Why Microchipping Your Cat is Essential

June is Microchip Your Pets Month, the perfect reminder of how important microchipping is for keeping your cat safe. With new laws in place and thousands of cats going missing each year, find out why microchipping is one of the best ways to protect your feline friend.

Every June is Microchip Your Pets Month, a crucial reminder of why microchipping is one of the most important things you can do to protect your pet. In the UK, thousands of cats go missing each year, and sadly, many never make it back home. But with a microchip, your cat has a much higher chance of being reunited with you if they ever get lost.

At Encore, we believe every pet deserves a safe and secure future. Here’s everything you need to know about microchipping your cat and why it’s now the law in England.

1. What is microchipping and how does it work?

A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is painlessly inserted under your cat’s skin (usually between the shoulder blades). Each chip has a unique identification number, which is registered in a national database with your contact details.

How microchips work:

If your cat gets lost and is taken to a vet or rescue centre, they will scan the microchip.
The scanner reveals a unique ID number, which is linked to your contact details.
The microchip helps reunite you with your cat quickly and safely.

A microchip is not a GPS tracker, it won’t show your cat’s location, but it will help bring them home if found.

2. Microchipping Cats Law: Microchipping is now mandatory in England! (New 2024 law)

As of June 2024, microchipping is legally required for all pet cats in England.

What you need to know about the microchipping law:

All cats over 20 weeks old must be microchipped.
Owners must make sure their contact details are kept up to date in the database.
If a cat is found without a microchip, owners have 21 days to get them chipped or face a £500 fine.

3. Why microchipping is essential for all cats (even indoor ones!)

Some owners believe indoor cats don’t need microchips, but accidents happen! Cats can:

Slip out of an open door or window unexpectedly.
Become lost if they escape during celebrations, renovations, travel, or a move.
Get picked up by a well-meaning stranger who assumes they’re stray.

Fact: Studies show that microchipped cats are over 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners than those without microchips!

4. Does microchipping hurt my cat?

Not at all! The procedure is quick, safe, and no more painful than a routine vaccination. The microchip is inserted using a small needle, and most cats don’t even notice it.

Microchipping benefits:

Lifetime protection – A microchip lasts your cat’s entire life.
No maintenance required – Just keep your contact details updated!
Quick & affordable – Costs around £20-£30 and takes seconds to implant.

5. How to update your cat’s microchip details

If you move house or change phone numbers, you must update your details in the microchip database.

How to update microchip details:

Find out which database your cat’s chip is registered with (your vet can help).
Visit the microchip provider’s website to update your details.
Pay a small admin fee (if required).

Tip: If you don’t know your cat’s microchip number, ask your vet to scan it for you.