Urgent one month warning to anyone who owns a cat

Cat owners are being warned to act sooner rather than later before a change in the law.

According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), more than half (54%) of cat owners are unaware that cats must be microchipped in England by 10 June 2024. The new law, which only applies in England, will important for all cats over 20 weeks of age.

The UK Government’s update to the law will require felines to be microchipped and registered on a database, similar to the chip requirement for dogs. Anyone found not to comply with the new law, which comes into effect next month, could be fined hundreds of pounds.

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This new law will make it easier for lost or stray cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely. Many also hope this new law will help address common cat welfare issues such as abandonment.

Is microchipping mandatory?

Yes, all cat owners must ensure their cat is microchipped from 10 June 2024. This means you should have your cat microchipped before this deadline.

The new rules mean that cats must be microchipped before they are 20 weeks old – with the only exception being feral cats. Their contact details must be stored and kept up to date in a government approved pet microchipping database.

If you miss the deadline then you will have 21 days to get one implanted or face a fine of up to £500. This law only applies in England at present, but the organization recommends that you get your cat microchipped regardless of your location.

Who can microchip my cat?

Only a trained professional can microchip your cat. Ask your vet, local council or local rescue and rehoming center if they can microchip your pet, but they may charge a small fee.

The cost of the microchip is usually between £10 and £30. You’ll also find that some vets include a microchip in their health plans, and some charities offer it for free or at a reduced cost.

When should I microchip my cat?

If you haven’t already, you should get your cat microchipped as soon as possible. As it will be a legal requirement until June 10, 2024, many cat owners will try to make an appointment to have their pet microchipped.

This could mean there is a waiting list for your pet’s microchipping appointment. That’s why it’s recommended that you talk to your vet as soon as possible to find out all your options.

How long do microchips last?

Microchips should last your pet’s lifetime – once in place, they shouldn’t hurt or cause problems for your cat. It’s extremely rare for them to become faulty and unreadable – but the chip manufacturer will usually provide a replacement if they do.

How does microchipping work?

A microchip is a small identification device about the size of a grain of rice that links a pet to its owner once it has been registered. Each chip contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner.

Once the microchip has been implanted, the unique number will need to be registered in a government-recognised database, where the owner’s contact details will be linked to the pet’s new ID number. If your cat gets lost, anyone with a scanner can scan them, call the microchip company and reunite you with your four-legged friend.

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