THE RSPCA has warned pet owners that they will soon be breaking the law if their cats are not microchipped.

From June 10, it will be a legal requirement to microchip pet cats after they reach 20 weeks of age.

Owners will also be required to keep their contact details up-to-date on a pet microchipping database.

Owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to get one implanted or may face a fine of up to £500.

A spokesperson for the Bradford branch of the RSPCA said: "The countdown is truly on to get your cats microchipped and steer clear of those hefty fines.

"Microchipping is an absolutely essential component of being a responsible pet owner. This new law means that lost cats can be easily identified and reunited with their owners, rather than being handed to rehoming charities who are struggling with overflowing waiting lists.

"Microchipping dogs has been mandatory for many years, so to finally see the same law and protections being applied to cats is a huge step forward for feline welfare.

"We have seen countless stories of non-microchipped cats that have been hit by a car or strayed who never get reunited with their owner, as well as the happy stories where cats have been reunited with their owners by our dedicated RSPCA officers thanks to this tiny chip. We feel positive that - thanks to the change in the law - now we will see many more happy stories than sad ones.

"We are hopeful that alongside increasing the number of lost or injured cats reunited with their owners, the new law will help to tackle other common welfare issues for cats, including abandonments."

The spokesperson described microchipping as a "very easy and painless procedure".

"It involves a tiny microchip being quickly and simply inserted under the animal’s skin and this then gives the pet their own unique code," they explained.

"The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details which are kept on a database.

"If an owner moves house or changes their telephone number they must also make sure that they tell the database they are registered with so that they have up-to-date contact details. Telling your vet does not automatically update the details on the database but this is something you can do yourself online."

For more information, visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/microchipping