Published Sep 5, 2024
Did you know there are over 9 million pet cats in England? Surprisingly, about 2.3 million of them aren’t microchipped, which makes it really tough to reunite them with their owners if they get lost or stolen.
That’s why the government has introduced new rules for microchipping cats. After gathering evidence and consulting the public—where 99% of people supported the idea—they decided to make it mandatory. This move was also part of their manifesto and their Action Plan for Animal Welfare.
Under the new rules, all cats must be microchipped before they turn 20 weeks old. Their owners need to keep the contact details updated in a pet microchipping database. By June 10, 2024, every cat owner must have their cat microchipped. If they don’t, they’ll have 21 days to get it done or face a fine of up to £500.
This new law applies to all cats 20 weeks and older, even if they’re indoor cats. Microchipping cats is not yet a legal requirement in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:
“I am pleased that we are progressing with our requirement for all cats to be microchipped.
“Microchipping is by far the most effective and quickest way of identifying lost pets. As we’ve seen with dog microchipping, those who are microchipped are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owner.
“By getting their cat microchipped, owners can increase the likelihood that they will be reunited with their beloved pet in the event of it going missing.”
What Is Microchipping?
A microchip is inserted between the shoulder blades of your cat by a veterinarian or another qualified person.
The microchip is tiny, smaller than a grain of rice. It causes very little discomfort to your pet and is very quick to administer through an injection.
A vet or RSPCA Inspector can use a special scanner to identify your pet. The microchip has a unique 15-digit number and you, as your cat’s owner, can place your contact details against this unique number on a database.
There are different databases, but they are all linked and searchable between each other. You can check these details online and even change them to update your address or change the owner’s name. The microchip does not act as a GPS tracker.
Why Is Microchipping Beneficial for Cat Owners?
It’s estimated that 100,000 cats go missing in the UK every year. Almost half of those cats are reunited with their owners after they are identified by their microchip. But for those who don’t have microchips, it can be unlikely that they will ever find their way back home.
Even if your cat stays indoors, microchipping them gives you that extra bit of reassurance should they get outside. They would likely be in an environment that is unfamiliar and may cause them to then find themselves lost.
A microchip gives them freedom from this purgatory and gives you some piece of mind.
