Can You Track a Microchipped Cat? The Truth About Microchips and Lost Cat Recovery
If you’ve searched “can you track a microchipped cat”, you may be feeling anxious because your cat is missing. Microchips are widely used, but there’s a lot of confusion around what they actually do. The truth is: microchips are not GPS trackers. They don’t let you follow your cat’s movements in real time. Instead, they serve as permanent identification that links your cat to you when scanned by a vet, shelter, or animal control officer.
In this guide, we’ll clear up the myths about microchips, explain what they can and cannot do, and show you the additional steps you should take — including posting a Lost Cat Alert on FetchSafe.com — to dramatically increase your chances of reunion.
---How Microchips Work in Cats
- A microchip is a tiny implant placed under your cat’s skin (usually near the shoulder blades).
- Each microchip contains a unique identification number.
- When scanned by a shelter or vet, the number pulls up the owner’s contact information in a registry.
Important: Microchips don’t transmit GPS signals. They only work when someone scans the chip after finding your cat.
---What a Microchip Can Do
- Provide permanent identification that can’t be lost like a collar or tag.
- Connect your cat to you through national pet recovery databases.
- Increase the likelihood of reunion if your cat is turned in to a shelter or vet.
What a Microchip Cannot Do
- Track your cat’s real-time location.
- Help you search physically for your missing cat.
- Replace proactive lost cat recovery methods (flyers, alerts, community outreach).
If Your Cat Is Lost and Microchipped
1. Update the Microchip Registry
Log into the registry (HomeAgain, 24PetWatch, PetLink, etc.) and mark your cat as “lost.” Ensure your contact information is current.
2. Notify Local Shelters and Vets
Provide them with your cat’s description, photo, and microchip number. Ask them to contact you if a matching cat arrives.
3. Post a Lost Cat Alert on FetchSafe.com
FetchSafe goes beyond microchips by actively spreading the word to neighbors, shelters, and other pet owners nearby. Even if your cat hasn’t been scanned yet, FetchSafe ensures people are looking in the right places.
4. Search Your Neighborhood
Most lost cats hide close to home. Check garages, sheds, crawlspaces, and bushes. Ask neighbors to do the same.
---Why FetchSafe.com Complements Microchips
Microchips are reactive — they help only after someone finds and scans your cat. FetchSafe.com is proactive. It alerts people nearby as soon as your cat goes missing, creating more eyes on the ground.
- Immediate Alerts: Neighbors see your lost cat alert instantly.
- Safe Contact: Communicate securely without posting your phone number publicly.
- Verified Reports: Keeps alerts genuine and trustworthy.
Alternatives to Microchips for Tracking Cats
- GPS Collars: Provide live tracking but require charging and can fall off.
- Bluetooth Tags (AirTag, Tile): Offer general location updates if near other devices.
- Collar + Tag: Visible ID that can speed up reunions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can You Track a Microchipped Cat?
Can a microchip tell me my cat’s location?
No. Microchips only provide ID when scanned. They cannot be used to actively track movement.
Do all shelters scan for microchips?
Yes, most shelters and vet clinics scan all incoming animals for microchips as standard procedure.
What if my microchip has outdated information?
Update your registry immediately. Outdated contact details can prevent a successful reunion.
Should I get both a microchip and GPS collar for my cat?
Yes. A microchip provides permanent backup ID, while a GPS collar helps with real-time tracking.
---Final Thoughts
If you’re asking “can you track a microchipped cat,” the answer is no — not in real time. Microchips are a critical identification tool, but they must be paired with active recovery strategies. That’s where FetchSafe.com comes in: by broadcasting your lost cat alert instantly, you gain a proactive advantage that microchips alone can’t provide. Combined, these tools give your cat the best chance of coming home quickly and safely.
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