Overview
Every week, our vets treat scores of cats who have gone missing from home or been injured in accidents, many with out-of-date microchip information. This situation is often heartbreaking, and can lead to cats being placed in rescue centres or rehomed. A cat with outdated microchip information can be just as difficult to reunite with their owner as an unchipped cat.
Have you checked if your cat's microchip details are current? Maybe you've changed your phone number or moved house? Here’s a step-by-step guide to updating them.
1. Find your cat’s microchip number
Find your cat's 15-digit microchip number on a barcode on their microchip certificate. It may also be present on any pet insurance documents or animal health certificates you have. If you can’t find it, take them to your local vet practice or animal rescue centre to be scanned.
2. Find the right database
Once you have your 15-digit number, use an online microchip lookup tool to identify which database your cat's microchip is registered with. These tools include:
Enter your cat's microchip number, and it will search databases to tell you which one they are listed on.
3. Contact databases
If the online lookup doesn't find your cat, you may need to contact the major UK microchip databases with the chip number to investigate further. You can find a list of all the government-approved databases here: www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-cat-microchipped
4. Update your details
Once you’ve found the correct database, update your contact details either online or by phone. You’ll need to provide your cat’s microchip number along with your new address, phone number, and any other required information.
5. Pay any necessary fees
You may need to pay a fee to update your details. For instance, Petlog charges £10 for a basic subscriber to change their address. Some databases also offer premium services that provide unlimited updates throughout your cat’s life.
6. Order a new registration certificate/tag
After updating, you may want to order a new microchip registration certificate or tag that includes your updated contact information. This service may also involve a fee.
7. Inform your previous and/or current vet
If you've moved home and/or changed your phone number, always make sure your vets have your current contact details and address. If you’ve moved areas and changed vet practice, it’s a good idea to tell your previous vet your new address so they can update their records.
Always remember to keep your pet's microchip information up-to-date to improve the chances of reuniting if they ever go missing.
How to find a lost cat
If your cat hasn’t come home, it’s easy to fear the worst — but try not to panic. Most cats turn up again on their own, often wondering what all the fuss was about. If they’re still missing after a few hours, here’s how to find a lost cat.
Look close to home
Start indoors. Cats love small, quiet spaces and can get stuck in the oddest of places.
Check every room: under beds, inside wardrobes, behind furniture and curtains, and even in the washing machine or tumble dryer.
Look outside too: in sheds, garages, greenhouses, under cars, and behind bins.
Call them at quieter times: early morning or after dark is often best. Take some treats, call their name, and listen carefully.
Consider using a scent trail: anecdotal evidence suggests that creating a scent trail can help your cat find their way home. This involves taking something carrying your scent (some old bedding or clothing) and dragging it behind you as you walk around the neighbourhood. This method isn't backed up by any studies, but it has worked for some owners of lost cats.
Use food: if your cat has gone missing outside, consider leaving some food and shelter for them near your home or where they were last seen, especially in winter.
If your lost cat is nearby, your voice or the sound of their favourite biscuits might bring them out of hiding.
Let people know
The more people helping, the better.
Speak to neighbours: ask them to check sheds, garages and gardens. Share a photo and your number.
Put up posters: include a clear photo, details of where they went missing, and how to get in touch. Pop them in local shops, vets, and noticeboards.
Use social media: post in local Facebook groups and community pages. Lost pet sites can help too.
Cats often hide nearby — they rarely venture outside of their territory, especially if they’re frightened or unwell. Getting the word out helps people find your lost cat sooner.
Read more: How to safely let your kitten out for the first time
Contact the right places
If someone finds your cat, it’s likely they’ll take them somewhere safe. So let these places know.
Update your microchip details: call your microchip company and mark your cat as missing. They can’t get in touch with you if your details are out of date.
Call local vets: in case someone has brought your cat in for help.
Speak to local rescue centres: give them a description and a copy of your poster. You can also register your cat on national lost pet websites.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for any scams — don’t hand over money to anyone claiming to have found your cat unless you’re sure they’re genuine.
Need more advice?
Microchipping is included with our Pet Health Club plans, as well as other benefits like parasite treatments, vaccinations, pet health checks, and more. Use our Find a Vet page to find your nearest Pet Health Club practice.
Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 10/06/2025 • Reviewed on 10/06/2025