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International Cat Day 2020 details released
"The secret to a Happy Cat is understadning eash cat's needs."
Veterinary professionals and specialists will explore 'what makes a happy cat?' 

International Cat Day is just around the corner, and this year the custodianship has been passed to the not-for-profit organisation, International Cat Care (iCatCare).

The day takes place on August 8 and will see charities, veterinary professionals, volunteers and specialists share their knowledge with cat lovers across the globe.

This year's theme is 'Making Happy Cats', and organisers are calling on cat aficionados to get involved with the #HappyCat movement.

Experts will discuss a range of topics on the day, including behaviour, health, mental wellbeing, COVID-19 and unowned cats. The programme also includes a talk by cat behaviour expert Dr Sarah Ellis on ‘Are you and your home cat friendly?' while Sam Taylor, veterinary specialist, will run through how to ‘Be a detective for your cat’s health’.

In a statement, iCatCare said: 'The secret to a Happy Cat is understanding each cat’s needs, both as an individual and a species. While some are ideally suited to living as pets, half the world’s cat population are not and these 300 million unowned cats lead a range of lifestyles, including those who will never accept human contact, no matter how much love and attention we might give them.

'And somewhere between the domestic and the feral is the growing phenomenon of the so-called ‘Inbetweener’ whose needs are currently the least understood.'

Further information about the day, together with the full programme of events, can be found here.

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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.