Written answer by Ministry of National Development on percentage of cat population with microchips

Jul 4, 2023

Question No: 4768

Question by: Mr Leon Perera

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what is the current percentage of the cat population that is already microchipped; (b) what are the reasons why more cat owners do not microchip their cats; (c) whether there are plans to enforce mandatory microchipping and licensing of cats; and (d) if not, why not.

Answer:

Pet cats are currently not required to be microchipped or licensed.  As such, we do not have data on the current percentage of the cat population that is microchipped.

2        Based on NParks’ public survey on the cat management approach and its ongoing feedback management efforts, some owners may not microchip their cats for reasons such as lack of awareness of the benefits of microchipping, the misperception that it causes harm to animals, or costs.

3        As shared in our response to the Member’s Parliamentary Question on the mandatory microchipping of pet cats in March 2022, we are reviewing measures to strengthen the traceability of cats. NParks is consulting the public on the proposed approach to cat management, which includes the possible introduction of a licensing and microchipping scheme for pet cats.