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: 9th December 2014
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

Cat café to open in Scotland
cat with teacups
A cat café opened in London earlier this year, prompting some animal welfare concerns.
Japanese-inspired café is the UK's second of its kind

Scotland's first ever "cat café" is set to open in 2015. Maison de Moggy will be styled on the popular Japanese cafés that allow customers to cuddle and play with their resident cats.

A similar café, Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium opened in London earlier this year, prompting concern among the veterinary profession about cat welfare.

Michael Day, the BSAVA's president at the time, said: "While some cats appear content living in groups and interacting with human strangers, other cats can be very stressed in these circumstances."

Maison de Moggy will open in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, in January 2015 for a limited time only. While locally produced tea and cake will be on offer, the focus will be on the cats, according to owner Laura O'Neill.

The café owner has hired a dedicated cat nanny to supervise interaction between cats and customers.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Ms O'Neill said: "I've sourced all the cats myself from kittens. I've reared them so I know their behaviours, and I know they all get on. I obviously wouldn't put them in a cat café if I thought they were going to be acting out."

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

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.