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Welfare of Cats Bill introduced in Parliament
kitten litter
"The health and welfare of cats and kittens can be put at risk when there is a commercial interest in breeding for sale."

Currently there is no legislation in the UK specific to the breeding of cats for sale

The first ever proposals for laws on commercial cat breeding and cat welfare have been introduced in Parliament.

The Welfare of Cats Bill was introduced as a Private Members Bill to the House of Lords yesterday by Lord Black of Brentwood.

Currently there is no legislation in the UK specific to the breeding of cats for sale, and if passed by Parliament, the Bill would improve the welfare of breeding cats and their kittens.

Proposals include:

  • Inspection and licensing of cat breeders
  • Banning licensed breeders from allowing cats to have kittens before they are a year old
  • Limiting the number of litters bred from a female cat to one a year, and no more than three in her lifetime
  • Ensuring kittens are well socialised and healthy before they are sold

The proposals to regulate breeding of cats for profit have been welcomed by Cats Protection.

Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection's advocacy manager, said the law governing the sale of pets dates back to the 1950s.

"New law is needed to protect cats from being bred and rebred for money as breeding machines," she said. "Repeated breeding is very draining and can be harmful for the mother cat. We know that the health and welfare of cats and kittens can be put at risk when there is a commercial interest in breeding for sale."

She continued: “We hope that regulation will deter those who, motivated by money, add yet more cats and kittens to an already saturated market. Breeding adds to the thousands of unwanted cats and kittens that are in the care of charities such as Cats Protection awaiting a loving home.”

To view the full Welfare of Cats Bill, visit http://services.parliament.uk/bills/?group=date&order=desc

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.