Is it compulsory to microchip my cat?
Microchipping your cat is definitely a good idea, however, many people may need clarification on whether or not it is actually compulsory or not because of what they have heard in the news in recent times. Microchipping your animals, including cats, sounds like a much more complex and strenuous process, however, it is a relatively straightforward procedure that can be incredibly useful throughout your cat's life. In this article, we will answer many questions regarding microchipping your cat so you have all the information you will need.
When does cat microchipping become law?
As of May 2022, it is now compulsory to have your cat microchipped. Legislation has been passed which means you must by law microchip your cat after it was found that 99% of people supported it. Owners of cats under the age of 20 months must now make sure that they are microchipped.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is exactly what you may think it is, a small electronic chip that is inserted into the skin of your cat. The chip itself is around the size of a grain of rice and will include the data needed to identify your cat when it is scanned.
Where can I get my cat microchipped?
You can get your cat microchipped at your local veterinary practice. Your local vet will also be able to scan any cat for a microchip. If you adopt a cat that does not have a microchip then a vet will be able to administer one for you.
When should my cat be microchipped?
A cat can be microchipped at any time. Usually, when you get a kitten they will be microchipped when you have them neutered or spayed. If you adopt or purchase an older cat that has no microchip this is no concern as they can still be microchipped.
New rules for microchipping means cats must have a microchip implanted before they reach the age of 20 weeks. All cat owners must have their cat microchipped by the 10th of June 2024. Owners found not to have a microchip implanted will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500, according to gov.uk.
What are the fines for not microchipping my cat?
All cat owners must have their pet microchipped before they reach the age of 20 months. If someone owns a cat without a microchip they will be given 21 days to get one. If they do not do so after this time they will face a fine of up to £500.
Why should I microchip my cat?
Getting your cat microchipped is very important and there are many reasons why it is a good idea to do so, despite it being against the law to not. Getting your cat microchipped provides you with an extra level of protection should it go missing. There are many other reasons as to why microchipping is a good idea, however, the main benefit is that it will identify them if they are found when missing.
Do cats have to be microchipped in the UK?
Yes, as of 2022, it is compulsory that a cat has a microchip. One reason for this is because of the number of cats that would be found without a microchip. Because of this, the missing cats could not be reunited with their families. 99% of people agreed that compulsory microchipping should be enforced in a survey taken about the topic.
How does a cat microchip help if my cat is lost or stolen?
This is perhaps the best way a microchip can help. The main purpose of a microchip is for identification. If you lose your cat, if they are stolen, or if unfortunately, they die whilst out of the house then they can be taken to a vet to have their microchip scanned. The microchip will contain a unique serial number that can be entered into a database to bring up the cat's information.
FAQs
Does my cat still need to be microchipped if they never go outside?
Simply put, yes, a cat will need to be microchipped whether they are a house cat or an outdoor cat. Just because a cat spends the majority of its time indoors, it can still get outside, or can still be stolen. If this happens and they are found without a microchip it can be very hard to reunite pets with their owners.
Does my cat still need to be microchipped if they have a collar with a tag on it?
Yes, because the microchip is inserted into the skin it makes it very difficult for it to come out and be lost. If your cat escapes or if they are stolen then a collar is not secure enough. Your cat can shake their collar loose, or a thief may take it off when they steal your cat.
How can I check if my cat is microchipped already?
This is most commonly asked by those that adopt older cats. When you adopt your cat you can have an appointment with your vet to get them to check for a pre-existing microchip, however, this will usually be done when they are taken to a shelter.
Will microchipping harm my cat?
The process of microchipping a cat may seem like a painful experience for them, however, it is a simple procedure that does not cause any harm at all. The prick of the microchip being inserted will only cause a moment of discomfort, much like a regular injection.
Which database will my cat's microchip be registered to?
When your cat is microchipped it will be added to a database that will store its information. There are 15 databases that store cat data. These include:
Animal Microchips
Animal Tracker
Chipworks
Identibase
MicroChip Central
MicroDogID
MyPet
National Veterinary Data Service
Pet Chip Register
Pet Identity UK
Petlog
PetScanner
ProtectedPet
SmartTrace
UK PETtrac MicroChip Database
All of these databases are Defra compliant, meaning they follow appropriate rules and regulations.
Do I need to update a microchip for my cat if I move or sell my home?
If you move house or need to change the details on your cat's microchip you will need to ask your vet which database they are registered with. You will then need to get in touch with the database to change your data.
What has the Animal Welfare minister said about microchipping cats?
Animal Welfare Minister The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith has said the following on compulsory cat microchipping, “Cats are much-loved parts of our families and making sure that they’re microchipped is the best possible way of making sure that you are reunited with them if they are ever lost or stolen.
These new rules will help protect millions of cats across the country and will be brought in alongside a range of other protections we are introducing under our Action Plan for Animal Welfare.”
How much does it cost to microchip a cat?
Despite it being compulsory, microchipping a cat is not free. It will cost you between £20 and £30 to have your cat microchipped, however, prices may vary depending on your vet. You may also be charged less if you have it done whilst your cat is spayed or neutered.
How long will a cat microchip last?
The microchip in your cat is designed to last for its entire lifetime. It is very difficult for a microchip to come loose or fall out of your cat's skin so it is incredibly reliable throughout your cat's lifetime.
Are there any ongoing costs to microchipping a cat?
Once your cat has been microchipped then that is it, you no longer have to pay for any backup microchips. You may need to pay a small fee if you want to change any of the details on your cat's microchip, however, this depends on the database.
Can a cat microchip fail to work?
When a vet inserts a microchip they will double-check that it is correct before they put it into your cat's skin. They will also test it after it has been inserted to ensure it shows the correct information. The success rate of inserted microchips is 97% so chances are your cat's microchip will be fine.
Dr Rachel Louise Keane BVSc BSc MRCVS of PocketVet says microchipping provides you with valuable peace of mind:
"There is little worse than having your beloved moggy “disappear” and you have no idea where he or she has got to, or if they are safe. By being microchipped, it provides valuable peace of mind, for if your cat has wandered off and is found, their owner’s identity and contact details can be gained through scanning the cat’s microchip, and puss can be reunited with their worried owners sooner."
