Finding information about your cat, especially if you've adopted or rescued them, can be a rewarding experience. A serial number, often a microchip number, can unlock a wealth of information about your cat's past, including their origins, previous owners, and even medical history. However, unlike many manufactured goods, there isn't a central, universal database for cat serial numbers. This guide will help you navigate the process of looking up your cat's serial number and what information you might uncover.
What is a Cat Serial Number?
Most often, a "cat serial number" refers to the unique identification number associated with a microchip implanted under your cat's skin. This microchip contains a unique 15-digit ISO standard number. This isn't a number you'd find stamped on your cat like a product serial number; it needs to be scanned by a veterinary professional or animal shelter using a specialized microchip scanner. Some cats may also have other forms of identification, like tattoos, but these are less common and harder to track.
How to Find Your Cat's Microchip Number
The first step is to locate your cat's microchip number. This typically requires a visit to your veterinarian or a local animal shelter. They will use a handheld scanner to detect and read the microchip's unique ID number. It's a quick and painless procedure for your cat. Don't attempt to locate or scan the microchip yourself, as this could cause injury.
Where to Look Up a Cat's Microchip Number
Once you have the 15-digit microchip number, you'll need to find the appropriate registry to look up the information associated with that number. Unfortunately, there isn't one single global database. The database will depend on where the microchip was originally implanted. Some popular microchip companies include:
- HomeAgain: A large microchip company with a comprehensive database.
- 24PetWatch: Another major player in the pet microchip registration industry.
- AVID: A widely used microchip identification system.
You'll need to contact these companies individually, often through their websites, providing the microchip number to access your cat's information. Many shelters and vets can also assist you with this lookup.
What Information Can You Find?
The information available will vary depending on whether the microchip was registered by the previous owner. Ideally, you should find:
- Contact Information: The name, address, and phone number of the previous owner(s).
- Medical History: Some registries may include details of vaccinations, allergies, or medical conditions.
- Breed and Age: While not always included, this information might be available.
What if the Microchip Isn't Registered?
If the microchip isn't registered, unfortunately, finding information about your cat's past becomes much more difficult. The microchip will still be scannable, confirming that your cat is microchipped, but without registration, the number is essentially useless for tracing ownership history. This highlights the importance of registering your cat's microchip immediately after implantation.
Can I register my cat's microchip myself?
Yes, absolutely! Many microchip companies have online portals to register your pet's information, or you can contact them directly. This step is crucial to ensure that should your cat become lost, they can be returned to you safely. Provide accurate and up-to-date contact details, ensuring a smooth reunion if your cat ever goes missing.
What if I only have a tattoo number?
Cat tattoos are much less common than microchips and are harder to track. Locating information using a tattoo number would require a considerable amount of local detective work, possibly contacting local animal shelters, vets and even rescue organizations in the area where the cat was found. Information may not be available.
How important is microchip registration?
Registering your cat's microchip is incredibly important. It's the most effective way to ensure a lost cat is reunited with its owner. Even with a collar and ID tags, these can come off, but a microchip offers permanent identification.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of cat serial number lookups. Remember, the process relies heavily on responsible microchip registration, emphasizing the need for pet owners to register their cats' microchips immediately.
