If your cat is not microchipped then read on, because there are several reasons, both practical and legal as to why you should microchip your cat(s) and it’s not just a gimmick or to earn your vet more money.
Both of our cats are microchipped and have been since they were very young. Our previous cat Layla was also microchipped.
Our youngest cat Tabitha, was microchipped by Cats Protection, as part of their process of adoption to us, and it was a non negotiable from them that cats are microchipped.
Jasper was microchipped when he was neutered, and under anaesthetic.
Tabitha is an exclusively indoors cat and Jasper is an outdoor cat.
So why should you microchip your cat?
It is a permanent form of identification
Unlike collars and tags, which can easily be lost or removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification. This tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under your cat’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each microchip has a unique number that is registered in a database with your contact information. If your cat is found, a vet or animal rescue centre can scan the chip and access your details, making it much easier to reunite them with you. It’s also practical. Collars and larger tracking devices can fall off or be pulled off, whereas a microchip is under their skin and cannot get lost. All vets can use a special reader to check a microchip on a cat or a dog or other animal.
You are more likely to get your cat found and back to you
Statistics show that microchipped pets have a significantly higher chance of being returned to their owners. According to the RSPCA, microchipped cats are over twice as likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without a chip. This is particularly crucial for cats, who often roam far from home and may lose their way back. In cases of theft, a microchip can also serve as proof of ownership, helping to resolve disputes.
It is now a legal requirement in the UK, even if your cat is indoor only
In the UK, while it is now legally required for cats to be microchipped. Even if your cat doesn’t go outside. This aligns with existing laws for dogs, where microchipping has been compulsory since 2016. By microchipping your cat now, you are compliant with the law. There is always a chance your cat, if they are an indoor cat, could get outside and get lost so this legal requirement is a form of added extra protection for them, and peace of mind for you.
Health and Safety
A microchipped cat that ends up in a shelter or veterinary clinic can quickly be identified, ensuring that any necessary medical treatment can be promptly administered and the cat can be returned home. This rapid identification can be crucial in emergencies, where time is of the essence. Moreover, knowing your cat is microchipped provides peace of mind, reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with a lost pet. I also found out recently that some microchips can also monitor your cat’s temperature, which is quite useful, and can be a way of taking their temperature in a less invasive way.
Costs? It isn’t expensive.
Microchipping is a relatively inexpensive procedure, usually costing between £10 and £30. Considering the benefits, it is a cost-effective way to safeguard your cat’s future. Many animal charities and shelters offer microchipping services at reduced rates or even for free during certain campaigns.
By microchipping your cat, you support broader animal welfare initiatives. Stray cats are a significant problem, and unidentifiable strays can burden shelters and rescue organisations. Microchipping helps reduce the number of unclaimed cats, allowing these organisations to allocate resources more efficiently and care for more animals in need. It also can be a way of monitoring unscrupulous breeders and keeping track of cats that are being bred in bad conditions or being abused.
So my advice would be that you should microchip your cat(s) as soon as possible, chat to your vet and organise for this to happen, and get your cats registered on a database to conform with the new laws.