A complete guide to microchipping your cat

Created in partnership with Joii Pet Care Experts

Despite our best efforts, and while we might think that cats will always find their way home, it is not uncommon for our feline friends to get lost or even stolen. Should this happen, a microchip gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you.

What is a microchip?

A microchip for cats is a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), approximately the size of a grain of rice. It is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades using a sterile needle applicator by a veterinarian or a suitably trained professional.

When a microchip is scanned, it activates a unique identification number that links your cat to your contact details. This ensures your cat can be safely returned if lost or stolen.

How much does microchipping a cat cost in the UK?

In the UK, the cost of microchipping your cat typically ranges between £10 and £30, depending on your location. This service can be provided by any qualified implanter, including vets and authorised organisations.

What’s the cost of not microchipping your cat?

Failing to microchip your cat can have consequences. Since 2024, cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks, and unregistered cats may be reported if lost. Without a microchip, the chance of recovering a lost or stolen cat is significantly reduced.

How much does it cost to update your contact details?

Updating your cat’s microchip details may be free, but some databases charge a small fee. Providers vary in their policies, so it’s important to check with your chosen database.

Keeping your details up to date ensures you can be contacted quickly if your cat goes missing. You can check and update your registration using Check-a-Chip.

Why should I get my cat microchipped?

From 2024, it became a mandatory requirement for cats to be microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks old in the UK.

Michaela, vet at Joii Pet Care, says:

“Even indoor cats should be microchipped. Cats are naturally curious and can escape in unexpected ways. An indoor cat is less familiar with the outdoors and more likely to become lost and frightened.”

Microchipping provides peace of mind. While collars and ID tags are useful, they can be lost, removed, or damaged. A microchip is permanent and increases the chance of a reunion. It also helps combat pet theft — if your cat is reported missing, attempts to re-register the chip will notify you immediately.

When should I microchip my kitten?

You should microchip kittens as early as 8 weeks old, ideally before their first outing. Microchipping early ensures your kitten is protected from the start and all ownership details are correctly registered.

What happens when I get my cat microchipped?

The procedure involves inserting a chip under the skin between the shoulder blades using a syringe. The process is quick and painless, similar to a routine vaccination.

Joii Vet Expert adds:

“Placement of a microchip is generally no more painful than a routine vaccination. Although the needle may look alarming, it rarely causes a pain reaction, and the materials used do not cause tissue reactions.”

Once inserted, the microchip lasts your cat’s lifetime and only needs to be done once.

Is my cat already microchipped?

If you’re unsure whether your cat is already microchipped, they can be scanned by a vet, rescue centre, or organisation which is likely to encounter stray animals. This will be done with a hand-held scanner and if it detects a microchip, the scanner will display its unique number.

Once you have their unique microchip number, you can use a chip checker online to find out who they're registered with so that you can check or update your details. If your pet's microchip number doesn't bring up a database, you might have registered with a database that's not DEFRA compliant. 

A list of government approved databases

Related articles:

• Cat owner checklist
• Getting your kitten vaccinated
• Guide to microchipping your dog