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Study examines impact of cat containment on welfare
 cat
Electronic containment systems have been shown to help keep cats safe from roads, but a new study will assess their welfare impacts.
New research will investigate the impact of electronic containment systems on the emotional state of cats

A study by the University of Lincoln will assess the welfare implications of using electronic containment systems on cats.

Researchers will set up a monitoring programme for cats who have been using the system for more than a year, to see how many warnings and corrections the cats receive.

"The tests we are going to perform are going to allow us to have a good picture about cats' behaviour, both with and without a containment system.

Dr Naima Kasbaoui, a researcher involved with the investigation, said:

"Modified collars will be used to monitor the cats' movements and the effect the system has on their roaming."Cat containment systems, which transmit an electric stimulus to the cat's collar when a cat crosses a boundary, have been shown to be effective in keeping them safe from roads and neighbouring gardens. This study will reveal whether the system is having any emotional or physical impact.

Three groups of volunteers will be required to take part in the study – a control group of cats free to wander outside their home without a containment system; a household that has been using a cat containment system for more than one year; and a household where a decision has been made to use a cat containment system, but it has not yet been introduced.

To be eligible, cats should be neutered and between one and 15 years of age. To find out more, contact Dr Kasbaoui by email.

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.