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Feline charities launch preventative healthcare campaign
The CatCareforLife programme aims to help keep cats healthy and encourage trips to the vet.
CatCareforLife offers best practice guides for recommended health checks

A programme to help generate partnerships between vets and owners on preventative healthcare has been launched by the International Society of Feline Medicine and International Cat Care.

The CatCareforLife programme was launched at BSAVA Congress (5-8 April) to help keep cats healthy and encourage trips to the vet. Provided in partnership with IDEXX and Royal Canin, the programme will be promoted to both veterinary practices and owners.


‘Clearly with a substantially lower number of veterinary visits than dogs, cats represent a considerable opportunity to veterinary practice, as well as presenting a significant unmet health need,’ said an International Cat Care spokesperson. 'Experience with the Cat-Friendly Clinic programme has demonstrated that increased knowledge and understanding of cats pays real dividends in the clinic’.

The CatCareforLife programme encourages owners to understand cat life stages and offers best practice guides for recommended health checks. Set out in a clear and simple way, the information is based on independent studies and data developed by feline experts.

To promote the campaign, International Cat Care and ISFM have produced a practical guide to the CatCareforLife programme, which includes posters, charts and clinical sheets. This guide, together with owner resources and checklists for veterinary protocols, can be found at catcareforlife.org

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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.