Overview
Microchipping your cat or kitten is now a legal requirement in England, but don't worry — it's a quick and simple procedure. During microchipping, a small chip, usually no larger than a grain of rice, is placed under the skin, usually between your cat's shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique identification number for your cat.
If your cat is lost or stolen, the microchip can be scanned, and the number will show up. This number can then be entered into a national database, to find your name, address, and contact details. You'll then be contacted and reunited with your cat if the information is correct and up-to-date.
While it can be useful for your cat to have your contact information on their collar, these can easily be lost, so microchipping is a safe and effective way of identifying them if they get lost.
How is a microchip implanted in my cat?
When should I get my cat microchipped?
Do cats need to be microchipped?
My cat is an indoor cat, does it still need to be microchipped?
The benefits of a microchip cat flap
Cat microchipping FAQs
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Published on 27/06/2018 • Reviewed on 11/06/2025