Predation focus for new cat conference
For the first time, the annual Canine Science Forum at the University of Lincoln will be joined by a feline-focused event.
PhD student at the university, and co-organiser of the event, Prarom Sriphavatsarakom, said: "We will be introducing a parallel meeting devoted entirely to cats, the Feline Science Forum, partly because we have so much feline research going on at Lincoln.
"We hope this will be a unique research-focused event that will gather feline scientists from around the world. These events will consolidate Lincoln's position on the map as one of the world leading research centres for companion animal science and will help showcase our existing expertise in canine and feline science."
Topics covered will include the evolution of the cat - specifically biting performance - and the effects of domestic cat predation on wildlife.
The event this year will take place over five days, from July 18 to 24, 2014. The canine forum is set to include speakers on communication responses between dogs and humans, and the impacts dog ownership can have on human health and physical activity.
A presentation by Dr Hayley Christian, from the University of Western Australia, will look at the motivators and barriers to owners walking their dogs, giving direction for future research.
Both forums will be held during July next year at the Lincoln Performing Art Centre (LPAC) at the university's Brayford Campus.
Go to www.csf2014.com to register.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
