Microchipping your kitten – your questions answered

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What is a microchip and how does it work?
Is microchipping mandatory for cats?
Under a new law, microchipping will soon be mandatory for all cats, even those who live indoors. All cats will need to be microchipped before they’re 20 weeks old. Owners must ensure their cats are microchipped by 10 June 2024 or risk a fine of up to £500.
If you’re getting a kitten, your vet may recommend they be chipped at the same time as receiving their vaccinations or when they’re neutered. If you have an adult cat without a microchip, ask your vet about booking them in to get microchipped a soon as possible.
How can a microchip help – what are the benefits?
Cats love exploring and can sometimes wander far from home. This increases the risk of them becoming lost, which also increases the risk of injury from incidents like traffic accidents or fighting with another cat. Even if your cat wears a collar and ID tag, the collar can fall off and leave them without any identification. But if your cat is microchipped, their details can always be traced.
During my career, injured pets have been brought to my surgery by people who found them. But if these pets don’t have a microchip, we have no way of contacting their owners. This leaves vets in a difficult position because while they can alleviate a pet’s pain, they don’t have the authority to perform more advanced treatments such as surgical operations. It’s a really distressing situation for all involved.
Microchipping for dogs has been mandatory since 2016, with the practice playing a major role in successfully reuniting owners and their pets. When you consider that microchipped cats are 21 times more likely to be reunited with their families, according to International Cat Care, it’s easy to see the value of this little device.
Does a microchip mean my cat can be constantly tracked?
Will microchipping hurt my kitten?
When should I microchip my kitten?
Where can I get my cat microchipped and what are the costs?
What happens after microchipping?
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Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.