk of going missing. Here’s why microchipping is just as important for indoor cats as it is for outdoor pets.

Indoor Cats Escape More Than You’d Expect

It doesn’t take much. A door left ajar, a spooked dash during fireworks, a torn screen window, or a slip during a move all can turn your indoor cat into a lost cat within seconds. Because they’re unfamiliar with the outside world, indoor cats are more likely to:

 -Hide in dangerous places like engine bays or storm drains
 -Avoid people who might help them
 -Panic and run further from home

Unlike outdoor cats, which are used to navigating territory, indoor cats don’t have outdoor orientation. They often don’t respond to their name once outside due to fear or stress. Indoor cats may not approach people and could remain hidden for days or weeks, even if they’re just a few yards from home.

And if someone finds a lost cat? Without ID like a pet microchip, rescuers and animal shelters have no way of knowing who they belong to. Most counties only require a short hold period before lost animals can be put up for adoption.

But My Cat Wears a Collar, So Isn’t That Enough?

Collars and tags are useful but not foolproof. Collars can slip off or break away, and tags can become illegible over time. Many indoor cats don’t even wear collars regularly. A cat microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof form of identification that’s always with your cat, even if their collar isn’t. If your cat is microchipped, the chances of them being returned to you more than double.

The Cat Microchipping Process

Pet microchipping involves inserting a small chip under the skin with a single injection. The needle is larger than a vaccine needle, so it does cause brief discomfort. For cats who are sensitive or skittish, you can have them microchipped during a procedure under anesthesia like a spay, neuter, or dental cleaning if one is already scheduled.

After the chip is implanted, your cat’s unique ID number will need to be registered with your contact info in a national database. Be sure to keep this information updated, especially if you change phone numbers or your email. Your veterinarian should discuss the microchip registration process with you.

Get Your Cat Microchipped with The Colony Animal Clinic

Being indoors doesn’t guarantee safety. Accidents happen, and when they do, a microchip could be the difference between losing your cat and welcoming them home. The Colony Animal Clinic strongly recommends microchipping for every cat in The Colony, TX, and nearby cities like Frisco and Castle Hills. Have an indoor cat that isn’t chipped yet? Let’s fix that. Contact us today to schedule a feline microchipping appointment.