Final warning to cat owners about new £500 fine

New research reveals that one in five (20%) cat owners surveyed have no intention of ever having their pets microchipped. This is despite new rules coming into effect tomorrow (Monday June 10) requiring all felines in England to be microchipped.

Owners could face a £500 fine if they fail to comply, although they will be given a three-week grace period after this date to have their cats microchipped. A large number (18%) of cat owners surveyed are unaware of the new legislation and risk being fined if they do not act quickly to microchip their beloved felines before the regulations come into effect.

Many cat owners were unaware of the extent of the fine. The data, from Direct Line Pet Insurance, shows that 56% of cat owners surveyed did not know the maximum fine if their pet was not chipped after July 1.

Research across veterinary practices in England has shown that almost two-thirds (60%) of vets have seen an increase in appointments for cat microchipping, with almost a quarter of vets (24%) seeing a significant increase in bookings as we approach 1 July deadline. There is still time and availability for cat owners to microchip their pet, with 98% of vets saying they still have appointments available.

A fifth (19%) of cat owners surveyed who had not yet had their cats microchipped said they were worried the procedure would hurt their cat and 17% said it was too expensive. The average cost in England to have a cat microchipped is £28.34, but some operations cost up to £55.

The average cost is significantly higher in London at £39.71. Liverpool was the cheapest area to have a cat neutered at an average of £23.10 per appointment.