Microchipping pets is common in the UK and can help reunite lost or stolen cats with their owners faster. From June 2024, all cats will be legally required to be microchipped by the time they reach 20 weeks of age. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £500.
Some breeders may chip their cats before selling them, but this is not always the case. Most new owners choose to have their cat chipped at the time of neutering because the cat is already under anesthesia. Although this procedure is minimally invasive, it may cause some discomfort, and the chip should last the cat’s life, except in very rare circumstances.
Importance of microchipping
The microchip is placed just under the cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. If your cat gets lost, a veterinarian, warden, or rescue center can use a scanner to locate the chip and obtain the chip’s identifier. Chip details are registered in a central database, and any person or group scanning a chip can find the owner’s contact details.
The main benefit of microchipping a cat is that it allows lost cats to be reunited with their owners. Rescues, shelters and some other professionals have microchip scanners that can be used to find owner details. Cats tend to wander long distances when they run away from home or wander, so in some cases this means you can reunite a lost cat with an owner who otherwise wouldn’t be found.
This allows families to spend much less time away from their pets, and also means shelters and shelters don’t have to care for cats for long periods of time.
From June 2024, all pet cats will be legally required to be microchipped. Cats must be chipped by 20 weeks of age, and if a cat is found without a microchip, the owner who reunites the cat could be fined up to £500.
How much does cat chipping cost?
The cost of chipping varies depending on where you do it, but it usually costs between £20 and £30. The chip is applied by injection under the skin, so cats do not require anesthesia or veterinary visits. Therefore, there are no other costs associated with the chipping procedure itself.
There may be a minimal fee for updating our database of cat owner details, but these fees are usually only charged if owner details or address details need to be changed. However, it’s important to keep these details up to date, including adding a recent phone number that you can call. No chips need to be removed or replaced, so there are no repeat costs.
Some rescue organizations will implant a microchip in your cat if they adopt a cat that is not yet chipped. They do this because it helps control the number of feral, feral, and stray cats. In these cases, the cost of microchipping is included in the adoption fee you pay.
Breeders usually don’t chip their cats, but some do, and if your cat breeder microchips your cat, this will also be included in the fee you pay. Some animal charities and organizations may offer free tips. Again, this is done in the hope that it will help control the number of stray cats.
How often should my cat be chipped?
Microchips do not require electricity to operate, and this small device is placed under your cat’s skin and generally protects them. This chip can last for decades before it stops working. This means it will last for the cat’s lifetime.
Cats only need one microchip in their lifetime. This means you don’t have to do it again and you don’t have to pay again.
Is chipping painful?
Chipping your cat means implanting a small microchip under your cat’s skin. Because the microchip must be held and delivered, the needle is slightly wider than a standard syringe. This may cause some discomfort during the procedure, and there may be some mild swelling or redness in the area after the tip is inserted.
However, this discomfort will not last long and your cat should be fine after a minute or two. Injections always carry a very small risk, so it is best to observe your cat for several hours after the procedure.
Where can I get my cat tipped?
The procedure is simple, but involves inserting a microchip under your cat’s skin using a needle. This surgery is usually performed by a veterinarian, and many owners choose to have this procedure done when spaying or neutering their young cats.
This way, the injection can be completed while the cat is under anesthesia, minimizing discomfort. Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping your cat.
What will you do if your cat gets his home back?
If you need to rehome your cat in the future, you will need to provide the new owner with the microchip details. This includes the chip ID and the name of the database where the cat is registered. The new owner can talk to the company to change the cat’s ownership details, but your involvement will make the process easier.
What will you do if you move?
Similarly, if you move property or change your phone number, you will need to update your database. must always include Latest contact information We will ensure that the veterinarian or other professional who will be scanning your cat will contact you as soon as possible.
There may be a small fee when changing your cat’s details, but it won’t be more than a few pounds, and some companies don’t charge a fee at all.
Does pet insurance cover tips?
pet insurance Tipping is usually not covered, but it may be considered a beneficial additional charge included in some insurance policies. Insurance is typically used to pay for unexpected veterinary and recovery costs for cats that become ill or are involved in accidents, and not for preventive or care needs.
conclusion
All pet cats in the UK are legally required to be microchipped, and must be done by the time the cat is 20 weeks old. Failing to chip your cat can result in a fine of up to £500, but what’s worse is not being able to reunite your cat if it goes missing, or the time it takes to bring it home. There is also a possibility that To you.
Surgery is almost painlesstakes a few minutes and only needs to be completed once in a cat’s life. The cost is low, and some companies may charge a small fee to change your phone number or address details, but this isn’t always the case. So it’s worth checking with your microchip database company.
Featured image credit: Ivonne Wierink, Shutterstock
