Did you know? A recent report states cat theft has risen by 12.3% in the past year1!
This spine-tingling fact is one of the reasons why the UK government has announced that there will be changes in legislation to make microchipping cats compulsory from June 2024. This actually follows the compulsory chipping of dogs and horses in recent years. The legislation will also include mandatory storage of the owner's details on a government-approved database, such as Petlog.
Why you should get your cat microchipped
Legislation aside, there are so many reasons to get your cat microchipped, not least to keep them safe and easier to find should they go roaming beyond their normal territory!
A cat with a microchip is 21 times2 more likely to be reunited with their owner should they wander off or get lost.
And as a chip can’t fall off like a collar can, it is a more reliable way of identifying you as the owner!
Getting your cat microchipped is just as easy as having a vaccination. The chip is very small, similar to a piece of long-grain rice and sits comfortably under the skin in the neck. Your vet will start the registration process for you; all you will need to do is check your details on the database. You can learn more about the process here.
How to get your cat microchipped
If your cat is due a vaccination or check-up in the next few months, why don’t you call the practice ahead and ask them to do the microchipping then? Now we know when this will become law, with around 2.6 million cats3 without a microchip, there is every chance that there could be a mad rush in the last few months – it would make sense to get your feline friend covered sooner rather than later!
Tracer™ Advance Microchips
Tracer™ Advance microchips are made of a unique biopolymer – smaller, stronger and lighter than glass chips. All Tracer chips come with:
• Lifetime registration on the Petlog database which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Pet insurance voucher from Petplan for eligible cats, dogs and rabbits*
• Comprehensive information leaflet and pet identification card
References:
- Pet Theft Awareness: Cat Theft Report 2021
- Dingman PA, Levy JK, Rockey LE, Crandall MM. Use of visual and permanent identification for pets by veterinary clinics. Vet J. 2014; 201(1):46-50
- GOV.UK 23 December 2020
*Terms, conditions and excesses apply
