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My cat's microchip moved. Can it get lodged, hurt her, or be crushed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 months old | 11 lbs

My daughter who is 2 picked up our kitten by the scruff on her neck. Now I can't feel my cats microchip. Those things can vet lodged somewhere where it can hurt my pet correct? And the microchip can't be crushed? Thank you:)

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 14th, 2017

The microchip is placed in the subcutaneous tissue- beneath the skin but they can move around/migrate, so it isn't unusual that you cannot locate the microchip by feeling it. It shouldn't be able to be crushed by normal handling. If your kitten had just had the microchip placed, in rare cases they can back out, so you can always have your kitten scanned again to be sure it is still in place!
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Not to worry! The microchip cannot be crushed. Since they are implanted subcutaneously (under the skin), they can migrate around in a fat layer under the skin. They will not get lodged and cause injury. There should be no concern about not being able to feel Love bug's microchip, but for peace of mind, it may be worth asking your vet to scan her to confirm its placement the next time you go to the vet. :-)

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Can a cat's microchip shift and cause issues with a cat flap?
It is rare, but the microchip can migrate. Repositioning it may require minor surgery to remove it. Xrays would likely be required to pinpoint its location. Discuss this with your veterinarian. Contact the company's Technical Support department to troubleshoot the issue and to discuss if another chip would be indicated.
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Vet Q & A
Is microchipping safe for my cat, even if they are old or sore?
Microchips are very safe. They are inserted under the loose skin above the shoulders with a large hypodermic needle. It's over and done very quickly, just a few seconds. Most cats grumble or hiss, but it is over with very fast. Most microchips implanted today do not migrate under the skin but remain where placed. Anyone administering a microchip is familiar with the method of inserting it properly.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Is pet microchipping safe? Can the microchip move or cause problems?
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yes, microchipping your pet is very safe and highly recommended in case Chance ever were to become lost! The microchip should be implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. Rarely the microchip can migrate under the skin to the side of the chest or down by the sternum, but this does not cause any medical problems and is of no consequence to your pet at all. I hope this is helpful!
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Vet Q & A
My rescue dog's microchip migrated and has a bump. Should I worry?
Microchips can move to odd places on the body, but when this happens they don't usually have a bump associated with it. I would recommend having your dog checked by a vet to see if the microchip really is causing the bump or if there could be a small tumor forming. Microchips can be very hard to remove as they are the size of a grain of rice and very difficult to find during surgery.
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Should I worry about a black dot on my cat's neck after microchipping?
Hi there. It's difficult to see from the photo exactly what this is - but if it looks like a tiny scab on the back of her neck or between her shoulder blades, it could certainly be the small hole where the microchip needle was inserted. As long as there is no swelling or redness and no active bleeding, it should heal up fine on its own and should not be any cause for concern :)
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Vet Q & A
My kitten's microchip site is red, bald, and weeping. Is it normal?
Poor Bella! No, this doesn't sound normal - usually, you shouldn't even notice the microchip site. Hair loss with redness and yellow fluid from the area can be associated with an infection or other problem, so I would recommend having Bella rechecked by your vet as soon as you are able to. She may need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to treat the infection.
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My cat's microchip feels odd. Where can I get it scanned?
You can take Leia into the vet to have it scanned. They will have a microchip scanner. Give the vet's office a call to discuss bringing her in, it may even be able to be done as a tech appointment. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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