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Microchipping is something that all cat pet parents in the UK need to do. While we all want what’s best for our feline family members, sometimes a little more information can be helpful.
We’re going to look in detail at microchipping in cats, covering your most frequently asked questions, and hopefully put your mind at ease. Let’s get started!
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What’s microchipping in cats?
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Microchipping is the name for a simple procedure where a small microchip is implanted under the surface of your pet’s skin. This is carried out by someone with proper training, like a:
Veterinary surgeon
Veterinary nurse
Worker at a rescue shelter or animal charity organisation
The implanted microchip is about the size of a large grain of rice ( around 11-13 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter). Basically: this small chip contains a uniquecode that scanners can detect. This number is recorded on a database alongside your contact details.
This means, should a rescue organisation or vet come across your pet, they can scan your cat and contact you easily.
Is microchipping mandatory?
From 10th June 2024, the government made it a mandatory requirement for all cats in the UK to be microchipped.
The law states that your cat must be microchipped by the time it is 20 weeks of age (5 months) and that the registered details are kept up to date. This includes indoor and outdoor cats. Failure to comply with this law may result in owners being fined up to £500.
What's the microchipping procedure like (and does it hurt cats)?
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When carried out by someone with appropriate training, microchipping in cats is a safe and straightforward procedure. The microchip is implanted in the skin between the shoulder blades, taking only a few seconds.
The needle used is a little larger than that used for a routine vaccination. There may be a little discomfort on insertion, but it shouldn’t feel much different to any other injection sensation, however.
Some pet parents choose to have their cat microchipped when they’re neutered, so that they’re anaesthetised during the procedure. But this isn’t essential, and cats can be microchipped during a routine appointment while conscious.
Either way, we recommend that all cats are microchipped before they start going outside. Speak to your vet if you need advice on microchip timings.
How much does microchipping cost?
We asked 66 vets in the UK how much they charge for microchipping in 2026, and we found the average cost was £35.24 for cats and dogs.
Many cats adopted from rescue shelters are already microchipped, so this will often be included as part of your adoption fee.
Benefits of microchipping cats
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A permanent form of identification - unlike collars or tags, a microchip can’t get lost.
A microchip significantly increases the chance you will be reunited with your pet should they go missing or become involved in an accident
It’s a legal requirement, so microchipping your cat means you won’t be fined
It allows cat owners to use microchip-activated devices like secure cat flaps or automated feeding bowls
Does microchipping have any side effects?
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The implanter needle is sterile, so the risk of accidental infection occurring is very low. But if your cat does develop any swelling or discharge at the implantation site, you must contact your vet for advice.
Very occasionally, the microchip might migrate under the skin, meaning that it moves away from the implantation site at the back of the neck. But don’t worry: vets know this is possible, and they’ll scan your cat all over to check for a chip.
Cat identification comparison: microchips vs. collars & tags
| Feature | Microchip | Collar & ID Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Permanence | Permanent. Inserted under the skin; cannot fall off or be removed by the cat. | Temporary. Quick-release mechanisms mean they can easily break off outdoors. |
| Visibility | Invisible. Requires a handheld scanner (used by vets and shelters) to read. | Highly Visible. Anyone who finds the cat can immediately see they have an owner. |
| How it works | Uses RFID technology containing a unique ID number linked to a secure database. | Displays printed contact details (phone number/address) directly on the tag. |
| GPS Tracking | No. Does not track location. (Requires a separate GPS collar attachment). | No. Unless a bulky physical GPS tracker is attached to the collar. |
| Safety risks | Virtually none. Extremely rare cases of minor chip migration under the skin. | Risk of snagging on branches or injury if it doesn't have a quick-release (breakaway) snap. |
| Maintenance | Low. Only requires updating your contact details online if you move or change numbers. | High. Needs replacing if lost, worn out, or if contact information changes. |
| Legal compliance | Mandatory in several regions (e.g., the UK) to comply with pet ownership laws. | Usually optional, but highly recommended as a secondary visual aid. |
Next steps: how to register and update the microchip
If your vet implants your pet’s chip they might be able to do the initial registration for you, or you may be sent some details about how to register it yourself online. Keep any registration documents associated with your cat’s microchip safe.
It’s your responsibility to contact the microchip database anytime you move address or change phone number. This will often cost a small fee, which varies between microchip companies. It might be a one-off fee for the lifetime of your cat, or there could be a cost each time you do an update.
Sadly, some cats are never reunited with their owners because contact details weren’t kept up to date. So it’s really important to inform the microchip database of any changes.
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FAQs
Can I track my cat with a microchip?
No. A microchip only contains a number, a bit like a barcode, which is unique to your cat. This is linked with your contact details on a central database.
If you need a GPS system, you will have to look at trackers that attach to your cat’s collar to keep an eye on their whereabouts.
At what age can a kitten be microchipped?
Kittens are usually microchipped from 8 - 10 weeks onwards. Just remember that they need to be chipped before 20 weeks of age, as stipulated by law.
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