A guest article by Conor McManus, co-founder of MyPet Microchip Database, proud partners of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)
Last June marked a significant milestone in cat welfare across England with the implementation of mandatory cat microchipping legislation. As the exclusive microchip supplier for the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), we at MyPet have had a front-row seat to this transformative year and the positive impact it has had on cats, their owners, and the wider community.
The legislation, which came into effect on June 10, 2024, requires all domestic cats over 20 weeks old to be microchipped and registered on a defra compliant database. The microchips, about the size of a grain of rice, provide permanent identification that, unlike collars or tags, cannot fall off or be removed. Each microchip contains a unique 15-digit code linked to the owner’s contact details, making reunification possible when beloved pets go missing.
The Impact: By the Numbers
In the last year we’ve seen:
1. The number of cats being registered on our database double. For 7 months we were registering more cats than dogs. It’s now about 1 for 1.
2. The number of reunification cases for cats has risen by around 40% since June last year.
3. Cats being reported as deceased after an RTC has increased by around 20%. Although this can be sad, it means more families are getting closure.
These number show that we’re already seeing huge benefits of mandatory cat microchipping!
Beyond Compliance: A Cultural Shift
Beyond Compliance: A Cultural ShiftOver the years of working within a microchip database I’ve noticed a cultural shift. Microchipping is becoming the done thing. On our database we have thousands of other animals such as Rabbits, Ferrets, Turtles, Hamsters, Birds and others. Mandatory cat microchipping has sped up this shift, but more and more animals are being microchipped today as part of this cultural shift!
For me it’s also exciting to see the GCCF, a well-respected and well-known organisation put their weight behind the microchipping message, encouraging responsible cat ownership. This in my opinion does just as much as legislation.
It’s also worth remembering that over 90% of the people who responded to a government consultation approved of cat microchipping.
What’s next for cat microchipping?
As we reflect on this first year, we’re already looking to the future. The success of England’s program has sparked discussions about similar legislation across the rest of the UK. I expect in time Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will bring in similar legislation.
Be sure to stop by and say hello to Jeanie at any of her shows, starting from July – she will be eager to share her charm and cheekiness with you!
What’s next for GCCF and MyPet?
What’s next for GCCF and MyPet?At MyPet, we’re continuing to innovate, developing user-friendly database features that make it even easier for owners to keep their information current—the critical factor in successful reunifications.
Along with the GCCF we’re working together to make registering microchips easier, our aim is to reduce the administrative burden through integrations. Keep an ear out for what we do here in the future!
For those cat owners who haven’t yet microchipped their feline friends—whether your cat is a house cat who “never goes out” or an adventurous explorer—we urge you to take this simple step. Even indoor cats can escape, and a microchip provides the peace of mind that if the unthinkable happens, you’ve given your cat the best chance of finding their way back to you.
To learn more about microchipping or to check if your cat’s registration details are up to date, visit mypethq.io.
