Microchipping pros and cons?

[Phoebe's human]

I'm thinking about having my cat microchipped. She hates her collar and I don't put it on her unless it's really needed (trip to the vet, for instance).

I've heard recently that microchips in pets might cause a kind of cancer.

I notice here that some months ago Traci posted in favor of microchips.

Wonder if anyone has any updates about this topic? Is microchipping still being recommended?

[E's]

I hope the "cancer" idea is only a rumor... haven't heard anything about it myself. I too have removed the snap-off collars my strictly indoor cats always wore. Neither cat seemed to mind his collar and now it is a constant worry here in an apartment - that some emergency or maintenance problem might turn them loose... but they play together a lot and the jr. cat will climb onto wire closet shelves whenever he gets a chance... I have to block folding doors with a footlocker or tote box... so it's a worry either way with collars. Let's see what our experts have to say re microchips? My GSD was microchipped as a pup and she did die of a rapidly developing, undiagnosed malignancy - but she was nine and a half years old by then...

[Cindy]

I really doubt the cancer scare, but I wonder about "travelling", can the chip eventually make its way down a leg or is that a rumor also?

[Traci]

Phoebe's Human: Don't be persuaded by propoganda and the media frenzy/misinterpretation. While there may be risks with any injectable (and any drug, and any food, and anything else), the "studies" referred to by the media were flawed:

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/v ... -skin.aspx

Cindy: Microchips can "migrate" to some extent, but it is extremely rare this will occur. Since they are implanted subcutaneously, there is little chance they will migrate beyond, they "encapsulate" in the tissue and generally stay put.

The benefits far outweigh any risks. The worst problem with microchips is that there is no universal scanner to identify the numerous types and frequency of microchips. Another problem is owners failing to register their chips or keep their information current and updated in the database.