Microchipping Cats
Starting from 10th June 2024, it will be mandatory by law to have your cat microchipped in England. This new law is aimed at facilitating the swift reunion of lost or stray cats with their owners and ensuring their safe return home. Additionally, this law is expected to address common welfare issues for cats, particularly abandonment. Remember, microchipping is a one-time expense that guarantees your cat's lifetime coverage.
We know that cats are unique animals with specific health needs. As a cat-only Cat Microchipping, we are experts Cat microchippers in feline microchipping. Our team of compassionate professionals provides personalised microchipping to keep your feline friend healthy and happy.
Why Cat Microchipping is Important
It's important to consider microchipping for your cat as thousands of cats are lost every year, and many are unfortunately never reunited with their owners. Microchipping offers the best chance of identifying and reuniting lost or stolen cats with their owners. Unlike collars and tags, microchipping provides a permanent and effective means of identification for your cat.
Pros of Microchipping Your Cat
- Avoid Fines - It's essential to remember that microchipping is mandatory in the United Kingdom. To avoid unnecessary and expensive fines, ensure your cat is microchipped. With the cost of microchipping for a cat being under £50 and potential fines reaching up to £500, it's crucial to take action and microchip your pet.
- Affordability - Microchipping is an affordable and essential measure to protect your pet. It offers peace of mind and can help prevent the distress of permanently losing a beloved cat.
- Low Risk - Having your cat microchipped is generally considered to be a low-risk procedure, with extremely rare and usually mild side effects. Therefore, it is advisable not to avoid microchipping your pet due to concerns about potential adverse effects.
- Security - In the unfortunate event that your pet goes missing or is potentially stolen, a pet microchip can prove to be invaluable. If your cat becomes lost, they may find themselves at a vet clinic or an animal shelter, where their microchip will be kindly scanned. This will promptly bring up your contact information, a safeguarded feature accessible solely to the vet through a government-approved registry database, ensuring the safe return of your beloved cat. In scenarios where there is a dispute over ownership, the microchip will effectively establish the legal owner of the cat.
- Life Saving - There is a notable abundance of lost and stray cats in need of homes, surpassing the number of available adopters. Unfortunately, in situations where cat shelters and councils are faced with an excess of unclaimed cats, a difficult decision may be made to euthanize some of the animals. The implementation of microchips is instrumental in facilitating the reunification of cats with their owners, ultimately helping to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of cats.
Compulsory Microchipping for Cats
The UK government has enacted a new law that requires all cats in England to be microchipped as of June 10, 2024. Under this legislation, cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach 20 weeks of age, and their contact details must be recorded and regularly updated on a pet microchipping database. Owners who do not comply will be given a 21-day grace period to have their cats microchipped or may face a fine of up to £500. According to estimates from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), there are approximately 2.8 million unchipped cats in the UK, which presents challenges in reuniting them with their owners if they become lost or stolen.
How much does it cost to "Microchip a Cat in the UK?"
In the UK, the cost of microchipping a cat can vary, typically ranging from £9 to £20, with an average cost of around £14.50. This fee covers the implantation of the microchip and the initial registration.
How Often Do I Need to Get My Cat Microchipped?
You only need to microchip your beloved feline once, as the microchip does not contain an internal battery and should continue to function for your cat's entire life. In extremely rare cases, a second microchip may be necessary if the first one becomes dislodged and cannot be scanned. Microchips are designed to last your cat's entire lifespan, and you have the option to update the information associated with the microchip as needed, such as in the event of an address or contact details change. It is generally unnecessary to replace the microchip itself unless it becomes unscannable for some reason.
How Many Cats Can I Have in the UK
In the UK, there is no legally prescribed limit on the number of cats one can have. However, it is important to consider the welfare of the animals. It is advisable not to have an excessive number of cats which could compromise the ability to provide proper care, including adequate food, water, space, exercise, and veterinary treatment. Neglecting these responsibilities could potentially result in legal implications. Furthermore, if you live in a rented property, it is common for lease agreements to outline specific provisions regarding the number or types of cats allowed. Obtaining written permission from your landlord is typically necessary to keep pets on the premises.
How Many Cats in the UK
It is tough to accurately determine the exact number of cats in the UK due to challenges in counting stray and feral cats. Nevertheless, estimates indicate that the UK is home to between 10.8 million and 12 million pet cats.
Cat Cremation
Cat cremation, is unequivocally the preferred method for taking care of deceased cats compared to burial. This is due to factors such as living situations and the strong sentiment towards cats as family members. The cat funeral industry is undeniably on the rise in the UK, with a significant portion consisting of cremation services. While specific numbers are not available, it is undeniable that cat cremation is a popular choice for many pet owners in the UK.
The Most Common Type of Cat in the UK
The most prevalent type of cat in the UK is the Domestic Shorthair, commonly referred to as moggies. These cats are not a recognized breed but rather a mixed breed with a wide variety of appearances. Due to their diverse genetic background, they exhibit a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes.
Do People Have Their Cat Stuffed When it Dies in UK
Having a cat stuffed, also known as pet taxidermy, is not very common in the UK. Compared to cremation or burial, having a cat stuffed is less common and is not frequently chosen in the UK. There are taxidermists who specialize in pet preservation, and the service is available if desired. However, reputable taxidermists often advise against making this decision immediately after losing a pet, as the grieving process can cloud judgment.
How often does my cat need to visit the vet?
Cats are known to have a relatively long life span, and it is common for an eighteen-year-old cat to make approximately 50 visits to the vet. These visits are necessary for various reasons, including vaccinations during kittenhood, regular check-ups, desexing, dental care, as well as consultations for unexpected health issues. Cats with chronic conditions require additional vet visits, which may involve seeking care from specialist referral clinics. In addition, cats that experience accidents or injuries may require emergency vet care and hospitalization. Certain breeds, such as brachycephalic (flat-faced) cats, are more susceptible to breathing difficulties, skin fold infections, and dental and eye problems.
Does 10 Downing Street have a Chipped Cat
Larry the tabby cat has been a resident of 10 Downing Street since 2011 and is under the care of the staff, not the personal property of the Prime Minister.