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
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
-
Published on
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
-
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
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:)
I just had my female cat Zoe spayed and microchipped about 2 weeks ago. She is about 7 months now. The microchipped has moved from her shoulders down to almost her armpit. Is this normal or more importantly is this ok??? She doesn't act like it bothe
Is it risky to inject a microchip in my cat?
My rescue dog microchip has migrated to his lower hip area. It seems to be getting a bigger bump. Should I have this removed?
Are there any risks to microchipping cats? Should I wait to microchip my oldest cat - he just (recently) started medicine for arthritis so his body is already all sore and painful? Can microchips be inserted wrong? What happens if they do get inserte
I was wondering if microchipping is safe. I have read they can move and be very unsafe.
My cat has a weird thing on her back. I'm pretty sure it's her microchip, but her brother's is much higher, in his shoulder. Is there a place I can go to scan it to make sure?
Can a tracker or micro-chip be reused (from one animal into another animal).
Recently adopted doggo, noticed a small plastic stem-like tag in between her shoulders. Thinking it might be her microchip? It doesn’t seem to bother her
We've had a cat flap for a while but the cats will only use it when the flap is tied open. We really want to encourage use as it's synced to chips not allowing in other animals. How can we get them to use this themselves? We have tried treats, shutti
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
