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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th November 2014
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What do we do about the "cat crisis"?
kittens
In Surrey alone, the RSPCA has rescued 384 cats so far this year.
Vets invited to an event hosted by Surrey vet school and the RSPCA

Surrey's new vet school has teamed up with the RSPCA to tackle the UK's overpopulation of cats. The school hopes its students will lead the way in changing attitudes to early neutering.

More than 120 veterinary practices in Surrey have been invited to a training evening on December 2 to discuss a solution to the problem.

A panel of experts will attend, including the RSPCA's chief vet James Yeates, Surrey's Gail Anderson and representatives from regional RSPCA inspectorates and Cats Protection centres.

James said: "The idea behind the evening is both to share with vets in the area the problems we are facing with the overpopulation of cats, and provide a forum for us to discuss the best ways of dealing with it".

In Surrey alone, the RSPCA has rescued 384 cats so far this year. This is up from 260 in the same period last year. Across England and Wales as a whole, the charity has rescued 30,205 cats compared to 27,840 in 2013.

James Yeates said he hopes the training evening will become "the launchpad for finding a solution in Surrey".

"Last year was horrendous in terms of the number of cats which were abandoned. They were left in boxes outside our shops, by rubbish bins, in woodland and all kinds of places - it was heartbreaking."

Recent research found that 85 per cent of litters are unplanned. The RSPCA believes this is because too few owners realise cats can get pregnant from four months of age.

Professor Anderson, head of veterinary education at Surrey vet school said: "By highlighting the advantages of early age neutering for cats we can address the problem of unwanted 'teen pregnancies' in cats that add so much to the problem.

"We want our vet students to be leaders in changing the attitude to early neutering so it becomes the norm for the profession".

The event will be held at the University of Surrey in Guildford. It costs £20 a head, including refreshments, and will count as CPD certification. Contact the university's Julia Gerhold on jgerhold@surrey.ac.uk for information about attending.

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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.