Cat microchipping is a tiny computer chip that's installed, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted under your cat's skin. Each microchip contains a unique serial number, which is registered in a database along with the cat owner's contact details. This microchip implant increases the likelihood of reuniting owners with their lost or stolen pet cats. Under new rules, cat owners in England need to register their microchipped cats' identification numbers and contact information to avoid fines. Starting June, it becomes a legal requirement to microchip cats by the age of 12 weeks, improving animal welfare and aiding rescue centres in identifying stray pets. Whether you have an indoor cat or one that uses a cat flap, microchipping is essential to ensure your pet's safety.

Under the new law in England, all pet cats must be microchipped by the time they reach 20 weeks of age, with the exception of unowned cats like feral and community cats. This requirement includes indoor cats, which must also be microchipped. The microchip implant contains a unique serial number that must be registered with a Defra approved database, including up to date contact information for the owner.

As of 10 June 2024, it is a legal requirement for all pet cats to be microchipped. If you fail to have your cat microchipped within 21 days after this date, you may face a fine of up to £500. The microchip helps increase the likelihood of reuniting owners with their lost or stolen pets by providing a unique identification number.

Although this law is currently enforced only in England, we are advocating for similar regulations in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. To ensure the welfare of your cat and facilitate their return to you in case they stray or get stolen, we recommend that all cat owners get their pets microchipped. This is crucial whether your cat uses a cat flap or is solely an indoor cat.

Owners are frequently reunited with their beloved cats, and in most cases, this is made possible by microchips. Regardless of how far from home a cat is found or how long they have been missing, having your cat microchipped provides the best chance for their safe return to you.

A small microchip is implanted under your cat's skin, giving them a unique code. If your cat is found away from home and taken to a vet, their microchip can be scanned electronically. The scan reveals the unique number, which is linked to the owner's contact details in a pet database. This information must be up to date as of June, as part of the new cat microchipping law in England. The microchip ensures that if your cat goes missing, the keeper can easily access and update your details to help reunite you with your pet.

In the UK, the cost to microchip your cat generally ranges from £20 to £30, depending on your area. For precise information, check with your local vet or reach out to local rescue centres or cat charities. As part of the new microchipping law in England, which comes into effect in June, keeping your contact details up to date in the pet database is essential. Some cat rescue organizations may offer reduced rates for microchipping, so it's worth inquiring about these options.

Updating your contact details in a cat microchip database may involve a fee. Depending on the database, this could be a one time charge for the lifetime of your cat or a fee applied each time you make an update.

Microchipping your cat is a swift process and no more painful than an injection. There’s no need for recovery, and the procedure won’t cause your cat any discomfort. They are unlikely to notice it at all. As part of the new cat microchipping law in England, keeping your contact details up to date in the pet database ensures that the unique microchip number can be linked to you, the owner, if needed.

Microchips are engineered to be fully accepted by the body without rejection. The information unit within the microchip is encased in robust, medical grade glass, ensuring durability and minimal reaction. This material can withstand the physical activities of your cat, so whether they’re exploring, playing, jumping, or resting, the microchip remains unaffected. As required by the new cat microchipping law in England, it’s important for the owner to keep their contact details updated in the pet database associated with the microchip number.

No, there’s no need to shave your cat’s fur before inserting a microchip. The implanter needle is small and sterile, making only a tiny incision in the skin that heals quickly.

In human terms, the sensation of microchipping is comparable to getting an injection. There may be brief discomfort when the needle is inserted, but this quickly fades once the process is complete. It is very uncommon for cats to have an adverse reaction to the microchip. Occasionally, some cats might experience minor swelling at the injection site, but this generally resolves on its own within a few days. As required by the new law in England, if you have any concerns about your cat after the microchip insertion, it’s best to contact your vet. Ensuring that your contact details are up to date in the pet database associated with the microchip number is essential for the keeper.

In England, starting from 10 June 2024, the law requires that your cat be microchipped by the time they reach 20 weeks of age, although there is no minimum age for the initial microchipping. Many kittens are microchipped during their neutering (spaying or castrating) procedure when they are already under general anesthetic. We recommend having your cat microchipped before they venture outside for the first time.

If you've adopted a cat from an animal welfare organization, it's likely that the cat already has a microchip. You'll need to ensure that your contact details are updated and linked to your cat's microchip in the database.

If you're acquiring a cat from another source, make sure to inquire about the microchip details and request any available documentation related to the cat's microchip.

If your cat has been microchipped by a vet or organization, they will provide instructions on how to register your details online. Typically, you will receive registration documents within a few weeks after the procedure.

If you do not receive these documents, contact the vet or organization that performed the microchipping. Be sure to keep your registration documents and your cat's microchip number in a safe place.

Keeping your contact details up to date is crucial. Many cats are not reunited with their owners due to outdated information. Updating your cat's microchip details is a straightforward process.

Store it safely for easy access. If you’re unsure of the number, contact your vet to check their records or bring your cat in for a scan.

If you’ve lost the original paperwork, you can use the microchip number to check the registration through an online lookup tool.

With your cat’s microchip number and the database information, either call the database or visit their website to update your address or phone number.

We recognize that losing a beloved cat is a highly distressing experience. If your cat is lost and already microchipped, it's important to notify your microchipping company. They can ensure that your details are current, maximizing the chances of being reunited with your cat.

If your lost cat is found and brought to a vet or animal welfare organization, you will be contacted to arrange for their return.

Many vets and animal welfare organizations scan lost cats for microchips. If you come across a cat you believe might be stray or lost, reach out to your local vet to see if they can scan the cat for a microchip. Learn more about the steps to take if you’ve found a cat.

If you’re looking to rehome your cat, you’ll need to contact the microchip database to transfer the ownership details. You may be required to provide a signed copy of your cat’s microchip registration documents to authorize the change, or you might need to complete a form with additional information.

If your cat is microchipped, you might want to consider installing a microchip cat flap in your home. These flaps scan your cat’s microchip to identify them and will only allow entry to those whose microchip numbers you have programmed into the flap.

A microchip cat flap is an excellent choice for keeping out unwanted visitors, particularly those that might be raiding your cat's food!

A microchip cat flap works by scanning your cat's microchip when they approach. It unlocks the flap only for cats whose microchip numbers are programmed into the system, preventing other animals from entering.

At Pets at Home, microchipping a cat typically costs around £15 to £20.

To program a microchip cat flap, you scan your cat's microchip using the flap's programming mode, then follow the flap's instructions to store the microchip number. This ensures the flap only opens for your cat.

To get your cat to use a microchip cat flap, introduce it slowly with treats and positive reinforcement. Let your cat explore the flap, and reward them when they interact with it or pass through it.

A microchip for a cat is about the size of a grain of rice, approximately 12 to 13 millimeters long.

A microchip is placed under the skin between a cat's shoulder blades, typically on the upper back.