Law by nation → Keeping a cat that is not microchipped

Does my cat have to be microchipped?

England has required every cat over 20 weeks old to be microchipped and registered on a compliant database since 10 June 2024. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland require microchipping for dogs but not for cats.

Last reviewed 25 August 2026. It depends which nation you are in — all four are below.

This is a description of the law, not legal advice. Every row links to the primary source and carries the date it was last checked. Check the source before relying on it — general licences are reissued each January and commencement dates move.

The position in each nation

England

Banned, with exceptions
In force from
10 June 2024
Instrument
Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023, regulations 3 and 4

Regulation 3 requires the keeper of a cat older than 20 weeks to have it microchipped and the keeper's contact details recorded on a compliant database. The provisions relating to cats came into force on 10 June 2024. Regulation 4 disapplies the duty for as long as a veterinary surgeon certifies, on a form approved by the Secretary of State, that the cat should not be microchipped for reasons relating to its health. The same regulations carry the dog requirement and revoked the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015.

legislation.gov.uk · checked 25 August 2026

Wales

Not prohibited
In force from
not recorded
Instrument
no instrument recorded

Microchipping a cat is not required in Wales. Welsh Government guidance says that while "not currently compulsory in Wales, it is good practice for all responsible owners to get their cats microchipped". Dogs must be microchipped under the Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015.

GOV.WALES · checked 25 August 2026

Scotland

Not prohibited
In force from
not recorded
Instrument
no instrument recorded

Microchipping a cat is not required in Scotland. Dogs must be microchipped under the Microchipping of Dogs (Scotland) Regulations 2016. The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has recommended that Scottish Ministers introduce compulsory microchipping and registration of owned cats; no legislation following that recommendation has been identified.

Scottish Animal Welfare Commission · checked 25 August 2026

Northern Ireland

Not prohibited
In force from
not recorded
Instrument
no instrument recorded

Microchipping a cat is not required in Northern Ireland. Dogs must be microchipped before a dog licence can be issued, under the Dogs (Licensing and Identification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

nidirect · checked 25 August 2026

Sources

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See this practice in the comparison grid, or compare all practices across the four nations.