As the implementation date of new legislation approaches, cat owners are being strongly advised to ensure their feline companions are microchipped. Set to come into force on June 10, this legal requirement was previously established through legislation laid in March 2023. The decision followed a Government-led call for evidence and consultation in December 2020, during which an overwhelming 99% of respondents voiced their support for the measure.
With the population of pet cats in England exceeding 9 million, the introduction of compulsory microchipping aims to streamline the process of reuniting lost or stray cats with their owners, ensuring their safe return home. Extensive data supports microchipping as the most effective means of identifying lost pets, with statistics indicating that microchipped dogs are over twice as likely to be reunited with their owners.
Microchipping, a safe and straightforward procedure, typically incurs an average cost of approximately £25, covering both the implantation and registration of the microchip. Many charitable organizations and reputable cat rescue groups may offer microchipping services at reduced rates, enhancing accessibility for pet owners.
The microchipping process involves the insertion of a chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, beneath the skin of the animal. Each microchip is assigned a unique serial number, which the owner must register on a designated database. In the event of a lost pet being found, a simple scan of the microchip enables swift identification of the registered keeper, facilitating the prompt reunion of the pet with its owner.
The forthcoming implementation of mandatory microchipping reflects the outcome of a public consultation, during which overwhelming support was garnered for the measure. Owners are required to ensure that their cats are microchipped before reaching 20 weeks of age, with their contact details accurately recorded and maintained within a designated pet microchipping database.
