Cat owners will be impacted by a new law that's been rolled out in 2024.
The legislation requires all domestic felines to be microchipped with their owner's up-to-date contact details.
From June 10, 2024, those who fail to meet this requirement before their moggy turns 20 weeks old may be penalised.
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Those who are caught not complying will face a £500 fine unless they microchip their furry friends within 21 days.
But it won't apply to free-roaming cats who live without human dependency.
According to MEN, microchipping involves the insertion of a tiny chip under the skin of a pet.
Each microchip, which is around the size of a grain of rice, contains a unique serial number that the owner needs to register on a database.
When the chip is scanned, their pet can then be identified easily.
It's hoped that the rule will make it easier for lost or cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.
And as there are more than nine million domestic felines in England, it's very likely to have positive effect.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “Cats and kittens are treasured members of the family, and it can be devastating for owners when they are lost or stolen. Legislating for compulsory microchipping of cats will give comfort to families by increasing the likelihood that lost or stray pets can be reunited with their owners.”
Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy, Campaigns & Government Relations, Madison Rogers, said: “Cats Protection is delighted that pet cats in England will be given the same protection as dogs when it comes to microchipping. The charity regularly reunites owners with their much-loved cats, and in most cases this is only possible thanks to microchips.
"No matter how far from home they are found, or how long they have been missing, if a cat has a microchip there is a good chance that a lost cat will be swiftly returned home.”
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