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Petition to make microchipping compulsory for cats
“Most of the stray cats we take into our adoption centres do not have a microchip, so it’s incredibly difficult to trace an owner" - Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection.

Nearly eight out of 10 stray cats do not have a microchip

Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition calling on the government to make microchipping compulsory for cats, as it is for dogs.

The petition was launched in response to new figures that show nearly eight in 10 stray cats coming into the care of Cats Protection do not have a microchip. Jacqui Cuff, head of advocacy & relations at Cats Protection, said:


“Most of the stray cats we take into our adoption centres do not have a microchip, so it’s incredibly difficult to trace an owner. It means many cats, which may well have a loving family, have to be re-homed as we simply can’t trace their owner.

“Microchipping gives lost cats the best possible chance of being reunited with their owner. And in the sad event that a cat is injured or killed on the roads, the details on a microchip can ensure their owner is quickly informed.

She continued: “Microchipping is an essential part of responsible pet ownership and is already compulsory for dogs. It’s now time that cats receive the same level of protection by ensuring that all pet cats are microchipped.”

There are lots of stories about pets being reunited with their owners many years after they were lost. But perhaps some aren’t quite as extraordinary as the tale of Quincey, who had been missing for more than 12 years when he was finally reunited with his family.


Sadly Quincey’s owner died not long after he disappeared. But, thanks to details on his microchip, he was returned to her daughter Paula, in Braintree, Essex.


Paula said: “We honestly never thought we would see Quincey again and the whole family was overjoyed when we got a call to say he’d be found. Even after all these years, he’s still a much-loved family pet, and we were delighted to get him back.

“None of that would have been possible had he not been microchipped, and I’m firmly of the view that microchipping is a necessary part of owning a cat.”

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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.