28 May 2024
The St Albans founder of a nationwide cat-sitting service has reminded owners that it is a legal requirement to have their cats microchipped by June 10.
Founded in 2015 in St Albans, the Cat Butler is a cat-sitting service which has grown into a national success.
Owner Sandra James (pictured) is passionate about the new law and wants to do all that she can to spread awareness.
She said: “A recent report found that 54% of cat owners are not aware that their cats must be microchipped in England by June10 2024.
“It’s a massive problem and what we are doing is raising awareness across the UK.”
The new rules mean that cats must be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks of age with the only exception being feral cats.
Owner’s contact details must be stored and kept up to date in a government approved pet microchipping database.
Sandra stresses that the microchipping process is totally painless for cats, with the chip being the size of grain of rice.
It is also relatively inexpensive, costing around £20.
“It is sensible to get your cat marked to ensure that if the cat is lost, stolen or injured, then you have the best chance of being reunited with them as quickly as possible.
“The best time to microchip the cat is when they’re being neutered!”
The new law threatens hefty fines of up to £500 for owners who are found to have not microchipped their cat.
Although dog chipping was made mandatory in 2016, Sandra says roaming is in a cat’s nature and, therefore, it is more important that cats are chipped.
“If they’ve got it for dogs, why not have it for cats who are even more out of your sight,” said Sandra.
All information about microchipping and all other things cat related can be found on the Cat Butler website – https://www.thecatbutler.co.uk
