What is microchipping?

Microchipping offers cats a safe and permanent method of identification and increases the chances of a lost feline being safely reunited with its owner. Microchipping is the most effective way of identifying a lost pet (chips don't come off or put the cat at risk of injury like collars can).

Each microchip has a unique number which is stored on a national database. A scan of the chip by an authorised body such as an animal warden reveals the owner's name and address from the database's records.Petlog is run and managed by the Kennel Club and handles the details of micro-chipped pets – currently over 3 million animals residing in the UK. The most common are dogs and cats, but there are also rabbits, ferrets, horses, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, even an elephant!

If your pet is lost while you are travelling in Europe, you can still be traced as Petlog is the UK member of the European Pet Network.

The microchip is slightly smaller than a grain of rice and is inserted under the cat's skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is very simple and is no more painful than an injection. A cat will not be aware of the microchip's presence once inserted.

Remember you should change your microchip details if you move house. You can expect to pay between £20 and £30 for the procedure, which can be performed by vets, local authorities and trained members of animal welfare groups.