What is the new Cat Law in 2024? Is Microchipping Compulsory?
By law, all pet cats in England must be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks, except for unowned cats like feral and community cats. Indoor-only cats must be microchipped as well. As part of the new rules, you must keep your contact details up to date on a Defra-approved microchipping database.
According to the new law, all pet cats should have been microchipped by 10 June 2024. If you missed this deadline and didn’t take action to have your cat microchipped within the 21 days following it, you may face a fine of up to £500.
Small pets
You do not need to get written permission from us to keep the following pets:
- small caged animals (e.g. hamsters, gerbils )
- small tanked reptiles and fish (e.g. terrapins)
- small caged birds (e.g. budgerigars)
However, small pets must not cause any nuisance or damage or affect public health and safety in any way.
Cats and dogs
You must always get permission from us if you wish to keep a cat or dog as a pet. Please complete our application form. Note: we reserve the right to visit your home to assess whether it is suitable to keep a pet.
Problems caused by pets
Please report any noise problems caused by dogs to us on 0303 303 0003. Report any dangerous dog to the police by telephoning 101. If the dog is out of control, call 999.
Animal cruelty
If you are worried that an animal is mistreated, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.