As of 10 June 2024, it will become law for all cat owners in England to have their feline friend microchipped, leaving just two months to go for millions of cat owners up and down the country to abide by the new law.
However, latest figures from the upcoming 2024 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, due to be published in June, revealed that over half (54%) of cat owners are not aware that cats must be microchipped in England from 10 June 2024.
Since last year’s Report, there’s only been a 3% increase in the population of cats with a microchip. With 78% of cats across the UK microchipped, this leaves 22% of the population, nearly 2.4 million cats, without a microchip, and the countdown is on for owners in England to get their cat chipped.
By 10 June 2024, owners found without their cat microchipped will have just 21 days to have one implanted. After the 21 days, owners may then face a fine of up to £500.
PDSA Vet, Lynne James, shares key information to know, and her advice:
“A microchip is a tiny identification device that contains a unique number, usually 15 digits, linking a pet to their owner. In cats, microchips are implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades – it’s a very quick procedure that takes just a few seconds and doesn’t require sedation or anaesthetic.
“Microchips can contain various amounts of vital information, and the more kept up to date information stored on your pet’s microchip, the better! Some of the key information that can be stored includes, the pet owner’s full name, address and contact details. The pet’s assigned name, gender, breed, date of birth and even their colour.”
Whilst there is no minimum age to have your cat microchipped, the new legislation in England states that cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks of age.
Lynne adds: “Even if your cat prefers the indoor life, microchipping is still important. Owners may not be too worried if they have an indoor cat, but there’s plenty of ways cats can sneak outside, or nip out through an open door or window. It’s always best to have the extra peace of mind that a microchip provides. By June, it will be law regardless of whether your cat remains indoors or not.”
Microchipping ensures any lost or stolen cats have the best chance of being reunited with their owners as quickly as possible. They are also useful to keep other cats out of your home with a microchip-activated cat flap and restrict food access if you have a microchip food bowl. If you have either of these gadgets, you can also easily monitor your cat’s comings and goings and how often they eat.
“It is really important that owners are aware of which database their pet’s microchip is registered, so they are able to keep their details up to date,” adds Lynne. “Moving address or getting a new phone number are simple, but vital changes for the microchip database.”
