Cat owners in the south east were most likely to microchip their pet, according to survey findings.

Cats Protection urge owners to get their pets chipped

Nearly half the UK's cats are not microchipped, according to a survey carried out by Cats Protection and the Pet Food Manufacturers Association.

The Pet Population (microchipping) Survey 2015 found that 3.3 million of the UK's 7.4 million pet cats have not been microchipped.

In the south east, 69 per cent of cat owners microchipped their pets - the highest percentage in the UK. Scottish cat owners were found to be least likely to do so, however, with just 32 per cent having their cat microchipped.

With National Microchipping Month now upon us, Cats Protection is urging owners to get their pets chipped.

“The procedure is simple, relatively painless and essential to ensure the ongoing welfare of a family pet," said Karen Thompson, deputy manager at the charity’s national adoption centre. "The cost is minimal but the joy felt by an owner when their pet is found is priceless.”

Countless owners have been reunited with their lost pets by their microchip, the charity says, including a cat called Fred whose owners had to leave him behind when they move from Cornwall to France as he escaped prior to the move.

Fred's owners had however updated hs microchip with their new French phone number and Cats Protection reunited them four years later when Fred turned up at their Launceston and District branch. Fred is now enjoying a new life in France with his family.

“Fred’s happy ending was only possible because his owners had updated his details which many people forget to do,” Karen added.