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Cats mirror their owners' behaviour
Study shows cats are influenced by human behaviour

Cats adapt their eating, sleeping and activity patterns to match that of their owners, according to a new study. Featured in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, the study focused on two groups of cats, both receiving excellent care in terms of food, grooming and medical attention. Their owners all worked during the day, returning home in the evenings.

The first groups of cats lived in smaller houses and stayed closer to their owners, whereas the second group had larger homes where they were kept outside at night. In time it was found that the cats in the first group came to mirror their owners' eating, sleeping and activity patterns. The cats in the second group became nocturnal and their behaviour became similar to semi-dependent farm cats.

Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council said cats learn "the patterns of our actions, as evidenced by knowing where their food is kept and what time to expect to be fed, how to open the cupboard door that's been improperly closed and where feeding and toileting areas are."

Brunt adds that the influence owners have over their cats is important to ensuring they stay motivated and active. By taking the time to play with their cats, "felines are more motivated to stay active." Just as humans influence their cats, Brunt claims the reverse is also true, as we often adjust our schedules by getting up earlier and responding to the needs of pets.

The research, conducted by the University of Messina's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, indicates that cats can be influenced by negative human habits as well as positive. Author Giuseppe Piccione points out that cat and human obesity rates often match. Piccione and colleagues conclude:

"Our findings underline the high influence of human presence and care on the amount of activity and daily rhythm in cats."

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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. 

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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.