Darren shares why a cat microchip gives the best start to the New Year
December 14, 2021
You may have heard the term ‘compulsory cat microchipping’ in the news last year. You may have even popped it on your long list of things to do. In this article, our head vet Darren, explains why making cat microchipping a top priority in 2022 will give you and your cat the best start to the new year.
Book a cat microchip appointment
Compulsory cat microchipping
In spring of last year, DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) announced that cat microchipping would become compulsory in the UK as part of a larger animal welfare action plan. The move was aimed at making more cats identifiable, in turn helping with issues such as cat thefts, strays, and deceased cats left by the road following traffic accidents.
It’s only a matter of time before this new law starts being enforced and like compulsory dog microchipping, non-compliance will carry a fine of up to 500 – which wouldn’t be a great start to the new year for pet owners in Surrey!
Important reasons to microchip your cat
Besides avoiding a potential fine, getting your cat microchipped can make all the difference if the unthinkable should happen. Cats go missing for several reasons including:
- Wandering off and getting lost
- ‘Helpful’ passers-by thinking the cat looks lost and taking them to a vet or rescue centre
- Pet theft – which has increased dramatically since the first lockdown
- Road traffic accidents – sadly, not enough drivers stop to report the accident or help the cat.
Darren explains that a microchip can’t prevent your cat from going missing or getting injured; it will however, significantly increase the chances of you being reunited with them. If your cat is found and taken to a vet practice, a rescue centre, or picked up by the local animal warden, these organisations will use a cat microchip scanner to obtain ownership details.
According to a news article in the Hereford Times last year, 60 cats or dogs go missing every hour in the UK. Every year, tens of thousands of cats are reported lost and 25 percent of those are never reunited with their owners – two large factors in this are:
- Many cats still aren’t microchipped
- For those cats with microchips, some owners forget to update their details if they move house or change phone numbers
At what age should cats be microchipped?
A good time to have your kitten microchipped is during their neutering procedure at around 4 months old, before they venture outdoors. Older cats can be microchipped at any age and it is a quick and harmless procedure. Our experienced vets and nurses can give you more advice on this so please do get in touch.
How much does it cost to microchip a cat in Surrey? About the same as it would cost you to buy a posh hot chocolate each week for a month.
So, are you ready to get your cat’s new year off to the best start?
Book a cat microchip appointment
