Time to microchip that moggy - if you haven't done so already

From 10 June it will be a legal requirement for cats being kept as pets in the UK to be microchipped.

Drove Veterinary Hospital are in full support of this new law and are offering microchipping for cats at a reduced rate of £18 throughout May and June

Visit their website at www. drovevets.co.uk to find out more or speak to a member of their Client Care Team on 01793 522483.

Murfy’s Story

Cats are naturally independent and curious creatures, just two of many reasons why they are one of the most popular pets in the UK and in the world!

However, it’s these traits that can lead to their wandering off and becoming lost.

Luckily cats have an amazing ability to roam far and still find their way home, but sometimes this isn’t the case and vet practices across the country are seeing an increase in ‘strays’ being brought in year on year.

Murfy was just two years old and a much-loved family member when he embarked on what was to be a pretty epic adventure.

Murfy didn’t return home for his supper one evening which was unlike him, and despite calling local veterinary practices, putting up posters and placing ads in the local press, his owners had almost given up hope of ever finding him - until one day, 12 months later, they were contacted by the RSPCA who explained that he’d been brought in to them after being found begging for scraps from tables at a rural sports complex in the area.

Murfy’s owners never did find out how he managed to travel over eight miles away from the family home and end up on the opposite side of Avon Gorge!

What they do know, however, is how their reunion with him was possible.

When a ‘stray’ is brought in to a veterinary practice or branch of the RSPCA, scanning for a microchip is one first things to be done.

Luckily for Murfy, his owner had had him microchipped at 12 weeks old and kept her details up to date on the national microchipping database.

Within two hours of being handed in, he was back home with his family.