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Original poster

To not want to get my cat microchipped

117 replies

Geriatriccatowner · 04/05/2024 11:36

My cat is 18. She’s an indoor cat and spends most of her days curled up on a bed.

She won’t attempt to go outside.

Why should I pay for this invasive procedure on a cat that doesn’t need it?

OP posts:
ZipZapZoom · 04/05/2024 12:02

LordPercyPercy · 04/05/2024 11:59

I wouldn't worry. It's been compulsory for dogs for years and my friend never had her little dog done (not laziness, she made a conscious decision) and the vet has never said anything about it.

What conscious decision could lead to someone choosing not to microchip their dog? It sure sounds like laziness to me. Why wouldn't she want her pet found if he got lost?

LordPercyPercy · 04/05/2024 11:59

I wouldn't worry. It's been compulsory for dogs for years and my friend never had her little dog done (not laziness, she made a conscious decision) and the vet has never said anything about it.

Allergictoironing · 04/05/2024 11:55

Most cats don't even seem to notice when they are being microchipped. Mine are indoor only, they were chipped by the rescue before I brought them home but I still would have had them done myself. What if you had a break in or a fire, and the cat ran away? For the same reason I have my indoor only cats vaccinated every year, plus it's a requirement of every decent cattery if something happens & they need to go to one - and don't say you never go away, you may end up in hospital or something!

There's also as said above the point that it will be illegal not to have them chipped. As I and others have said, it's just like a quick injection & they barely feel it if at all. You should be having check-ups at the vets at least once a year anyway, so it shouldn't even cost much extra to get chipping done at the same time. Typical cost is around £10-20, and if you're that short of money a charity like the PDSA may do it for you.

Once the law comes in next month, I expect most insurers will start having that as a condition of insurance as well, especially if they include payment to help with finding a cat if it's lost.

NotJohnMajor · 04/05/2024 11:49

GiveMyHeadPeaceffs · 04/05/2024 11:45

Is this just a law in England then? Certainly isn't the law in NI. Weird legislation bearing in mind it's hard to enforce and I doubt vets will be touting on people especially those that own 18 year old moggies!

Just England, according to the gov.uk guidance.

I am guessing it would be down to the devolved administrations in other countries of the UK whether they bring it in or not.

Floralnomad · 04/05/2024 11:46

CormorantStrikesBack · 04/05/2024 11:42

My cats are both indoor cats but are chipped incase god forbid they escape.

So are ours , they were done as kittens

ZipZapZoom · 04/05/2024 11:46

CormorantStrikesBack · 04/05/2024 11:42

My cats are both indoor cats but are chipped incase god forbid they escape.

Same.

It's hardly invasive. Honestly, I'm amazed in 18 years you've never got it done whilst she's been at the vets for some other reason.

Book an appointment and stop being quite so melodramatic about the whole situation.

GiveMyHeadPeaceffs · 04/05/2024 11:45

Is this just a law in England then? Certainly isn't the law in NI. Weird legislation bearing in mind it's hard to enforce and I doubt vets will be touting on people especially those that own 18 year old moggies!

NotJohnMajor · 04/05/2024 11:43

It will be the law from June 10th

https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/03/14/coverage-of-new-microchipping-rules-for-cats/

If you're certain beyond doubt she is never going to get out, then don't do it - how might you get fined otherwise

With dogs, the vet would scan for a microchip at routine appointments, to check for compliance, so if OP has her cat vaccinated or she needs to see the vet for other reasons, it's likely to be checked.

Our dog's microchip had migrated from his neck to somewhere in his thigh, so we always had to explain where to find it.

Coverage of new microchipping rules for cats – Defra in the media

Updates from Defra

https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/03/14/coverage-of-new-microchipping-rules-for-cats

CormorantStrikesBack · 04/05/2024 11:42

My cats are both indoor cats but are chipped incase god forbid they escape.

Catsmere · 04/05/2024 11:42

It's not an invasive procedure in any serious sense - merely an injection. I'd do it, both to avoid the fine and for security in case she should somehow get lost. My two girls, both solely indoor cats, are microchipped and registered, but the laws in Australia seem to be stricter than in Britain.

sunnydaysanddaydreams · 04/05/2024 11:42

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/05/2024 11:41

Agree with others. If she won’t be going out, no one will know anyway.

They will when she next needs the vet

Ponoka7 · 04/05/2024 11:42

I agree, however she might need vet pain relief as she ages. If youthinkthatyour vet would check for a chip, then on the local FB moggie pages and ask about mobile chipping, someone will know who does it. My vet wouldn't so I wouldn't get her done in your circumstances.

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/05/2024 11:41

Agree with others. If she won’t be going out, no one will know anyway.

ilovesooty · 04/05/2024 11:40

Because it's the law. It's responsible ownership and you've presumably had many years where you could have done it voluntarily. She must have visited a vet at some point.

Because it's not 100% guaranteed that she couldn't end up outside and lost.

VickyEadieofThigh · 04/05/2024 11:40

Geriatriccatowner · 04/05/2024 11:39

I think there is a new law that we have to or face a £500 fine

If you're certain beyond doubt she is never going to get out, then don't do it - how might you get fined otherwise?

Original poster
Geriatriccatowner · 04/05/2024 11:39

I think there is a new law that we have to or face a £500 fine

OP posts:
Technonan · 04/05/2024 11:37

If you're confident she won't get out, then there's probably no need.