Alternative to microchipping?!

[Bekki]

I have heard of the importance of microchipping your pets. And I agree it is important to have a backup plan if they were to get out of the house. but I've come across a lot of information warning of sarcomas cancerous tumors etc as a result. I don't want to risk my cats health for the security of having a microchip that could do more damage than good. Also I had seen they could migrate? Some places don't even check for chips. Ahh. So I have been doing research on a viable alternative. What do you think? the first I came across was an Id tag. There are a few on the market even with a GPS option. http://m.ebay.com/itm/FurCode-Pet-I...PS-Tracking-Alternative-Dog-Cat-/181011132914

My concern is some types of phones have issues opening the app to read it. And you can only locate based on if the persons phone whom is scanning it has locator options active. So if they don't want you to know or want to keep your cat then you're out of luck. But still a pretty cool concept right? And safer than a microchip?
The other option really has me thinking. it is a solar powered collar tag. no bigger than your average tag. also links up to an online profile if found. But you can use as a GPS. No batteries to worry about. No super clunky collar. And it's only 100$! No monthly subscriptions either. It is in the final stages of licensure and is to be released in may.... Finally! it notifies you via text message or email if your pet steps outside a certain range from your home. and doesn't monitor constantly unless outside of range. Compared to GPS trackers that run and drain battery life at all times. This seems like such an innovative option. I just had to share! And I wanted some feedback too of course.http://haytagstore.com/


"Those who wander aren't always lost"

 

[admin]

I have never had an issue with a microchip and never hesitate to use them. .. if I thought it was a real health risk, I wouldn't use them. All of my kittens are microchipped before they leave here.

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[Kristin]

I would use both, Bekki. Neither technique is perfect. With a collar, he can slip out of it whereas the microchip is built in. Most people expect a microchip would bring him somewhere to detect it.
On the other hand, microchips depend on someone picking up your baby and doing the right thing and finding you. With a GPS you can find him on your own.

I hope that GPS is open to Canada as well, I haven't found a cat one yet that is suitable for cats, and in Canada

 

[Bekki]

http://www.chipmenot.org/microchiprisks.htm


"Those who wander aren't always lost"

 

[Bekki]

A lot of the GPS collars are over kill and just plain heavy. I don't need something I need to charge daily. But those tags are pretty nifty for 100$ it's definately worth it to me. I agree both have their flaws but at least with the tags they can't cause health risks. And you have instant way of tracking. At least with the hay tag that is. the whole cancer cell thing around the chips are what freaked me out. I wasn't trying to argue the importance of microchipping I know having a plan b is always important. But I was excited that I had seen that. And thought you would all enjoy =] the whole possibly slipping out thing is the only way I could see this jog working though Kristin. Your right


"Those who wander aren't always lost"

 

[admin]

http://www.chipmenot.org/microchiprisks.htm


"Those who wander aren't always lost"

You will always find articles like that and risks for everything you do...what you choose to do is up to you...if I listened to all the risks for everything I do and take, I would be a pretty boring person

 

[Bekki]

Lol good point. I am a pretty boring person myself now that I think about it haha


"Those who wander aren't always lost"

 

[Kristin]

Yeah, there are averse reactions to anything. Zeddie came home microchipped and vaccinated, so for me I really didn't have much thinking to do about either lol. Tiger isn't microchipped (I really don't know why...I was 13 when we got him, and apparently no one in my house thought it was necessary) so I would love to get a GPS on him...especially after our scare last year when he almost died in some crazy people's garage

 

[Bekki]

Did on some crazy people's garage? What


"Those who wander aren't always lost"

 

[Kristin]

Ugh it was a huge ordeal. You can read the thread here lol http://www.savannahcatchat.com/threads/huge-scare.3352/

I started hunting for a GPS but all the Canadian ones are heavy duty and extremely expensive. I microchipped wouldn't have worked anyways in Tiger's case