Microchipping a cat involves implanting a tiny, computerized chip under the cats skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to the owners contact information in a national database. The purpose of microchipping is to provide a form of permanent identification for the cat in case it gets lost or stolen. Microchipping is a quick, safe, and simple procedure that causes little discomfort to the cat. The chip is activated by an animal shelter or veterinarian waving an RFID scanner across the cats body where the microchip is embedded. The scanner reads the number on the chip and displays the owners contact information so that the cat can be reunited with its owner. Microchipping is not a GPS tracker, so it cannot be used to locate a lost cat. It is recommended that cats have both a microchip and an ID tag with the owners contact information.