Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th June 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Battersea seeing highest number of cats in five years
Smudge has been in Battersea's care for over 134 days.
The charity is calling for more feline adoptions.

Battersea is asking members of the public to consider adopting its rescue cats, as the number of cats needing its care reaches a five-year high.

In 2023 alone, the animal welfare charity directly cared for 2,450 cats across its three centres. These cats are also spending more time in Battersea’s care than previously.

Cats may be brought into Battersea’s rescue centres for many different reasons. These include owners experiencing a change in circumstances, and stray cats being brought into the centre without a microchip.

Battersea has also seen an increase in unwanted litters due to ‘kitten season’, which can span across the year. With ‘kitten season’ most frequently running from April until late autumn, the charity expects to see higher numbers of kittens and pregnant cats during the summer months.

Among Battersea’s current feline residents is four-year-old black cat Hopper, who has now been at the centre for over 150 days.

Another of Battersea’s long stay residents is thirteen-year-old Smudge. Smudge has been in Battersea’s care for over 134 days, and is currently living with his foster carer.

Smudge’s foster carer describes the older cat as ‘the perfect house guest’, who prefers the simpler things in life.

Bridie Williams, rehoming and welfare manager at Battersea, said: “Whilst there is no limit to the amount of time an animal can stay in our care, we urge prospective owners to get in touch and consider one of our wonderful rescue cats so that we can continue to support even more animals who need us.

“Whether you want to offer an older cat a quiet retirement home or are looking for a playful companion, we’d love to hear from you.”

To find out more about adopting a cat from Battersea, visit its website.

Images © Battersea

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.