Since 10 June 2024, all cats in England must be microchipped and registered by the time they reach 20 weeks old — including indoor cats. It's a law that's caught quite a few owners off guard, so here's everything you need to know.
What exactly does the law say?
The Microchipping of Cats (England) Regulations 2023 came into force on 10 June 2024. Under this legislation, every cat kept in England must be microchipped and the owner's details registered on a compliant pet database before the cat turns 20 weeks old. Owners who fail to comply face a fine of up to £500.
Does it apply to indoor cats too?
Yes — and this is the part that surprises many people. The law makes no distinction between indoor and outdoor cats. If your cat never sets foot outside, you're still legally required to have them chipped and registered. The reasoning is simple: cats that escape, get lost, or are rehomed still need to be traceable regardless of their usual lifestyle.
What about cats already over 20 weeks when the law changed?
If your cat was already over 20 weeks when the law came into effect in June 2024, you were given a short grace period to comply. At this point, any cat not yet chipped is overdue. If in doubt, get it sorted — it's quick, affordable and gives you peace of mind.
How does microchipping work?
A microchip is a tiny device — roughly the size of a grain of rice — implanted under the skin at the back of the neck using a fine needle. It takes seconds and feels similar to a normal injection. The chip contains a unique ID number that, when scanned, links to your contact details on a national database. It doesn't track your cat's location — it simply identifies them if they're found and scanned by a vet, rescue centre or dog warden.
Who can microchip a cat?
Microchipping must be carried out by a trained and certified implanter — this includes vets, veterinary nurses, and registered non-vet implanters. At Moorsbarrow Hall Farm in Middlewich, Cheshire, we offer microchipping for cats and kittens from just £10 per chip, carried out by a trained implanter and registered on a DEFRA-compliant database.
Keep your details up to date
The chip itself is only useful if your contact details are current on the database. If you move house, change phone number or get a new email address, update your registration — otherwise the chip won't be able to reunite you with your cat if they go missing.
Book microchipping in Cheshire — £10
We offer cat microchipping at our farm in Middlewich, central Cheshire. Easy to reach from Sandbach, Crewe, Northwich, Winsford and Holmes Chapel. Just £10 per chip, registered to you on the day.
Book onlineFrequently asked questions
When did the cat microchipping law come into effect?
The law requiring all cats in England to be microchipped came into effect on 10 June 2024.
Does the law apply to indoor cats?
Yes — the law applies to all domestic cats in England, including those that live entirely indoors.
What is the fine for not microchipping my cat?
Owners who fail to comply can face a fine of up to £500.
How much does it cost to microchip a cat near me?
At Moorsbarrow Hall Farm in Middlewich, Cheshire, microchipping costs just £10 per chip. You can book online.