A Hampshire vet warns cat owners have less than three weeks to get pets microchipped or they will face fines.

Cedar Vets in Alresford and Alton have warned new laws that will be introduced on June 10 2024 will mean all cat owners will be legally required in England to microchip their cats before they reach 20 weeks of age.

Owners not complying with new laws could face up to £500 fine if they fail to get their cat microchipped.

Any owners who do not have a microchip will be given 21 days to have one implanted or they will be fined.

Figures from the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report revealed that only 54 per cent of cat owners are aware of the new laws and 2.4 million cats across the UK have been microchipped.

James Poff a vet from Cedar Vets, said:

“Every week we see cats that are lost or have been involved in accidents, and when they have a microchip, it makes it much easier to reunite them with their owners.

“Without a microchip, all too often cats end up in rehoming centres, which are often flooded with lost cats. Many of these were once beloved pets, but if they haven’t got a microchip, it can be difficult to find their owners, who are left wondering what happened to them. This legislation is therefore very good news for cats and it’s worth noting that the rules also apply to cats that live indoors. “

“These new laws for cats follow similar legislation that was introduced in 2016 requiring all dogs to be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks. It’s made a positive difference to the country’s dog population, so it’s brilliant that cats will soon enjoy the same level of protection soon.”