Cats Protection has issued an urgent reminder to all cat owners to verify their pet's microchip information. The animal welfare charity shared the advice on Facebook, asking: "When was the last time you checked your cat’s microchip details?"
The charity illustrated the importance with a real-life story: "Daisy-May’s owner was sure she had updated her microchip information, but after checking, they realised their address hadn’t been updated since they'd moved." Daisy-May told the charity: "I contacted Identibase and upgraded all of my cat's and my details. I thought I had already done it; it is so reassuring when you know all of your information is correct."
How to check your cat's microchip
According to Cats Protection, owners can check their pet's chip details using Identibase's online tool. Owners need to know the 15-digit chip number. Identibase says: "A microchip is the best way to help reunite you with your pet. A microchip is only as good as the data stored on it. Keepers risk a £500 fine if their information is out of date. Knowing your pet’s database saves time if your pet gets lost or stolen."
Legal requirements for cat microchipping
Cats Protection also offers information for pet owners on its website. The charity says: "By law, all pet cats in England must be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks, except for unowned cats like feral and community cats. Indoor-only cats must be microchipped as well."
As part of the new rules, you must keep your contact details up to date on a Defra-approved microchipping database. According to the new law, all pet cats should have been microchipped by 10 June 2024. If you missed this deadline and didn't take action to have your cat microchipped within the 21 days following it, you may face a fine of up to £500.
Cost and procedure of microchipping
Anyone getting their cat microchipped can typically expect to pay around £20. The charity says it is quick and there is no recovery period. "In human terms, the sensation is like having an injection. There may be some brief discomfort at the time the needle is inserted, however this stops as soon as the process is over. It is very rare for cats to have an adverse reaction to a microchip," Cats Protection explains.
"Occasionally, some cats may get a small swelling as a reaction to the needle insertion, but this usually resolves on its own within a few days. If you have any concerns about your cat after a microchip is inserted, it's best to contact your vet."
