Microchipping cats: what you need to know

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! What’s microchipping in cats? 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: 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)? 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 Does microchipping have any side effects? Side effects are, thankfully, rare as microchips are made from medical grade glass. They’re designed not to be rejected by the body. In reality, your cat probably won’t even know it’s there! 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 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. 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.

Microchipping cats: what you need to know

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