Updated: 21/08/2024
Microchipping provides a permanent source of identification for your cat, and is quick and safe for your vet to perform.
From 10th June 2024, cats in England over 20 weeks old are required to be microchipped by law.
It’s important to keep your contact details linked to the microchip up to date, so that your cat can be reunited with you if they go missing.
You can update your contact details by contacting the microchip database the chip is registered with. Failure to do this can result in a fine.
If you need any advice or would like to book an appointment, please contact your vet practice.
What is microchipping?
Microchipping your cat provides a permanent form of identification, giving you peace of mind if they ever get lost or go missing.
Microchipping should only be carried out by a trained professional, for example a vet or vet nurse.
A tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected using a needle under the skin at the back of the neck.
A microchip contains a unique code that belongs to your cat, and this is registered on a secure database alongside your contact details, which can only be accessed by the relevant professionals if needed.
Being microchipped ensures that if your cat was ever to be found and be taken to a veterinary practice or rescue centre, a handheld scanner could be held over their neck to find the chip number.
The person scanning would then be able to look this number up on the database and use your contact details to reunite you.
If you have just got a new cat who is already microchipped, take the microchip paperwork to their first vet appointment to ensure the microchip number read by the scanner matches the number recorded in the paperwork.
Do I legally have to get my cat microchipped?
From 10th June 2024, cats in England over 20 weeks old are required to be microchipped by law.
How long will a microchip last for?
A microchip has a special coating that protects it, and is designed to last for your cat’s lifetime.
If any changes in contact details or ownership are required, these can be made through the microchip database and your cat will not need to have a new microchip implanted.
In very rare cases, microchips can stop working, and if this occurs it should be reported.
In the event of a microchip failing, a new microchip would need to be implanted.
Are my contact details stored on the microchip?
No contact details are stored on the microchip, just a unique identification number. Any contact details are stored on the database the microchip is registered to.
It’s incredibly important to keep your contact details up to date with the database to make sure you can be contacted if your cat is found, but it’s also a legal requirement and you may be fined if you don’t do this.
The microchip is only as good as the accuracy of the details kept on it!
Will having my cat microchipped hurt them?
Microchipping is a very quick and safe procedure when carried out by a trained professional.
The microchip is injected under the skin, which may cause very brief discomfort; however, cats can usually be distracted with treats or cuddles and some don’t even seem to notice.
Once inserted, the microchip is painless and your cat will not know it is there.
If you are worried, always reach out to your local veterinary practice who will be happy to answer any questions and put your mind at rest.
Does being microchipped mean my cat will not need a collar?
Choosing whether your cat will wear a collar is a personal choice.
Cats are very agile and active creatures, which can put them at risk of getting caught up, tangled or injured by collars, for example when climbing trees.
If you decide you would like your cat to wear a collar, opt for a quick release (or breakaway) collar that will come undone and free them if they get into trouble.
For this reason, cats and kittens can very easily lose collars and tags on their adventures and a microchip provides a more reliable way of ensuring they can be returned to you if they get lost.
Veterinary Nurse Hollie Morgan (RVN ISFMCertFN) says:
“It is important to microchip your cat to aid reunion if they are found after being lost or stolen. It gives me peace of mind if any of mine wander too far on their travels! Be sure to keep your contact details up to date to ensure you can be contacted when required.”
Does my indoor-only cat need microchipping?
From June 2024, it is mandatory for all cats in England over 20 weeks old to be microchipped.
Although an indoor-only cat is less likely to go missing, cats can be very good escape artists! As they are not used to the great outdoors, should an indoor cat escape, they may panic and run off to hide.
If your cat does escape from an open door or window, being microchipped will help to get them home to you if they are found.
Did you know?
Updating your contact details with your vet will not update the details linked to your pet’s microchip. These are stored on a separate database and can only be changed if you contact the microchip database directly.
Registering a microchip and updating contact details
Although the vet practice will often register your pet’s microchip when it is implanted, as an owner you are responsible for keeping your cat’s details up to date on the microchip database moving forwards.
You should update the microchip details of any new pet you get and change your contact details any time your phone number or address changes.
To change your details, you will need your cat’s microchip number and the name of the database they are registered with.
If you are registering yourself as the new owner, this will need to be okayed by the previous owner or breeder and you may also require a transfer code.
If you do not know what the microchip number is, you can have your cat scanned by your local veterinary practice and you can then check which database they are registered with at www.check-a-chip.co.uk.
You will need to contact the database directly to make any changes to your contact details, and you may be charged an admin fee for any updates made.
Did you know?
Sadly, many pets go missing every year, but a variety of species including cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and tortoises can be microchipped to ensure they can be identified and returned to their owners if they are found.
If you need any help, advice or would like to book a microchip appointment, please reach out to your local veterinary practice.