The government has finally announced the date from which cats must be microchipped. This is good news for cats and their owners, as it significantly increases the likelihood that they will be reunited with their family should they ever become lost. Owners will have until 10th June 2024 to ensure their cats are microchipped and that their details are up to date. Owners who do not comply may face a fine of up to £500.
Read more about the government’s announcement here.
How do I know if my cat is microchipped?
If you’re not sure if your cat has a microchip, your vet can scan them for you at their next appointment. We can also advise you how to check if the details registered to the microchip are up to date, and how to update them if not. Remember, updating your details with your vet practice does not update your pet’s microchip – those details are held in a completely different database, so if you’ve moved house or changed your email address or phone number, you’ll need to contact the microchip company separately.
How do I get my cat microchipped?
You can call to book an appointment specifically to have your cat microchipped or we can insert a microchip during any appointment.
When do I need to get my kitten microchipped?
According to the new guidelines, all cats need to be microchipped by 20 weeks of age. We usually do this for kittens at their second vaccination appointment at around 12 weeks of age, as long as they are big enough – your vet can advise you on this. We do not recommend allowing kittens to explore outside until they have been microchipped.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you would like to get your cat microchipped.
