Microchipping Your Cat: The Deadline Has Arrived!

Introduction

Today, 10 June 2024, marks a significant day for cat owners in England. The new law mandating the microchipping of all pet cats comes into effect, meaning that all cats over the age of 20 weeks must be microchipped. This legislation aims to ensure the safety and well-being of our feline friends, helping reunite lost cats with their owners quickly and effectively.

Why Microchipping is Essential

With over 11 million pet cats in England and 2.3 million still without microchips, it’s vital to understand why microchipping is so important. If your cat goes missing or is injured, a microchip significantly increases the chances of them being returned to you. Without a microchip, reuniting with your lost pet can be nearly impossible.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

Starting today, it is a legal requirement for all cats in England over the age of 20 weeks to be microchipped. Cat owners who fail to comply will have 21 days to get their cat chipped or face a fine of up to £500. This new law applies to all pet cats, including indoor cats, who are also at risk of escaping through open windows or doors.

What Does Microchipping Involve?

Microchipping is a straightforward and safe procedure. A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted just under your cat’s skin. This chip contains a unique code that can be scanned by veterinary practices and animal shelters. The owner’s contact information is stored in a secure database, making it easy to match the pet with its owner if found.

Who Can Microchip My Cat?

Microchips can only be implanted by trained professionals. These include:

• Veterinarians: Most commonly, vets perform microchipping during routine check-ups or vaccinations.
• Veterinary Nurses: Trained and qualified veterinary nurses can also perform the procedure.
• Trained Individuals: People who have completed specific training and certification in microchipping can also perform the procedure. This might include staff at animal shelters or certain pet care providers.

Benefits of Microchipping

• Legal Compliance: Avoid fines by ensuring your cat is microchipped.
• Increased Safety: Increases the chances of reuniting with your cat if they get lost.
• Theft Prevention: Helps recover stolen cats.
• Accident Response: Vets can contact you quickly if your cat is injured.

Safety of Microchipping

The microchipping process is incredibly safe. Complications are rare, occurring in only about 0.01% of cases. It is crucial to have the procedure done by a qualified vet or trained professional to minimise any risks.

When is the Best Time to Microchip 

1. During Early Kittenhood

• Age: Kittens can be microchipped as early as 8 weeks old.

• Reason: This is often done when the kitten is first vaccinated, making it convenient and less stressful for the kitten.

2. When Neutering/Spaying

• Age: Cats are typically neutered or spayed around 4 to 6 months old.

• Reason: The cat is already under anaesthesia for the surgery, so the microchipping process is painless and stress-free for the cat.

3. During Routine Vet Visits

• Age: At any age during regular health check-ups.

• Reason: If a cat hasn't been microchipped as a kitten or during neutering, any routine vet visit is a good opportunity to get it done.

Keeping Microchip Details Up to Date

It’s essential to keep your contact information up to date on the microchip database. Regularly check that your details are correct, especially if you move house or change your phone number. This ensures that you can be contacted swiftly if your cat is found.

Which Database Is My Cat’s Chip Registered To?

There are many different microchip database companies in the UK, so it’s crucial to ensure your cat is registered with one that’s UK government-approved. Here’s how to make sure your pet’s details are up to date:

1. Check a Chip: Use the Check-a-Chip website to find out which database your cat’s microchip is registered with. This service automatically checks all compliant pet microchip databases in real time.

2. Approved Databases: Ensure your cat’s chip is registered with one of the DEFRA-compliant databases.

When you register your pet, you’ll need to provide your address and contact details. Keeping this information updated is critical to ensure you can be contacted if your pet is found.

Exemption for Feral Cats

Feral cats are exempt from the new microchipping law for several practical and welfare reasons:

• Wild Nature: Feral cats are essentially wild animals and are not socialised to human contact. Catching and handling feral cats for microchipping can be highly stressful for the cats and potentially dangerous for the people involved.
• Management and Welfare: The primary method for managing feral cat populations is through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes. Microchipping each feral cat during these programmes would add complexity, cost, and stress.
• Practicality: Feral cats do not have a specific owner responsible for their care, making enforcement of microchipping impractical.

The law focuses on improving the welfare of owned cats by ensuring they can be reunited with their owners if lost, rather than attempting to regulate feral cat populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can indoor cats be exempt from microchipping?

No, the law requires all cats, including indoor cats, to be microchipped as they can still escape and become lost.

2. How much does microchipping cost?

The cost typically ranges from £10 to £30. Some charities and vet health plans offer microchipping at reduced rates or even for free.

3. Does microchipping hurt?

The procedure is quick and relatively painless, similar to an injection. Most cats do not react to the implantation.

4. How long does a microchip last?

Microchips last for the lifetime of the cat. It’s rare for them to malfunction, but if they do, they can be replaced.

5. What if I need to update my contact information?

Contact your microchip database to update your details. It’s crucial to keep your information current to ensure you can be contacted if your cat is found.

Microchipping and Responsible Pet Ownership

Microchipping not only helps reunite lost cats with their owners but also promotes responsible pet ownership. With more cats being microchipped, stray and abandoned cats can be more easily identified and returned, reducing the number of cats in shelters and managing the stray cat population.

Conclusion

As the deadline is here, it’s crucial to ensure your cat is microchipped. This simple act can make a significant difference in the safety and well-being of your beloved pet. If you haven't yet microchipped your cat, book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to comply with the new law and safeguard your cat’s future.

By complying with the new microchipping law, you’re taking a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of your cat. Let’s work together to create a safer environment for all our feline friends.

For more information, visit the official government page on microchipping and make sure your furry friend is protected and identifiable.

Got Questions?

We’re here to help! Contact us at The Cat Butler with any questions, and one of our cat care experts will assist you. Together, let’s ensure all cats are safe and accounted for.

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.