From 10 June 2024 it will be a legal requirement for all cat owners to have their cats microchipped by the time they’re 20 weeks old. Here we have explained what this means for you and your feline friend.
A microchip is a small device that is implanted under the skin, between the shoulder blades of your cat. It’s around the size of a grain of rice and will store key details such as your cat’s name, age, breed, your name and contact details.
Each microchip has a unique number which will appear when it’s scanned. Registered organisations will then be able to search the number and find all the details of the particular pet and owner. This means lost pets can be easily reunited with their owners. Be sure to register your cat on a government approved database, you’ll be asked for your address and content details.
Microchipping is a super quick pinprick, similar to an injection. It shouldn’t cause much distress to your cat. If your cat is already having a small procedure, such as neutering, a vet can implant the chip while they are under anesthetic. This way your cat won’t feel anything at all.
Be extra careful of the area where the microchip was inserted for day or so. The microchip implant site may be a little tender and too much movement around that area could cause the microchip to slip from where it should be.
For cats living freely such as farm cats and feral cats, who have minimum to no human interaction, microchipping is not required.
A local vet or animal charity will be able to scan the cat for a microchip and hopefully locate the owner.
Report your cat as missing to the microchip company as soon as possible. They will be able to add a note to their system and if your cat is found, they’ll be flagged as a missing pet when scanned.
Cat owners could face a hefty fine of up to £500 if they forget to have their cat microchipped.
If you need to rehome your cat, the microchip company should be informed. If you are rehoming them through a reputable charity or breeder, they will be able to do this for you. However, if you opt to rehome your cat privately, you will need to do this yourself and the new owners should confirm their details.
Keeping the details up to date on your cat’s microchip is essential. Try to add as many contact details as you can and remember to update them, especially if you move house or change your phone number. You can also add additional contact numbers if you leave your cat with someone else while you’re away.
Anytime you take your cat to see a vet, ask them to double check the microchip. Over time, microchips can move so it’s always best to make sure their chip is still working properly.
Keep your cats’ microchip details somewhere safe. If your cat goes missing, or you need to change your details, have their microchip number to hand when you contact the microchip company.
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