A staggering one in 10 people remain oblivious to England’s cat microchipping law, while over a third grapple with the expense of microchipping their feline companions, an RSPCA survey has found. The animal welfare charity branded these findings as “shocking”.
In England, cats over 20 weeks old and owned must be legally microchipped since June last year, the RSPCA points out, highlighting that microchipping is crucial for reuniting lost, stolen, or injured felines with their owners. The charity also anticipates that this requirement will bolster cat welfare by deterring neglect and reducing abandonment cases.
Yet, nearly six months after the legislation came into force, an enlightening RSPCA survey of animal welfare supporters discloses that 11% of individuals were unaware of this new legal duty. Moreover, the poll underlines that 36% see the financial burden as a significant barrier to microchipping.
A notable 21% thought indoor cats didn’t need chips, and 17% faced difficulties accessing veterinary services or securing appointments, according to the research.
Alice Potter, a cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, highlighted the importance of feline microchipping, stating: “We all want the best for our cats so it’s really important that owners ensure their cats are microchipped. We understand that the cost of microchipping can sometimes be a barrier especially during the cost of living crisis but we’d urge owners to reach out and see what help is available to them.”
She informed that microchipping costs could vary between £15 to £30, but there might be more affordable options. “Some vets include microchipping as part of their health plans and some charities, including some RSPCA centres and branches, offer discounted microchipping and neutering,” she mentioned, stressing the need for research into these costs.
Alice further insisted on the necessity of microchipping for indoor cats: “Microchipping is the best way to make sure that should they become lost, stolen, or injured, your cat can more easily be reunited with you. Indoor cats still need to be microchipped by law – and although they are not free roaming like outdoor cats, indoor cats can, unfortunately, become lost if they do get out of their house as they are often unable to find their way back, so it’s just as important that they are chipped too.
“As we strive to create a better world for every kind – we’d urge owners who haven’t got their cat microchipped yet to contact their vet to book an appointment or they could face a hefty fine of up to £500 – that means it is around £480 cheaper to chip your cat! Owners will also be required to keep their contact details up-to-date on a pet microchipping database, which is a great way to ensure your feline stays safe.”
The RSPCA is pressing for mandatory microchipping of cats in Wales and encourages pet owners struggling with costs to visit their Cost of Living Hub. For more details on microchipping, check out the RSPCA’s website.