Cat microchipping: Everything you need to know
Microchipping your cat is one thing. Making sure it actually works is another. Pet Database is a DEFRA-compliant microchip database, one of 24 government-sanctioned services helping reunite lost pets with their owners quickly and safely.
Around 78% of UK cats are microchipped, meaning roughly 1 in 5 still aren’t
Up to 2.2 million cats in England remain unchipped despite legal requirements
115,000 cats go missing every year in England and never return home to their owners
Up to 70% of microchip records have missing or out-of-date details making owners harder to reach
How to get your cat microchipped
Getting your cat microchipped is quick and straightforward. Most cats are chipped at a veterinary practice, although some charities and rescue centres offer it too. The whole process only takes a few minutes, and once it’s done, your cat has a permanent form of identification.
Step 1
Visit a vet or clinic
Book an appointment at your local practice or charity.
Step 2
Microchip is implanted
A tiny chip is placed under your cat's skin in seconds.
Step 3
Chip is scanned
The chip is checked and your unique number is recorded.
Step 4
Register your details
Add your cat to our database. Updated details = safe pet.
The steps above show how it works from start to finish. Your cat is chipped, the number is checked, and you’re given the details you need. That part is simple. What matters just as much is what comes next, making sure your details are properly registered so your cat can be traced if they’re found.
Microchipping a cat in the UK usually costs between £10 and £30, depending on where you go. Some charities offer it free or at a reduced cost. Kittens can be microchipped from around 8 weeks old, but in England it must be done by 20 weeks old to meet legal requirements.
If you’re wondering whether it hurts, it’s very similar to a routine injection. Most cats react very little, and it’s over in seconds. After that, they can carry on as normal.
Already microchipped?
Make sure it leads back to you.
Your cat might already be microchipped. That doesn't always mean they can be traced. A microchip only works if your details are current and accessible. Update your pet's details for free, and help bring them home safe in the unfortunate event they get lost.
Why Pet Database?
Pay once, keep your details up to date for life. Keeping your information up to date shouldn't cost extra.
Works with any microchip, no hassle. Update your details instantly, no chasing your vet, no need to re-chip.
Extra protection when it matters. Smart Tags and safety alerts help you get notified faster if your cat is found.
More ways to get them home. Lost pet services to support with locating your cat quickly if it goes missing.
DEFRA-compliant database. One of the UK’s government-approved microchip databases.
We're more than a database
Discover tools to boost your marketing and fundraising efforts.
Why it matters (if your cat goes missing)
Cats disappear more easily than most owners expect. One open door, one unfamiliar route, and suddenly they’re gone. When that happens, what matters most is how quickly someone can identify them and contact you.
If your cat is found, they’re usually taken to a veterinary practice or rescue centre and scanned for a microchip. If the details are correct, you get a call. If they’re not, everything slows down. A microchip can turn a lost cat into a quick reunion, but only if your details are accurate and up to date. That’s the difference between getting a call the same day, or waiting much longer.
If your cat does go missing, you can report a lost or found pet share details, and increase the chances of your cat being recognised and returned safely. Because when your cat is found, you want to be the one they call.
FAQ
Microchipping a cat in the UK typically costs between £10 and £30. Some charities and rescue organisations offer it for free or at a reduced cost. Registering your details on a database may also be free, depending on the provider.
Kittens can be microchipped from around 8 weeks old. In England, it is a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped and registered by the time they are 20 weeks old.
Microchipping is similar to a routine injection. Most cats react very little. The procedure only takes a few seconds and does not require anaesthetic. Any discomfort is brief, and your cat can return to normal activities straight away.
Sometimes. A microchip is very small, about the size of a grain of rice, and is usually placed between the shoulder blades. In most cases, you won't notice it, although it can occasionally be felt under the skin.
A microchip is designed to last for the lifetime of your cat. It does not require a battery and does not wear out over time. Once implanted, it should remain functional for life, provided it can be detected by a scanner.
Yes. Even indoor cats can escape through open doors or windows. Microchipping ensures that if they are found and scanned, you can be contacted quickly. Without up-to-date details, however, the chip won't help someone reach you.
If your details are out of date, you may not be contacted if your cat is found. The chip itself may work perfectly, but without correct information, it won't lead back to you. Keeping your details current on a DEFRA-compliant database is what makes the microchip effective.
You'll need to transfer the microchip into your name. This usually involves contacting the database provider and updating the ownership details.
Microchips are designed to stay in place and rarely fail. In some cases, a chip may move slightly under the skin, but it can still be detected with a scanner. Removal is uncommon and usually only done for medical reasons.
You can check your cat's microchip by entering the number into a chip checker. This will show whether it's registered and which database holds the details. You can check here.
More cat microchipping resources
Learn more about cat microchipping with our collection of helpful resources, from how it works to what makes it effective.
Why keeping your details updated matters
Microchipping cats in the UK: what's required?
Why microchipping your cat is essential for their safety
Comparing cat microchips: what to look for in a provider
Common myths about cat microchipping
How to keep your cat's microchip information updated
Does microchipping hurt kittens? Here's the truth