Vets are reminding cat owners in England that failing to microchip their pets could result in a fine of up to £500. Despite a law introduced in June 2024 making microchipping compulsory for cats, new figures show that 22% of cats are still not chipped.
The law, which already applied to dogs, requires all cats and dogs in England to be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age, with details registered on a database. Since the law came into force, PDSA vets have microchipped almost 15,200 cats across their Pet Hospitals, an increase of over 1.5 times compared to the previous year.
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “We’ve seen many cat owners get on board, but 63% of appointments were for cats aged one year and under, which could mean those with older cats have not yet complied. Regardless of age, we urge all cat owners to get their cat microchipped.”
Microchipping helps reunite lost or stolen cats with their owners. However, PDSA warns that 9% of pet owners have incorrect or out-of-date contact details on the database. “This would be a real issue if their pet was lost or stolen,” added Downing. Owners are advised to keep their details up to date and know which database their pet’s microchip is registered with.
The procedure involves implanting a tiny chip under the skin between the shoulder blades, similar to a routine injection. It can also be used with microchip-activated cat flaps and food bowls to monitor a cat’s movements and eating habits.
