What the law requires
Since 10 June 2024, all owned cats in England must be microchipped by the time they reach 20 weeks of age. The microchip must be implanted by a trained implanter — most commonly a vet or vet nurse — and registered on one of Defra's approved microchip databases.
The law applies to cats that are kept as pets. Feral cats living in managed colonies are currently exempt, though this may change in future guidance. For the full statutory text, see the GOV.UK cat microchipping guidance.
The enforcement process
Enforcement works in stages rather than immediate fines:
Notice issued
An authorised person — a vet, local authority officer, or welfare inspector — identifies an unregistered cat and issues a notice to the owner.
21-day compliance window
The owner has 21 days to have the cat microchipped and registered. The microchipping cost during this period must be paid by the owner.
Fine if non-compliant
If the owner does not comply within 21 days, a fixed penalty notice of up to £500 may be issued.
Checking your cat's chip
A microchip is only legally useful if it is registered on an approved database with current owner contact details. Many owners have a chipped cat whose registration is out of date after a house move — this makes reunion after loss significantly less likely.
Use the Check-a-Chip lookup tool to verify your cat's chip number is registered. You can also ask your vet to scan the chip at a routine check-up — see our guide to what happens at a check-up for what to cover at that appointment.
What microchipping costs
Microchipping typically costs £20–£40 when done as a standalone procedure at a vet practice, and is often included in kitten health packages. Some animal welfare charities — including Cats Protection and the RSPCA — run periodic subsidised microchipping events. Before booking, check whether there are local events through the Cats Protection network.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The English law does not apply in the devolved nations, which have separate legislative frameworks. Dog microchipping is compulsory across all four nations. Cat microchipping requirements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are subject to ongoing review.
Why microchipping matters beyond the law
The most practical reason to microchip is reunion after loss. A study cited by the RSPCA found that microchipped cats are significantly more likely to be returned to their owners than un-chipped cats. The chip also serves as permanent proof of ownership in disputes. Combined with the new legal requirement, there is no reason to delay — and it can be done at the same appointment as your cat's vaccination booster.