One in five cat owners risk hefty fines following a new law requiring cats to be microchipped that was laid into law on March 13, 2023, according to new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance. While more than a quarter of UK households (28 per cent) have a cat, 22 per cent (2.69 million) have not yet been microchipped.
Owners who fail to microchip their cat will face fines of up to £500, with the research showing collective fines within the UK could reach a staggering £1.35 billion. Those not microchipping their cats could also face criminal prosecution. The introduction of this law follows similar microchipping legislation introduced for dog owners in 2016. In 2021, two dog owners were successfully prosecuted by Three Rivers District Council after they failed to register their dogs microchip details on a government approved database.
The microchipping and registering procedure costs around £20 and carries no known health risks. The microchip contains a unique code and is quickly inserted under the skin. If the cat becomes lost, this chip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details, all of which are kept on a national database. It is estimated that a third of cats go missing every year making microchipping essential in reuniting owners with their felines.
Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance said: “Cats are independent creatures that love to wander and explore, but this instinct comes with risks. Ensuring that your cat is microchipped will give it the best chance to be returned home safely. It’s important to keep your information up to date, if you move house or change vet for example. This is easily done by contacting the database that your cat is registered on.
“The new legislation will help to ensure that millions of cats across the country can be easily reunited with their rightful owner if they are lost or stolen. It’s important that all owners stay up-to-date and informed on the latest safety, insurance and health measures when it comes to protecting their furry friends.”
Owners have until June 2024 to comply with the rules.
