Some 4,517 cats helped by the Blue Cross were found to not be microchipped, in the last year.

Out of the 5,760 cats that were admitted into the charity’s rehoming centres and hospitals across the country, between May 2016 and May 2017, 78 per cent were not microchipped or had needed to be microchipped by Blue Cross.

Many of the cats brought in to Blue Cross are believed to be stray; although sometimes in a good, healthy condition meaning they’re likely to be a family pet who has gone for a wander.

Caroline Reay, clinical lead at Blue Cross, said: “Particularly in the summer months, with cats going out for longer and wandering further, there is a higher risk of straying and of accidents.

“This is why it’s so important to microchip your cat; even if the cat is an indoor cat as there is still risk of them escaping – in fact, indoor cats are more at risk of getting lost if they do escape. So please, be safe and chip your cats.”

Sometimes un-microchipped stray cats are pets who after a week of being kept a rehoming centre end up needing to be rehomed as there is no way of contacting the original owners.

Microchipping and keeping the chip details up-to-date gives owners the best chance of a being reunited with their missing feline friend.