Question About Microchips

I recently canceled my cat's insurance (she's a healthy young cat who lives indoors; I'm better off keeping my savings in the green to pay for unforseen medical expenses than pay a monthly premium for what appears to be subpar coverage).

But they also told me that her microchip was through that pet insurance company. This, I do care about. I can't see a situation where she'd get out and actually leave at home, but she's figured out how to escape her carrier and I have to watch her carefully during vet visits.

If the policy is cancelled, does that mean her microchip will no longer be active/usable? That's kind of what it sounded like but it's not like they can take it out from under her skin or anything, and I made sure to write down the microchip number. I was under the impression that once the chip was in, it was a done deal, but maybe not?

I was going to ask her vet about it at her next appointment but that probably won't be until summer or later. I do want to make sure she's got a working microchip.

The microchip itself will still work. What you’ll have to do is register the number with another microchip database (something like Home Again). If you don’t know her number, your vet should be able to help you with this, if you call them up, they might have your kitty’s microchip number on file, otherwise they can scan her. Your vet will also have recommendations about which company you should register the chip with.

abyeb said:

The microchip itself will still work. What you’ll have to do is register the number with another microchip database

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abyeb is 100% correct! The microchip itself does not have a battery—it is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area, and the radiowaves put out by the scanner activate the chip. So you don't have to worry about the microchip not working. What you do need to worry about like abyeb said, is registering the number.
Check out this helpful article on microchipping from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (scroll to the bottom to learn more about databases and registering your chip): Microchipping FAQ

Thanks! I figured that was the case re the chip itself still working but I wasn't sure if she'd get to keep her number if I wasn't paying for the plan, or something. I did make sure to note her microchip number before I cancelled, so I'll just check in with the vet or maybe the cat cafe I got her from (I'm visiting them tomorrow anyway) to get some recommendations for where to register her chip so she can be returned if she ever escapes her carrier again.

Our cats at our shelter are all microchipped. When adopted, they need to be registered in the new owners name. There are free plans as well as ones you pay for.

Call your local county shelter and find out what system they verify their microchips with. Mine is the chip manufacturer so I paid a small fee for a lifetime registration with the company directly.

I looked up the number and my cat is still in Home Again but not registered. From what I understood, there is no need to pay annually unless you want benefits

maggie101 said:

I looked up the number and my cat is still in Home Again but not registered. From what I understood, there is no need to pay annually unless you want benefits

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The microchip number has to be activated and registered with all of your info with Home Again or other company. If there's no owner info associated with the microchip, it's not possible for a lost pet to find its way home

Just having your contact information with the microchip company is free. Just remember to call to keep the info up to date if you move, change vets, phone number, etc. Optional additional services are available for a yearly subscription fee.