Cats are clever, agile, and often fiercely independent. Even when we do everything right as pet owners, they can find ways to slip through doors, push out window screens, or dash into unfamiliar territory. The thought of a missing cat is every owner's worst fear, and without a microchip, the chances of getting them back drop dramatically. At The Complete Cat Veterinary Clinic, we want cat owners to know what’s really at stake when their feline isn’t microchipped.
How Cats Go Missing
Outdoor cats may wander off or get spooked and run off, only to find themselves lost. Even the most pampered indoor-only cats can sneak out through a cracked window or bolt during a moment of panic. Loud noises, unfamiliar visitors, or home renovations are all common triggers that can send a cat fleeing.
And once cats are outside, their instinct to hide can make them incredibly difficult to find, even if they’re close to home. Without a microchip, there’s no way for an animal shelter or veterinary clinic to know who your cat belongs to.
While a collar and ID tag can help, many cats don’t tolerate wearing them or the collar can get snagged, slip off, or be removed. If your cat ends up in an animal shelter without any form of ID, their future becomes uncertain. Many lost cats are never claimed simply because the animal care professionals don’t know who to contact.
Do Indoor Cats Really Need Microchipping?
Yes—absolutely. In fact, indoor-only cats can be at even greater risk if they get outside because they’re less familiar with traffic, weather, and outdoor threats. They also tend to hide rather than seek help, which means by the time someone finds them and brings them to an animal shelter, a microchip may be the only way to identify them.
Here’s why microchipping indoor cats is just as important:
- Accidents Happen: Doors are left open, window screens can fail, and emergencies can cause escapes.
- Indoor Cats Can Panic Outdoors: They may not return on their own or respond to your calls.
- They’re Less Street-Savvy: Outdoor dangers can overwhelm cats who’ve lived exclusively inside.
- Microchips Are Permanent: Unlike collars, they can’t be lost or removed.
What to Do If Your Cat Gets Lost
Finding a lost cat can be challenging, especially if they’re unchipped.
- You’ll need to physically search nearby neighborhoods daily.
- Visit and/or call local shelters and vet clinics to check for any cats that match the description.
- Post signs and share on social media.
These efforts can stretch into weeks (or longer) with no guarantee of success. With a microchip, the odds are increased. Cats that are microchipped are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owner. A shelter or veterinary team scans your cat and instantly retrieves the ID number linked to your contact details. You get a call, and your cat gets to come home. It’s that simple and incredibly effective. Talk to your veterinarian about having your cat microchipped during their next wellness exam.
Cat Microchipping in Brookfield, CT at The Complete Cat Veterinary Clinic
No matter how safe your home is or how closely you watch the door, every cat is just one accident away from becoming lost. A microchip is a reliable, low-maintenance way to give your cat the best chance of getting home if they ever do go missing. At The Complete Cat Veterinary Clinic, we believe every cat—indoor or outdoor—deserves that protection. Schedule an appointment to have your feline microchipped in Brookfield, CT. Our cat-only veterinary clinic services Danbury, Newtown, Ridgefield, and surrounding communities.