Three-month warning for all cat owners ahead of big change to rules – or risk £500 fine
CAT owners have three months left to act before a big change to the rules, which could see you land with a £500 fine.
It comes a year after the government introduced legislation to Parliament to make it cumpolsaory for households to microchip their cats.
Brits have until June 10, 2024, to microchip their feline.
Under the new rules, cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database.
The aim is to make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be returned home safely.
Any owner who is found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or they may face a fine of up to £500.
There are more than nine million pet cats in England, with as many as 2.3million unchipped, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Compulsory microchipping of dogs came into effect in April 2016.
Microchipping involves inserting a chip, generally around the size of a grain of rice, under the skin of a pet.
This has a unique serial number that the keeper needs to register on a database.
When an animal is found, the microchip can be read with a scanner and the registered keeper identified on a database so the pet can quickly be reunited with them.
However, the new rules on cat microchipping are not compulsory for free-living cats with little or no human interaction or dependency, such as farm, feral or community cats.
Owners with cats that are already microchipped should ensure their details are up to date, Defra said.
Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said on the change: “Microchipping is by far the most effective and quickest way of identifying lost pets.
“As we’ve seen with dog microchipping, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owners.
“By getting their cat microchipped, owners can increase the likelihood that they will be reunited with their beloved pet in the event of it going missing.”
The move has also been welcomed by Cats Protection, the cat rescue and welfare charity.
Since the measure was first introduced for dogs, Cats Protection has been calling for all cats to be microchipped.
Madison Rogers of Cats Protection said: “The charity regularly reunites owners with their much-loved cats, and in most cases, this is only possible thanks to microchips.
“No matter how far from home they are found, or how long they have been missing, if a cat has a microchip, there is a good chance that a lost cat will be swiftly returned home.”
How much does it cost to get a microchip fitted?
Costs vary, but microchipping is usually around £10-£30 per pet.
Some veterinary clinics and charities offer discounted microchipping schemes alongside neutering.
It’s best to research what is available in your area to find the best option for you and your pet
How are they implanted?
Microchips are implanted under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades using a needle – it’s a very quick procedure that takes just a few seconds.
Microchips can only be implanted by vets, veterinary nurses, and people who have been specially trained.
Like any injection, microchipping can cause a tiny amount of discomfort but fortunately it is a very quick procedure that just takes a few seconds.
Most pets barely notice it, and they can be easily distracted with a treat during and after the procedure.
Microchips are made out of non-reactive materials, so once it’s in place it shouldn’t hurt or cause them any problems throughout their life.
How can I trim my pet bills?
Budget
Start by creating a dedicated budget for pet-related expenses.
This should include categories such as food, grooming, toys and veterinary care.
By having a clear understanding of your monthly pet-related outgoings, you can identify areas where you might be overspending and hopefully find opportunities to cut back.
Buy in bulk
Look for deals and discounts when purchasing pet supplies. Buying in bulk can often save you money in the long run.
It’s also fine to buy cheaper supermarket pet food as long as the label says “complete”, as that means it has all the essential nutrients your pet needs.
Opt for pre-loved
Pick up pre-loved items for your favourite via eBay or Shpock.
It is also worth checking out the free section on Gumtree and the Nextdoor app because many people have had a clear-out after Christmas.
We’ve seen free cat carriers, pet beds and even puppy food listed.
Exercise and hygiene
Keeping your pet healthy is one of the best ways to save on vet costs.
Ensure your pet gets regular exercise and, for dogs, brushing their teeth can also contribute to long-term savings by reducing the likelihood of expensive dental procedures.
Compare vet prices
When it comes to vets, prices can vary significantly between surgeries. Take the time to compare them.
One common area where pet owners may overspend is on vet subscriptions.
Compare and contrast vets in your area to find the best prices.
Get free help if you’re struggling
The Blue Cross charity hands out pet food to hard-up owners — head to bluecross.org.uk/petfoodbank.
You can also make donations of pet food to the Blue Cross charity at Pets At Home stores nationwide.