Identification
Tattooing and microchipping are the forms of identification used in France, however tattooing will become illegal in 2011 and in 2012 will no longer be an officially recognised form of identification in France.
Both forms of identification give your cat a unique identity number in the central register. Be sure to notify the correct body if you have moved house with your cat, so that the details kept on file can be updated.
Why identify your cat?
By their nature, cats are independent. Without identification if they get lost, if they are hurt, finding their owners is difficult. Identification makes it easier to find them if they get lost or are stolen, and means they can be returned to their owner instead of being put in a pound or maybe even put down.
Types of identification
The cat can wear a collar marked with its owner’s telephone number. But this type of identification is not recommended because the collar can hurt the cat.
The tattoo is one type of identification in France. It gives your cat a unique identity, recorded in a central file. The tattoo consists of three letters and three numbers (e.g. CAT123). This i.d. is tattooed inside one ear while the animal is under a general anaesthetic.
Microchips
An electronic microchip can also be used to identify animals, including cats. The chip is simply injected under the skin. It needs a special scanner to read the identification number.
The law and identification
In France, under law n° 99-5 of January 6, 1999, identification is compulsory for cats in some situations. Examples include when changing ownership (whether or not money changes hands), when they are being moved by the breeder or seller, when staying in a camp site or holiday centre, and in contests and exhibitions. As an association, Les Amis Des Chats is obliged to identify each cat that it rehomes or treats under our trap-neuter-return programmes.
Identification is often compulsory
Identification is also compulsory in those departments where it is officially declared that rabies is present, and to go to Corsica or an overseas department. The electronic chip is compulsory for cats entering some countries; again Britain is an example.
Les Amis des Chats advises you to identify your cat. Why not have it identified at the same time (and under the same anaesthetic) as having it neutered or having its teeth cleaned? Your vet can advise you
