We reunite many pets with their owners each year, and microchipping plays a big part in reunification.
As of the 10th June 2024 it is a legal requirement for all cat owners to ensure that their cat is microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to £500.
If your cat is already microchipped, it is part of the new law that your details associated with the chip must be kept up to date.
We highly recommend getting your cat microchipped as early as possible, but particularly before they go outside for the first time. It is, however, just as important for house cats to be chipped because if they accidently get out, they are unlikely to know their way home, so have an increased risk of getting lost.
Microchipping is a quick and painless procedure, whereby a very sharp needle is used to insert a tiny microchip, smaller than a grain of rice, usually under the skin between your cats shoulder blades – just like getting an injection. There is no recovery time, and they are unlikely to experience any discomfort. The chip contains a unique code which can be used by rescue centres, animal wardens and vets to identify a cat and their owner.
By microchipping your cat, it increases the chances of being reunited with them if they are lost or stolen. Microchips also help to identify a cat as belonging to you in a safe and non-intrusive way, whereas collars and ID tags can get caught putting your cat at risk of injury or they can easily fall off.
If your cat is already microchipped, it is crucial that your details are kept up to date to ensure that you can be contacted in the event that they become lost or are found. If you do not know your cat’s microchip number you can take them to a vet, who will be able to confirm the microchip number and the database it is registered with so you can contact them.
If you need to give your cat up, it is important to contact your microchip company to let them know you are no longer their owner, and give the microchip details to the new owner so that they can arrange for the chip to be updated too.
For a small fee CASVet offer microchipping without the need to pay for a consultation with a vet. Further support is available to those on means tested benefits through Cats Protection Find a vet new scheme | (cats.org.uk)
If you adopt a cat from Cheltenham Animal Shelter, your cat will be microchipped before you take them home. Microchipping is included in the adoption fee.
