Cat owners warned they could be fined £500 for breaking the newly introduced law

Pets are part of the family.

So if they disappear, it can be absolutely heartbreaking for people to deal with. Fortunately, however, a new rule has been introduced that can prevent the loss of your furry friends.

It involves microchipping and affects all felines across the country, including those that are indoor cats. Even if these moggies don’t go outside, chances are they will.

Unsurprisingly, it’s likely that these cats have a harder time adjusting to life outside. Not only are they exposed to danger, but they may also get lost and unable to find their way back.

Failure to follow the guidelines can lead to pet owners being hit with hefty fines – as a TikToker named @two.islam found out recently on TikTok. The content creator has expressed his shock that you could be stuck with a £500 fine if you fail to comply with the newly introduced microchipping law.

He said: “How can I find that from today there is a new law that if your cat is not microchipped you can be fined £500. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, you can still be fined.”

He directed his audience to the government’s official website, which says: “Your cat must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks of age. This includes cats that usually stay indoors. You can be fined up to £500 if your dog or cat is not microchipped when it should be.”

While filming his feline friend Milan, he asked him: “What if I don’t want to microchip you? They’re going to force me to microchip him. How is this allowed?”

Although cat lovers were baffled by the strict measures, others pointed out that it is cheap and practical to microchip your pet. One commenter pointed out: “It’s only £20 and it keeps them safe so if they get lost I can scan them and bring them back to you.”

Another agreed: “In case he gets away. Accidents happen, it’s more of a precaution. It’s to keep him safe so he can always find his way back home.” And a third added: “It’s a good thing though.”

The RSPCA advises that the cost of microchipping a cat ranges from £10 to £30. The procedure must be performed by a qualified professional who will implant a small microchip under your cat’s skin. This chip carries a unique code that is invisible but can be read with a scanner.