Minamie,

Let's get some things clear as it appears that there are some people in bad moods...

1. FeLV/FIV are viruses which can devastate any cattery. There is NO award to being FeLV/FIV negative, it is merely a claim made by the cattery which can be proven by a vetrinary certificate. Most catteries/breeders will check on an annual or bi-annual basis that they are free from these viruses. BTW - just to completely answer the question - when someone (like me) claims that my cattery is FeLV/FIV negative, it means that all of my cats have been tested and proven negative...

2. Concerning microchip...GPS tracking is available, but only in the US and it is very, very costly to my understanding for this type of microchip. One can input the Breeder and/or Owner's name and addresses. In Malaysia, the price of microchipping your cat can run anywhere from RM25 - RM75. So why bother to do it? You do it as a safety precaution - just like vaccinations and annual boosters... should your cat be stolen or lost, at the very least, there is some form of identification.

Can a microchip be pulled out? Yes, but it must be done surgically. No sane thief would want to pay for it! You may get some scarring if the vet is no good - and I would hope that 99% of vets are too ethical to pull out the microchip anyway...

Do I microchip my cats? Yes I do. Even when there are so few Abys in Malaysia, people can claim my cats to be theirs. FSM has started a microchip database so if any of the member's cats end up at SPCA/Paws or any vets' clinic the owners can be traced...

Furthermore, it is now a requirement by the M'sian govt that all Show cats that travel or cats that are sold overseas must be microchipped...

Does this answer your questions???

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