Martin Lewis issues £500 warning to cat owners in England and says 'urgent'

Martin Lewis has warned cat owners over an impending law change. The BBC Sounds podcast and ITV The Martin Lewis Money Show star spoke out on Money Saving Expert via the newsletter, warning cat owners over the imminent rule shake-up.

"As cat owners are warned about microchipping...," MSE warned. "First the urgent bit. From Monday 10 June, by law, in England (doesn't apply to rest of UK) all cats aged 20+ weeks must be microchipped and registered on a database (it became law for dogs in 2016). Yet over 20% aren't yet.

"It costs £10 to £30 at many vets or sometimes it's offered for free by animal rescues and councils. Once the law comes in, you'll have 21 days to sort if found to have an un-chipped cat, or face a fine of up to £500, but it can also affect your ability to make a claim for loss or theft on your pet insurance."

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Vet groups have said, yo comply with the new law, cat owners should schedule a 'Microchipping Appointment'. Contact your local veterinary clinic to arrange a microchipping procedure for your cat. If your cat is already microchipped, ensure that your contact details are up-to-date in the national database.

Familiarise yourself with the microchipping process. Although the procedure is minimally invasive, knowing what to expect can help you and your pet feel more comfortable, vets have also said ahead of the June 10 legislation taking effect.

Owners are also urged to "keep records". Once your cat is microchipped, keep a record of the microchip number and the database in which your contact information is registered. This information is crucial if your cat ever goes missing.

Knowing your cat is microchipped gives you peace of mind that should they go missing, there's a higher chance of being reunited.