Are you a cat owner who wants to ensure the safety and well-being of your beloved furry friend? Do you worry about the possibility of your cat going missing and not being able to find them?
Well, look no further because the answer might just be microchipping! In this article, we will explore the world of cats and microchipping, and how it can benefit both you and your feline companion.
Microchipping is a simple and effective way to increase the chances of identifying and reuniting with a lost or stolen cat. Unlike collars and ID tags, microchips don’t pose a risk of injury or getting lost.
So, join us as we delve into the world of cats and microchipping to provide your beloved cat with peace of mind and ensure their safety.
Compulsory Microchipping in England
If you own a cat in England, it’s now compulsory to microchip them by 10 June 2024. This new regulation aims to ensure the safety and welfare of cats and their owners.
By microchipping your cat, you increase the chances of identifying and reuniting with them if they go missing. The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the cat’s skin and contains a unique code that can be scanned to retrieve your contact details. The procedure is quick, painless, and similar to getting an injection.
It’s recommended to have your cat microchipped before they go outside for the first time.
Benefits of Microchipping
By microchipping your cat, you can enjoy several benefits that ensure their safety and your peace of mind.
Microchipping increases the chances of identifying and returning lost or stolen cats. Unlike collars and ID tags, microchips don’t come off and don’t pose a risk of injury to cats.
The process of microchipping is safe, easy, and effective. It involves inserting a small chip under the cat’s skin, containing a unique code that can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details. This provides peace of mind for cat owners, knowing that if their cat goes missing, the microchip can be scanned to identify the owner.
Microchipping is recommended for both kittens and older cats, ensuring their safety and increasing the likelihood of a happy reunion if they get lost.
How Microchipping Works
To understand how microchipping works, you need to know that a small chip is inserted under your cat’s skin. This chip, about the size of a grain of rice, contains a unique code that can be scanned and matched to your contact details. The procedure is quick and painless, similar to getting an injection. It’s usually done by a vet, local authority, or a trained member of an animal welfare organization.
The cat’s information is stored in a microchip database, and if your cat goes missing, the microchip can be scanned to identify you as the owner. Remember to update your contact details in the microchip database if there are any changes, to ensure easy identification and reunion if your cat gets lost.
Cost of Microchipping
When considering the cost of microchipping your cat, it’s important to inquire about the fees at your local vet or rescue center. The cost of microchipping a cat in the UK typically ranges from £20 to £30. However, it’s worth noting that some local vets, rescue centers, and cat charities may offer reduced rates for microchipping.
In fact, Cats Protection includes microchipping in the adoption fee for cats adopted from their organization. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that some microchip databases may charge a fee for updating contact details.
To ensure you’re getting the best value for your money, it’s recommended to inquire about the cost of microchipping at your local vet or rescue center.
After that you need to register your details for your microchipped cat on a DEFRA compliant database, we recommend Pet Database who are the only free DEFRA compliant microchip database where all others charge extra fees to keep details up to date.
Care and Maintenance of Microchipped Cats
To ensure the proper care and maintenance of your microchipped cat, it’s important to update the microchip database with any changes in contact details. This will ensure that if your cat ever goes missing, they can be easily identified and reunited with you.
It’s a simple and quick process that can be done by contacting the microchip database provider and providing them with the updated information.
Additionally, it’s recommended to regularly check that the microchip is still in place and functioning properly.
If you have any concerns or questions about the care of your microchipped cat, it’s best to reach out to your veterinarian or a local animal welfare organization for guidance.
Conclusion
So, don’t wait any longer. Take the necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friend by microchipping them.
With this simple and effective solution, you can increase the chances of finding your cat if they ever go missing.
Remember, microchipping is a small investment that can bring you peace of mind and a swift reunion with your beloved feline companion.
So, go ahead and give your cat the protection they deserve.