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Can a cat's microchip shift and cause issues with a cat flap?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Male | neutered

is it possible for microchips in cats to be dislodged a little? we're having issues with one of the cats and the cat flap which operates on microchip recognitions - its programing ok and working when we put his head right up to it but when he tries its not working so just wondering if at all the microchip could be just slightly out of place, our other cat has no issues and gets in no worries - if it is the microchip, is it possible to re-position or install another new one?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 18th, 2017

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.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA
Veterinarian
Since microchips are placed in the subcutaneous tissue underneath the skin, it is absolutely possible for it to migrate a little from its original placement site. Your veterinarian can take an x-ray of Gizmo to confirm exactly where the microchip is. However, if it has moved, repositioning may be challenging and could possibly require minor surgery.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 22nd, 2018
This occasionally happens and is not a concern for any future problems. Most veterinary professionals and shelters will scan the whole animal when searching for the chip, so this should likely be picked-up in case she ever gets lost.

Microchips are very safe and they are not a concern for causing tumors. There has been some suggestion that it might, but no solid evidence. It's definitely not something that I've never seen nor heard of in practice.

I hope that helps and all is well with Zoe.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

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

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

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

Can I transfer a microchip or tracker from one pet to another?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! All microchips that get implanted are sterilized to prevent infection problems when they are inserted. Once implanted into a pet that microchip would be considered contaminated and would not be suitable to implant into another pet. I hope this answers your question. There are tracker devices that you can place on dog collars but the problem with these is that anyone can take the collar off or the device could fall off or be taken off of the collar. Just do a Google search and we can see the many devices available but I would recommend that you stick with the implantable microchips and keep them registered with a microchip service that houses the data. Always keep your address up to date if you move with that microchip registration service. That way they can contact you if your pet gets lost and is scanned for a chip. You can always add a tracking device if you want to in the future to track your pet. Good luck with Pumpkin.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My adopted dog has a tag sticking out. Is it her microchip?

What you are seeing may indeed be her microchip if it is about the size of a large grain of rice. Microchips should remain under the skin, but can sometimes migrate out. In that case, it may need to be removed and have a new microchip implanted since it may cause problems and not work properly if not embedded normally. I would recommend contacting the group you adopted her from or have your veterinarian examine her to discuss your options. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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