OWNERS WHO DO NOT MICROCHIP CATS FACE £500 FINES

Starting Monday, new laws mandate that all cats in England must be microchipped and registered on a database.

This requirement extends to all cats aged 20 weeks and older, including indoor felines.

Despite the impending change, the RSPCA reported that one in 10 cats entering their centers remain unchipped.

Pet owners who fail to comply with the regulations within 21 days face a £500 fine.

According to data from a Cats Protection survey, approximately 1.9 million cats in England are not microchipped, with owners of around 300,000 cats uncertain of their pets’ microchipping status.

Microchipping involves the insertion of a small chip under the animal’s skin, providing the pet with a unique code.

This chip can then be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details stored in a database.

Microchipping cats remains optional in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Vet Rory Cowlam, RSPCA ambassador and CBBC presenter, emphasized the significance of microchipping, stating, “The thought of a pet going missing and never being able to find them is a pet owner’s nightmare, which is why microchipping is so important. Having microchipped many animals myself, I can assure you it’s quick, easy, and is the best way to ensure that if your pet does go missing, or becomes injured, they can be reunited with you.”

The animal charity noted that the new regulations would enhance cat welfare, aid in locating missing pets, and potentially deter owners from abandoning their animals.

According to the RSPCA, over 7,500 abandoned cats were reported to the charity last year, with more than 1,500 reported so far this year.

Microchipping can be performed by a vet or local rescue and rehoming center and typically costs between £20 and £30. It is the owner’s responsibility to update the database in the event of a change of address or contact information.

Cats Protection highlighted recent research indicating that some cat owners who have not microchipped their pets feel it is unnecessary because their pet either does not go outside or does not wander far.

According to Madison Rogers from the charity, “Some owners may believe they will never experience the distress of losing their pet cat. However, in the last year alone, 115,000 pet cats in England went missing and were never reunited with their owners. This occurrence is far more prevalent than many people realize.”