Q's from a Beginner

Hi everyone, we are beginning to plot our move to the UK. We're planning to move in about a year or so. We plan on bringing our 2 Siamese kitties with us. I've been reading over some of the Defra requirements, and so far I only have 2 questions (I'm sure there will be more later!)

1) Our kitties were microchipped at least 3 years ago. They both actually have 2 microchips. The vet clinic we went to said they could insert a US std. chip and a UK std. chip. Does this pose a problem from the timeline standpoint, due to them being chipped 3 years ago? They were chipped in a different state and vet from where we live now. Do we need to try to find documentation/receipt from this vet? Is it ok that a different vet from the one we have now did the chipping?

2) This isn't quite related to Defra, but to something else I read. I read the other day that getting cats declawed is illegal in the UK. Is this true? Both of our cats are completely declawed (we adopted them that way), and we want to make sure this will not cause any problems. Will this be a problem to bring them with us?

Thanks!
~Jamie

No, it doesn't matter when they're chipped, as long as the chip survives in readable condition for the duration of the process. And I don't think the declawing would hurt their chances of getting in.

I found the Defra people very helpful by phone and email. If you're not certain of something, trying contacting them directly.

Re declawing, I'm not sure if it's illegal, but it's definitely frowned upon here.  BUT, I brought both of my front-paw declawed (done before they were mine) cats to the UK last November (2008) and it never came up at all.       

Also:  Oh man, I love siamese cats.  LOVE!

Declawing IS illegal in England (not sure about all of the UK).  But I dont think this will hurt the chances of the cats being allowed into the country. 
Just please please remember to not let declawed cats outdoors, no matter how popular it is in the UK to do so.

Oh no, they don't go outside AT ALL so no issues there. I'm glad to hear that the declaw issue isn't an issue at all.

Phinky we love our furbabies too, which is why we just can't leave 'em behind. They better like living in the UK since we'll be going through all this expense to get them there!