Keeping your cat safe and healthy is the priority of all owners so the introduction of a new law should ensure our cats are always returned to their fur-ever home.
It used to be a cat owner’s choice whether they wanted to get their kitten or cat microchipped but now it’s the law, at least in England anyway.
Since the 10th of June 2024, our feline friends have needed a microchip to comply with government regulations. Without one, owners could face a £500 fine. This new law only covers cats in England and doesn’t apply to the rest of the UK.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a form of ID for your cat so if it’s lost or stolen it can be reunited with you. All cats aged 20 weeks and over must be microchipped and registered on a database. This has been the case for dogs since 2016.
How does a microchip work?
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and has a unique number, which is linked to you.
Putting in a microchip is a simple procedure taking seconds, whereby the microchip is inserted under the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Your furry companion should not feel any discomfort, nor even know it’s there.
Then if Fluffy or Mittens is separated from you, once they are found and handed in at any vet clinic or rescue centre, the vet or rescue centre would simply scan the microchip with a microchip scanner, establish who the cat belongs to, and then look to reunite them with you. This is also a pain-free procedure for cats.
Unlike dogs, cats are not so amenable when it comes to attaching ID details to them. Let’s face it, many have serious cat-itude.
They may simply refuse to wear a collar, or if they do opt to wear a collar, collars often get lost off our inquisitive, active cats. A microchip is secure and cannot get lost.
A microchip is not a GPS device
A microchip is an ID tag, it is not a tracking device so it will not allow you to monitor your cat’s movements. While this would be fascinating, a microchip does not have this ability.
Keep your microchip details up to date
The microchip is only as good as the information on the database linked to it. If it has a previous owner’s details or you’ve changed your telephone number, it will be of little use in finding you.
Always ensure that the contact details linked to your cat’s ID microchip are up to date.
What if my cat is an indoor cat?
The law requires all cats to have a microchip regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor cats.
Let’s not forget that cats are clever, curious souls who may decide to hop out of an open window for an adventure. If they lose their bearings, it is a straightforward process to reunite you.
Benefits of microchips
As well as allowing for the easy reuniting of our feline friends and owners, cat microchips can also be useful for keeping neighbouring cats out of your house.
Some cat flaps can be programmed to recognise only the household cat’s microchip, unlocking for the resident cat, while barring entry to strange cats.
This can also be very beneficial to a cat’s welfare as they can get distressed when other cats enter their space, eat their food and make themselves at home. They can make their displeasure known by marking their territory, for instance.
Responsible pet ownership
Microchipping is a part of responsible pet ownership. It not only protects your pet but also helps reduce the number of cats in rescue, and the costs associated with housing stray cats.
At Insure Your Paws, we understand the importance of keeping your furry family members safe. We’re here to help you understand the new regulations and ensure that you and your pet remain happy and healthy together.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates and tips on pet care and safety. Ready to protect your pet with insurance? Explore our pet insurance plans today and find the perfect fit for your feline friend! Find out more about our cat insurance.
