Kevin Pratt, pet insurance expert at Forbes Advisor, supports the microchipping of cats but warns it is only a small part of responsible pet ownership, and isn’t a cure for all cat concerns.

He said: “The government’s new legislation means that cat owners will now be bound by the same laws that their canine counterparts have been since April 2016, and will need to get their pet microchipped by 10 June 2024 or risk a £500 fine. While microchipping bears a cost - typically £20 to £30 - it’s a small part of the overall cost of cat-ownership and in many cases - such as when rescuing a cat - it’s included in the adoption fee. 

“Even before it became mandatory, microchipping should always have been considered as a necessary cost of owning a cat, along with the price of food, bedding and other essentials, and insurance. Too many cats end up abandoned or surrendered to over-stretched rescue centres and animal charities because the cost of keeping a cat wasn’t properly weighed up. 

“Most cat owners undoubtedly bring a cat into their lives with the absolute best of intentions, but a cute kitten can make even the most rational person throw caution to the wind, so it’s not surprising that some owners feel like they have no option but to give up their pet when the bills start to mount. 

“By far one of the most significant costs of owning a cat is vets’ fees. Advancements in veterinary medicine and treatments mean that saving your cat’s life is far more likely now than it has been before, when a decision to euthanise would have been the only viable option. But this also means that costs are greater - in fact, the average cost for caring for a cat that’s been involved in a road traffic accident is almost £1,500, and even diagnosing and treating vomiting can cost almost £800.

“However, it’s possible to get a comprehensive pet insurance policy, with £2,000 worth of cover for under £5 a month. If faced with vets’ charges of £2,000, such a policy could cover £1,600 of the bill - allowing for a ‘co-payment’ of 20% - but without it, a cat owner would have to pay the whole amount themselves. 

“While microchipping can make it easier to reunite a lost pet with their family, insurance can in many cases also help expedite the process by paying towards advertising or offering a reward for information that results in the return of a lost or stolen pet. And if the worst happens, and you fail to recover your pet, many policies will also pay compensation. 

“We hope that the rest of the UK follows suit by introducing mandatory microchipping for cats, as it’s definitely a good thing for cats, their owners, and animal charities; but people also need to know that a chip won’t prevent their pet from getting lost or being stolen, and it won’t provide any financial protection should they be unable to find their pet or if their cat suffers an illness or injury that requires veterinary 

care.” 

For more information on cat microchipping, and what it means for cat owners, visit: https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/pet-insurance/microchipping/