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New report celebrates human-cat relationship
The report found that 2.6 million cats in the UK do not have a microchip.

Key findings will aid efforts to improve feline welfare.

Feline welfare charity Cats Protection has launched an extensive report into cats and their owners, highlighting the benefits cats bring to our lives and how we can better understand them.

Based on more than 10,000 interviews with cat lovers across the UK, the CATS (Cats And Their Stats) report provides a unique insight into our relationship with one of the nation’s favourite pets.

Key statistics from the report shows there are more than 10.2 million cats in the UK, one for every six people, and that cat ownership is highest among 28-54-year-olds, debunking the myth that the majority of cat owners are elderly. Of people aged between 18 and 34 that took part in the study, 62 per cent said their cats helped to ease feelings of loneliness and stress.

The report also found that a staggering 2.6 million cats do not have a microchip. Cats Protection’s CEO James Yeates said the findings will aid the charity’s campaigning efforts and calls for positive action on feline welfare.

“The report celebrates the special relationship we have with felines, highlighting how cats bring joy to our lives and how we can better understand and adjust to their complex needs and behaviours,” he said.“We now plan to publish a CATS report every year and use it across our rehoming, neutering, education and advocacy work so we can ultimately help many thousands of unwanted cats to find happy homes and live happy lives.”  

Other key findings from the report include:

  • obesity is a growing problem in cats, with 32 per cent of owners believing their cat to be overweight
  • one in four cats have sustained significant injuries, most likely caused by fights with other cats (11 per cent) or other animals (7 per cent)
  • an estimated 1.6m more cats could be rehomed if ALL landlords allowed pets.

The CATS report is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Cats Protection has produced one version of the report covering the UK, as well as regional versions for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.