In some states of Australia, microchips are now compulsory for all newly registered cats, so talk to your vet about your obligations as a cat owner.

Microchips are small, rice grain size chips that are painlessly inserted under the skin, designed to permanently identify your cat. They are like a barcode and can be scanned to help trace your cat back to you through a central registry. Even with a microchip, make sure your cat has a safe collar and tag on with your telephone number and your vet's number on at all times.

Your local council may also supply you with a registration tag when you register your cat. If so, make sure this tag is firmly attached to your cat's collar so it can be traced back to you should your curious cat wander too far from home.