June is National Microchipping Month and leading UK welfare charity, Cats Protection, is promoting the campaign’s main messages of responsible pet ownership to encourage more cat owners to realise the benefits of microchipping their pet.

A small microchip is inserted under the cat’s skin between his shoulder blades. Microchipping offers cats a safe and permanent method of identification and increases the chances of a lost feline being safely reunited with its owner.

Every year, Cats Protection helps nearly 5,000 cats to find their way home. Cheeno and Whisky are two such fortunate felines:

Last year, adventure-loving Whisky decided to take a trip in a neighbour’s car – from his home in Folkstone to the next town of Hythe. But Whisky’s new found freedom was thwarted by a local resident who called Cats Protection’s Folkestone & Hythe Branch when the three-and-a-half year-old tabby kept popping in for the odd snack! The discovery that Whiskey had been microchipped made the search for his owner much easier, allowing him to be quickly and safely reunited with his delighted family .

Earlier this year, Cats Protection’s North Birmingham Branch was called to rescue a cat that had been living rough in a garden for quite a few months and was looking a bit worse for wear. When they arrived, the volunteers noticed the black-and-white male had a flea allergy and took him straight to the vet for treatment, where he was scanned for a microchip. It turned out the six-year-old feline, called Cheeno, had only lived in the next road and had gone missing soon after he was neutered & ‘chipped 18months ago!  The owner had given up hope of being reunited with Cheeno but was extremely happy to have him back.

“Cats Protection’s practice of scanning every cat that comes into its care, coupled with our lost and found registers and the useful information our staff and volunteers provide to those whose cat has gone missing, all help to improve the chances of a pet and owner being successfully reunited,” said Lisa Morrow, the charity’s Head of Veterinary Services.

Microchipping can only be fully effective if owners keep their pets’ registration details up-to-date. “We come across many cases where reuniting a microchipped cat is difficult, as the owner’s registered address is out of date,” explained Lisa. “Owners should check their certificate which will tell them how to update their details.”

Most Cats Protection Adoption Centres and Branches operate lost and found registers to assist those who are concerned about a stray or lost cat, or whose cat has disappeared. Staff and volunteers can also provide useful information on practical measures to take when a pet goes missing. Details of local Cats Protection Branches and Centres can be obtained from the charity’s Helpline. Tel: 08702 099 099 (office hours only), e-mail: helpline@cats.org.uk