The microchipping system came into practice 1999 and many people are still not familiar with how it works.

The microchip is a small chip the size of a grain of rice that is inserted under the skin on the back of the cat's neck. When you purchase a cat you fill in your contact details on a form and these details are then put into a state-wide database, called the Companion Animal Register, against your cat's microchip number.

For this reason it is always important that you put aside a copy of your cat's microchip form so that if your need to update your contact details all you need to do is phone your local council.

Microchipping costs from $30 to $70.

If your cat was born after 1 July 1999, microchipping is required by law. You also need to register your cat with your local council.

It is important that you keep a copy of your cat's microchip form in a safe place and if your contact details change, to let your local council know.