Microchipping your cat is now law

The bottom line for cat owners in England is that the UK Government has made it compulsory to microchip your cat by 10 June 2024 or you may be fined. So, if you haven’t got around to arranging it yet, now is the time for some microchipping action.

The new rules mean that all owned cats must be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details must be stored and kept up to date in a Government approved pet microchipping database.

A one-off cost for the whole of your cat’s life

If you miss the June deadline, then you’ll have 21 days to have a microchip implanted or you may face a fine of up to £500. This law is only applicable to England at the current time, but veterinary charity PDSA recommends that you get your cat microchipped regardless of your location, adding: “Microchipping is a one-time expense – but your cat will be covered for the rest of their life.”

Microchipping improves the chances of being reunited with your cat if they’re lost, stolen or injured

The new law has been welcomed by animal welfare organisations such as RSPCA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection and PDSA. The organisation’s 2024 PDSA Animal Welfare (PAW) Report reveals that a whopping 22% of the cat population – that’s nearly 2.4 million cats – are still without a microchip. Animal charities are urging all cat owners who haven’t yet had their cherished pet cats microchipped to arrange it as soon as possible. Microchipping makes it much easier for lost or stray cats to be reunited with their owners and be returned home safely.

“Compulsory microchipping of cats is something we have long campaigned for,” says Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross. “Far too many stray cats come into our centres each year without microchips making it impossible for them to be reunited with their owners. Compulsory microchipping is a safe and permanent way of identifying cats and something we always encourage owners to do.”

DID YOU KNOW THAT NOT MICROCHIPPING YOUR CAT COULD AFFECT YOUR PET INSURANCE?

According to Which?, data from comparison site Go Compare shows almost a quarter of owners still haven't microchipped their cat. The consumers’ association warns that failing to meet the June 2024 deadline could also impact pet insurance cover. Rhys Jones, pet insurance expert at Go Compare, told Which? that while it’s unlikely that an insurer will automatically void your insurance if you don’t have your cat microchipped, it may affect your ability to make a claim in the event of theft or loss of your pet. Which? research found owners whose 'theft and straying' policy is invalidated as a result of not microchipping could potentially lose out on thousands of pounds worth of help in locating their missing cat.

Cats and microchipping – FAQs

Using the latest advice and recommendations from the feline experts at Cats Protection and PDSA, we’ve compiled some FAQs about microchipping your cat. If you need more advice, contact your nearest cat-friendly veterinary clinic who will be more than happy to help.

Q: Why should I microchip my cat?

A: As well as now being a legal requirement, microchipping your cat will help to ensure that if they are lost, stolen, or injured, you have the best chance of being reunited as quickly as possible. It’s important to remember that indoor cats are also included in the new law and must also be microchipped.

Q: What happens if my cat is not microchipped?

A: After 10 June 2024, if your cat is found to not have a microchip, you'll have 21 days to have one inserted, or you could face a fine of up to £500.

Q: How does microchipping work?

A: A microchip is a tiny identification device the size of a grain of rice, which links a pet to their 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 at a Government approved database where the owner’s contact details will be linked to the pet’s new Identification number. If your cat gets lost, anyone with a scanner (such as local vets or rescue centres) can scan them, call the microchip company and reunite you with your four-legged friend.

Q: When should I microchip my cat?

A: If you haven’t already, you should microchip your cat as soon as possible. Under the new law, all owned cats must be microchipped before they are 20 weeks old. Many kittens are microchipped at the same time as being neutered (spayed or castrated). Feline wellbeing experts recommend that your cat is microchipped before they go outside for the first time.

Q: Who can microchip my cat?

A: Only a trained professional can fit your cat’s microchip. Ask your vet, local council or local rescue and rehoming centre if they can microchip your pet.

Q: How much does it cost to microchip my cat?

A: The cost of microchipping is usually between £10 – 30. Some vets include a microchip in their health plans and some charities offer them for free or at a reduced cost. Changing your contact details on a cat microchip database can sometimes mean paying a fee. Depending on the database, this might be a one-off fee for the lifetime of your cat, or a cost every time you update.

Q: Will microchipping hurt my cat?

A: No, the procedure of microchipping cats is quick and fairly painless, a bit like an injection. The microchip is put under the skin between the shoulder blades and placement takes just a few seconds. Cats very rarely react to having a microchip placed. If you have any concerns about your cat after a microchip is inserted, it's best to contact your vet. 

Q: Can a cat's body reject a microchip?

A: Microchips are carefully designed not to be rejected by the body. The information unit inside is housed in medical-quality glass, which is very strong and unreactive. The material used is also able to withstand the stresses and strains it experiences at the site of implantation, so your cat can continue to enjoy all their favourite feline activities such as playing, pouncing, prowling, climbing and jumping up without affecting it.

Q: Are cats shaved for microchip insertion?

A: There is no need to shave any fur before inserting a microchip. The implanter needle is small and sterile. It only makes a small nick in the skin which closes up again very quickly.

DID YOU KNOW THAT MICROCHIPPING YOUR CAT BRINGS EXTRA BENEFITS?

If you live in a highly populated cat area amicrochip cat flap is a very useful tool. You can programme the cat flap to recognise your cat’s microchip allowing just them access to your home, while keeping other cats out. If you have multiple cats, you can register them all to the cat flap. Similar to a microchip cat flap, amicrochip food bowl uses your pet’s microchip to control access to their food. This is ideal if other cats are eating your pet’s food, if you need to restrict your own cat’s food intake, or if your cat is on a special diet.

Q: What if I find my cat is microchipped already?

A: If you’ve adopted a cat from an animal welfare organisation such as Cats Protection, your cat may already have a microchip. You’ll need to make sure that your contact details are linked to your cat's microchip on a Government approved database. If you’re getting your cat from elsewhere, you’ll need to ask for further information about the microchip and see if you can access the cat's original paperwork.

Q: How long do microchips last?

A: Microchips should last for your pet’s lifetime – once in place it shouldn’t hurt or cause your cat any problems. It’s extremely rare for them to become faulty and unable to be read – but the chip manufacturer will usually provide a replacement if that happens. Your vet will simply place the new chip alongside the original one.

Q: How do I register a cat microchip?

A: If you have had your cat microchipped by a vet or rescue organisation, they’ll let you know how to register your details online. Following the procedure, you’ll usually be sent registration documents within a couple of weeks. Remember to keep your registration documents and cat’s microchip number safe.

Q: What if I move address or change my contact information?

A: It’s essential to keep your details up to date with the microchip registration company so that you can be contacted if your cat goes missing. Updating your cat's microchip details is an easy process.

• Get your cat’s microchip number. Keep your cat’s microchip number stored away so you can have it to hand. Not sure what it might be? Call your vet to see if they have it in their records or take your cat to the vet to have them scanned.
• Confirm your cat's microchip database. Lost your original paperwork? You may be able to check which database your cat is registered with by entering their microchip number into the identi look-up tool.
• Update your details. Now that you have your cat’s number and contact information of the database, call them or go to their website to change your address or phone number.

Q: Can I transfer ownership of a pet with a microchip?

A: If you are rehoming your cat, you’ll need to contact your microchip database. You must complete the transfer of ownership document so that the new owners’ details will be on the list instead.

Q: What if I lose my cat?

A: If your cat is lost or stolen, contact your microchip company to let them know ASAP. They will then check your details are up to date and flag your cat as missing. This way, they can contact you immediately if your pet is found. If your lost cat is found away from home and taken to a vet or animal welfare organisation, you'll be contacted so you can arrange to pick your cat up.

Q: What if I find a lost cat?

A: Many vets and animal welfare organisations scan lost cats for microchips. If you find a cat you think may be stray or lost, contact your local vet or Cats Protection to ask if they can scan them for a microchip. 

Q: What happens to a microchip when a cat dies?

A: When this very sad time happens, you should report it to your microchip database so that the files can be updated. As for the microchip, because it doesn’t have batteries or moving parts, there’s no danger in cremating the microchip along with your pet’s remains.

Check out Cats Protection’s Guide to Microchipping >>

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