Apparently it's just been made law that it's compulsory to microchip all cats.

[Silverlog]

I've always microchipped my cats and as far as I'm aware, most people do. I've never met someone who didn't microchip their cat. We risk a £500 fine for not complying.

I think it's brilliant news and about time

Cats return home. They have incredible homing instincts and fortitude.

Cats have a habit of "returning" to homes that aren't the homes of the people who think they own the cat. Particularly if that other home has Dreamies.

We all know nobody actually owns a cat. Cats own us.

I just asked my cat what he thinks and he gave me a very withering look

I think this is a good idea. I volunteer for a local cat rescue and they've had several instances where a newly adopted cat has managed to escape their new owner's house during the settling in process, because they're tricksy beasts. This causes enormous anxiety. All cats are microchipped before being rehomed, which means that a cat which escapes and is found can be reunited with its owner. Even if the cat ends up being run over, if it's chipped at least the owner can be told instead of worrying forever.

Our neighbours cat often comes to our home.

I think it’s a good idea, but thought it was already the case to be honest.

My cat is already chipped, and it’s been law for dogs and horses for years.

Even if it's micro chipped it doesn't prove ownership. It's a load of bollox.

great idea,our local Facebook lost pets site is full of lost cats and there ones on there that are not chipped. Might stop there being so many irresponsible cat owners who fail to get their pets neutered.

This is a good idea, but why isn't it being reported in the news - or are you not in the UK @Silverlog ?

I can't see how the fine would be enforceable. All you have to say is, it's not my cat, but just a stray that turns up here a lot begging for food and that it's not your cat.

How do they define "farm cat"?

Bad attitude and hard as nails? Doesn't play well with others?

😀

How many microchipped cats, and dogs, don't have contact details updated? Local pets found groups and vet's Facebook pages regularly have " this cat/dog has been scanned and they have a chip but the contact details haven't been updated. If this is your cat/dog please contact XX vets". These people need to be brought to task too.

It will be carrying a pitchfork and wearing a flat cap.

Has Larry complied? Be the only resident of Downing Street to have obeyed the law for a long time if the case.

I don't think it'll stop cats being abandoned. People will just say they sold it on and the new owner didn't register the change. Or not reply when a vet contacts them saying they have their cat.

Anyone who loves their pet and wants the best for it will already be getting them chipped.

I hadn't read this so thanks for the update. I know some cats rescues and vets were pushing for this change as it could help injured cats (hit by traffic) get the necessary medical help quicker.

The cat decides which homes belong to it. You will have to share the fine.

Mine are done, but good luck to them microchipping my sister's cat - the last time she was at the vet, the vet's arm needed stitches - she will not be held but bites and scratches in a frenzy (we assume she had a bad start in life).

Re: updating microchip details - this costs money ( can't remember now how much). We have our DD's cat and the chip still has her details. We were going to change it to ours but there was a charge so we didn't, as in our specific circumstances it probably doesn't matter (her details would find us anyway). I wonder if this charge puts some people off. Also it is easy to just forget if you change your mobile number for instance.

This. It depends on people updating their contact details. It also depends on the accuracy of the chip company - Petlog are shit

My sister.doesnt know where her cat goes, so presumably the others don't either?

She only knows because she comes home with different collars etc

This has been the case for awhile where I live. Next step was to make it illegal to sell unchipped puppies/kittens, and breeders can't register a litter unless they're all chipped.