Cat owners could be required by law to microchip their pet, Michael Gove has suggested.
The Environment Secretary responded positively to calls from Conservative MP Rehman Chishti to give cats the "same treatment as dogs", with compulsory microchipping for dogs introduced in 2015.
Mr Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) has tabled the Cats Bill, which seeks to ensure "certain cats" are microchipped - although no further details of the breeds concerned are outlined as the text of the proposed legislation has yet to be published.
The Bill would also require drivers who injure or kill cats to stop and provide details or inform police.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Chishti said: "The Government has a fantastic track record on improving standards on animals.
"In 2015 the compulsory microchipping of dogs was brought in; however, there is an anomaly - there is no such provision for cats.
"The Secretary of State knows I have a Private Member's Bill on cats, which means cats get treated the same way as dogs.
"I'm grateful for meeting with him last week. Can he ensure the Government now does everything it can to take that forward so cats get the same treatment as dogs?"
Mr Gove replied: "It's a good Bill, I'm a cat owner, let's bring it on."
