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The purr-fect remedy for 'Blue Monday'
Cat and human
Cats are not just great company - they can be good for you too!
A cat's purr can be good for you

Cats Protection have released recordings of cats purring to relieve the stress of 'Blue Monday' (January 19), said to be the most depressing day of the year.

Widely recognised as having therapeutic benefits for humans, the charity says that a cat's purr can help fight the inevitable January gloom brought on by cold weather, failed New Years' resolutions and overhanging debt from Christmas.

Furthermore, curling up with a feline friend is even known to lower blood pressure - possibly because the reassuring hum is generally associated with calmness and gentle communication, or perhaps it is because the frequency of the vibration is in the range that can stimulate healing.

The recommendation is supported by a survey which revealed that almost 90 per cent of cat owners felt that their cat had a positive impact on their wellbeing, whilst just over 75 per cent said that they could manage everyday life much better thanks to the company of their feline friends.

Fifty per cent of the cat owners surveyed felt that their cat's presence and companionship helped them most, followed by a third of respondents describing stroking a cat as 'helpful' and 'calming'.

You can listen to the relaxing sound of Phoenix, Buddy and Maddie purring at www.soundcloud.com/cats-protection

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.