VETS are advising cat owners in East Hampshire that they can reduce the chance of their pet getting lost simply by microchipping their feline friend.

Microchipping pet dogs recently became a legal requirement in the UK, but for cats there is no such law.

Last year, Cats Protection rehomed 44,000 cats, a number which could be dramatically reduced if all cats were microchipped, according to Vets4Pets.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “Sadly it is not unusual for cats to go missing or get lost as they are generally more independent pets that love roaming outside.

“Many cats enjoy spending hours or even days exploring their territory, but cars and other animals can easily spook them. The result could see them hiding or running away and ending up lost miles from home.

“Outdoor cats even like to find a warm place to shelter and sleep, like someone’s shed or garage, and end up getting accidentally locked in and trapped, sometimes for days.”

Many cats wear collars with tags with their owner’s details but, as they can easily break off, microchipping is the only permanent way lost cats can be reunited with their owners.

“Microchips are designed to last the cat’s lifetime, so are a permanent source of identification and will significantly improve the chances of cat being returned to their owners safe and sound should they become lost,” he added.