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Cats Protection launches hands-free adoption service
Cats Protection has launched a new Hands-Free Homing service for potential pet owners during the coronavirus pandemic.
Scheme set to provide much-needed companionship during coronavirus pandemic.

Leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection has launched a new way for people to find their purr-fect companion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charity's new Hands-Free Homing service enables prospective owners to view photos, videos and full descriptions of each moggie so they can garner as much information as possible before proceeding with an adoption.

If a match is found, Cats Protection will arrange a virtual meeting to carry out the necessary checks, and the cat will be delivered to its new home with strict social distancing measures being observed.

The charity will then conduct follow up calls with each owner in the weeks following the adoption to ensure that both they and their new pet are happy, with additional support available through its website.

Cats Protection director of operations Mark Beazley said: “This is a fantastic scheme, which will not only help to us to find loving homes for the cats in our care but can also help provide much-needed companionship for people at this difficult time.

“We know from our own research that nine out of 10 owners say their cat has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing. And two thirds also said that their cat helps them calm down when working from home, which it looks like many of us will be continuing to do for some time to come.”

Claire Blekkenhorst from Surrey and her eleven-year-old son adopted seven-year-old black cat Wilfey from Cats Protection under the new scheme and say that couldn’t be happier.

Claire said: “We are so in love with Wilfey. He has bonded so specially with my son and follows him everywhere. They have become very firm friends and sleep together every night. For a seven-year-old cat, he is super playful and inquisitive. He has loads of toys but, to be honest, his favourite game is to chase his own tail!

“We are so very grateful to Cats Protection for matching us with Wilfey. We lost our first cat in January and I honestly couldn’t imagine another cat coming into our lives and being adored so much, but it turns out it is possible.”

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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.