Microchipping

All cat owners should now have their pets microchipped as new legislation came into force in June 2024.  Owners must ensure their cat is microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks with their contact details stored and kept up to date in an approved pet microchipping database. 

 

With more than 9 million pet cats in England, the introduction of mandatory microchipping will make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.  It also enables you to use microchip reading cat flaps which prevent other cats entering your home. Even indoor only cats would be microchipped as these cats are more likely to get lost if they ever do get outside.

 

Microchipping is already compulsory for dogs since 2016 and is proven to be the most effective method for identifying lost pets, with microchipped dogs more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owner. 

 

The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. Occasionally they can move to other areas of the body. The microchips contain a unique number which is registered on a database with yours and your pets details. It is vital that your details are kept up to date.